Olive Lesser Thick-tailed Scorpion

Uroplectes olivaceus

ScorpionadvancedVenom: Moderate

Venom note

Not deadly, but stings readily and the venom causes severe burning pain for 24-48 hours followed by a lingering ache. Fast and defensive — strictly no handling.

About

A small, quick southern-African buthid that shelters under rocks and bark and, unlike the docile forest scorpions, is genuinely aggressive and stings readily. Keep it warm and fairly dry with flat hides to hide beneath and a small water dish. The venom isn't deadly but it hurts a lot — severe burning pain for a day or two, then a dull ache for a week. Its size, speed, and readiness to sting make it an advanced, hands-off species best housed alone.

Taxonomy

FamilyButhidae

GenusUroplectes

Native regionSouthern Africa

TypeScansorial

Temperamentaggressive; stings readily

Size & growth

Adult size~2 inches

Length40.00–60.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature77–90 °F

Humidity40–55%

Enclosure

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

Substratedry sand/soil with flat rocks and bark crevices to shelter under; small water dish

Substrate depth2 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizecrickets, roaches

Adult cadence1 prey every 1-2 weeks

Times kept: 0