Cuban Blue Scorpion

Rhopalurus junceus

ScorpionintermediateVenom: Mild

Venom note

Not dangerous to humans (no scorpionism reported in Cuba despite frequent stings); famed in venom/cancer research (Escozul).

About

A slender Cuban buthid, reddish with a blue-tinged tail — famous as the source of the 'blue scorpion venom' studied in cancer research, yet its sting is not dangerous to people. An active, territorial hunter that's readily cannibalistic, so keep one per enclosure with hides and a water dish at warm temps and moderate humidity. Notoriously difficult to breed in captivity.

Taxonomy

FamilyButhidae

GenusRhopalurus

Native regionCuba

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentactive hunter; territorial and cannibalistic — house alone

Size & growth

Adult size2.5-3.5 inches

Length60.00–90.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature77–86 °F

Humidity50–65%

Enclosure

Adult size10-20 gal; deep substrate or rock stacks per type

Substratesoil/coco with bark hides; lightly moist; water dish

Substrate depth2-3 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizecrickets, roaches

Adult cadence1 prey every 1-2 weeks

Times kept: 0