Giant Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Giant Hairy Scorpion
Scientific Name	Hadrurus arizonensis
Origin	Southwestern USA (Arizona, California)
Adult Size	15–20 cm
Lifespan	7–10 years
Activity	Nocturnal predator

Behavior

• Large, robust, and generally docile but capable of a defensive sting.

• Nocturnal and burrowing; spends daytime hiding under substrate, rocks, or logs.

• Active hunter at night; primarily ground-dwelling.

• Fast-moving for its size; stress may trigger defensive posturing.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 40 liters for a single adult

• Substrate: 10–15 cm of dry sand-soil mix; allows burrowing

• Decor: Rocks, cork bark, logs, and hides

• Humidity: 40–60% (occasional light misting, avoid overwatering)

• Temperature:

  • Day: 25–30°C

  • Night: 20–24°C

• Lighting: Low light; avoid direct sunlight

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow to prevent mold

Compatibility

• Best housed singly; territorial and predatory.

• Avoid cohabiting with other scorpions or small invertebrates.

Diet

• Carnivorous; feeds on live prey:

  • Crickets

  • Roaches

  • Mealworms / superworms

• Feed juveniles 2–3× per week; adults 1–2× per week

• Provide shallow water dish or moist cotton

• Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours

Care Tips

• Avoid handling; large size and defensive sting can cause injury.

• Maintain proper temperature and low-moderate humidity.

• Provide secure burrows and hiding spaces.

• Spot-clean regularly; remove waste and mold.

• Ensure secure lid; excellent burrowers and escape-prone.

Breeding

• Ovoviviparous; females give live birth to 20–60 young.

• Gestation lasts 9–12 months depending on conditions.

• Juveniles ride on the female’s back until first molt (~2–3 weeks).

• Young require appropriately sized prey and slightly higher humidity.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥40 L, burrowable substrate, hides

• 🌡️ Temp: Day 25–30°C / Night 20–24°C

• 💧 Humidity: 40–60%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (live insects)

• 🕒 Activity: Nocturnal, burrowing predator

• ⚠️ Stress: Avoid handling; provide hides

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.