Fluorescent Scorpion

The Fluorescent Scorpion (Latin name: Buthacus arenicola) is native to the Middle Eastern desert region. It thrives at temperatures of 25 to 28 degrees Celsius and humidity levels of 60% to 80%. It feeds on crickets, spiders, small insects, and even the carcasses of animals or large insects.

Chinese Name: Fluorescent Scorpion

Latin Name: Buthacus arenicola

Origin: Middle Eastern desert region

Toxicity: Ranked ninth on the scorpion toxicity chart

The Fluorescent Scorpion is not only a pure desert species, but also a high-temperature species, as can be seen from its preferred habitat that Fluorescent Scorpions have very high temperature requirements for their living environment. Therefore, people who want to keep Fluorescent Scorpions at home must pay attention to not only preparing a larger container, but also ensuring continuous exposure to light in the container and providing artificial lighting if necessary, so that the temperature of the container can be maintained at around 35 degrees Celsius.

Due to its high ranking in the world scorpion toxicity ranking, and being recorded by scientists, the toxin released by Fluorescent Scorpions is lethal enough, so the risk factor of keeping them at home is very high. If someone wants to keep Fluorescent Scorpions, they must be aware that when adjusting anything in their living environment or when feeding them, they must use a pair of tweezers that are very long and have a strong grip.

It is recommended to keep Fluorescent Scorpions as pets for those who enjoy climbing. Safety should be taken into consideration when raising them. The Fluorescent Scorpion belongs to the scorpion family and has a very strong venom, ranking around ninth in terms of toxicity among all scorpions. They prefer a sandy environment and enjoy sun exposure, living in burrows in the sand throughout the year. Those who like to keep Fluorescent Scorpions should not only provide a simulated ecological environment at home, but also arrange a suitable hibernation environment for them at the appropriate time.

Black belly disease: The main symptoms are a black belly, abnormal feces, inactivity, and loss of appetite in scorpions. This disease usually occurs in winter or early spring, mainly due to low external temperatures and high humidity, resulting in excessive moisture in the scorpions' bodies. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of this disease by maintaining a higher temperature in the scorpion nest and reducing humidity.

Corpse disease: The main symptoms are a swollen and black belly, loss of appetite, inactivity, and eventually, the whole body rots, leading to massive death. This disease is mainly caused by spoiled feed or unclean water. It can be treated with antibacterial drugs such as loperamide and a small amount of yeast tablets. It is especially important to maintain environmental and dietary hygiene to prevent the occurrence of this disease.

Scabies disease: The main symptoms are extreme restlessness in scorpions and yellow granular mites lurking in the chest and abdomen, gradually tormenting the scorpions to death. This disease is mainly caused by excessive humidity in dry scorpion nests. To prevent this disease, disinfect the scorpion nest with a 1% bleach solution and a 3.5% potassium permanganate solution, or use a 4.5% formalin solution for disinfection.

Drying disease: The main symptoms are a yellow tail, flattened front abdomen, and the lack of luster in the whole body of scorpions. This disease is mainly caused by long-term water shortage in scorpions. As long as water supply is paid attention to and the humidity in the scorpion nest is kept moderate, this disease can be avoided.

Feeding Tips: It was mentioned earlier not to provide a water dish. The reason is simple, this species has strict water requirements. Absolutely no moisture should be present. If a water dish is provided, the water will evaporate and increase the humidity level, which can easily lead to fungal infection for this species. Therefore, a water dish should never be placed.

The method of providing water is to mist once a month. (Note: The amount of mist should be minimal. The less, the better. Do not directly spray mist onto the scorpion). PS: This information is from a reptile pet website in the UK. If food is regularly supplied and the abdomen appears very round, misting may not be necessary. This species obtains water solely from its food. When enough water is stored in the body, if the humidity in the environment is high, it can lead to fungal infection. Therefore, extra attention should be paid to humidity.

In addition, this species has a relatively strong venom and is considered lethal. It is recommended to have a pair of large forceps. Food residue should be promptly removed after each feeding to avoid affecting the scorpion's health. Also, the fluorescent scorpion has a very fast movement speed, second only to the running speed of cockroaches in my personal opinion.

Therefore, a smooth container should be used for housing to prevent escape.

Furthermore, the fluorescent scorpion is very timid and easily gets nervous, even slightly neurotic. Therefore, it is best to minimize disturbances.

Provide the fluorescent scorpion with 1 to 2 months of hibernation each year. The hibernation temperature should be around 15 degrees Celsius. (This information is from a scorpion care website in the UK).