The scorpion is an arachnid known for its formidable claws and hook-like tail whose venom can kill.
Contrary to popular belief, however, only a few scorpion species are deadly to humans. In fact, several species can be kept as pets!
Whether you’re considering keeping your own scorpion or just curious about these creatures, you’ve probably already wondered: what do scorpions eat? Well, wonder no more, because in today’s article, we’ll be discussing exactly that!
Before we jump into the scorpion diet, however, let’s take a minute to learn more about these ferocious-looking critters!
All About Scorpions
Hardy and highly adaptable, scorpions have been around for millions of years. Today, almost 2000 species of these arthropods have spread across the world, from arid deserts to humid forests to chilly mountaintops. In fact, the only continent they don’t call home is Antarctica. Some of the regions where scorpions presently inhabit weren’t originally their natural habitats, though. Rather, they were accidentally introduced there by people.
Scorpions generally like burrowing under the soil, though they also feel comfortable hiding under rocks, in the trees, or near freshwater bodies. While their natural habitat influences what they consume, their diets don’t change much from one region to another.
With that in mind, let’s get into the key scorpion characteristics that help determine what this animal gobbles up.
They’re carnivores
As carnivores, scorpions feed primarily on small insects. However, these arachnids aren’t picky eaters and tend to diversify their menu depending on food availability. When prey is scarce, they can slow down their metabolism, allowing some species to survive having as few as one insect to devour per year.
They’re fearsome hunters
The scorpion’s hunting tools include its hairs, claws, and hooked stinger.
Though this arthropod is practically blind, it’s covered in minuscule hairs that allow it to sense when prey is close. It uses its powerful claws to grab said prey and hold it still, then stings it with its tail to immobilize and/or kill it. In cases where the victim is extremely tiny, those crushing claws are often enough to finish its prey off.
Most scorpions are passive predators in that they sit in one place waiting for prey to wander close enough for an ambush. Other species use different hunting strategies, such as running victims down or waiting outside dens and burrows.
They “drink” their victims
Because they’re also arachnids, scorpions are similar to spiders in that they convert their prey’s insides into a kind of goo that they then guzzle down.
Digestion starts outside the mouth in a “pre-oral cavity.” The gut supplies this cavity with digestive juices that partially digest prey before the scorpion sucks it into its mouth. Also in this cavity are structures known as setae; these filter the prey’s exoskeleton and other indigestible parts, which are then matted together in preparation for expulsion.
Their size affects what they eat
Scorpions range in size from a tiny 0.5 long to a monstrous 9 inches long. As you can imagine, a scorpion’s size influences how big its prey gets, with larger scorpions generally being more capable of hunting large prey.
The baby scorpion’s diet is wildly different from an adult’s
During their first couple of days of life, baby scorpions stay attached to their mother’s back. Here, they spend their time growing and getting nourished by the yolk sac on said mother’s back. At this stage, mothers tend to be extremely protective of their offspring.
It’s only when these babies complete their first molt that they start chowing down on what adult scorpions consider food. Some mother scorpions bring fresh kills to their newly molted young. However, if a mother is hungry enough and prey is scarce, she may consume her own offspring.
Now that we’ve gotten to know the scorpion a little better, it’s time to examine what it feeds on!
The Wild Scorpion’s Diet
Regardless of where a particular species lives, scorpions typically consume insects, though they also dine on other small invertebrates. And as previously mentioned, the larger the scorpion species, the bigger the prey it can hunt, with some capable of preying on large spiders like tarantulas and small rodents such as mice.
Below, we list the foods wild scorpions eat according to type of animal:
Insects
- Ants
- Crickets
- Beetles
- Earwigs
- Flies
- Grasshoppers
- Katydids
- Moths
- Roaches
- Termites
- Wasps
Arachnids
- Other scorpions
- Spiders (e.g. tarantulas)
Other invertebrates
- Centipedes
- Earthworms
- Mollusks
Reptiles
- Lizards
- Snakes
Mammals
- Small rodents (e.g. mice)
The Pet Scorpion’s Diet
Scorpions in captivity should be fed a diet that replicates that of those that live in the wild. With that said, you shouldn’t visit your pet’s natural habitat to search for insects, worms, and the like for it. It’s not a good idea to capture insects or other critters around your property for its benefit, either. This is because wild animals may carry diseases that can be transmitted to your pet, while those in urban areas may be contaminated with pesticides that can also harm your pet. Then there’s the possibility that some creatures will fight back, potentially injuring or even killing your scorpion.
For all the above reasons, you should purchase your scorpion’s food from reputable exotic pet stores and bait shops. Such establishments offer mealworms, crickets, moths, and other organisms your pet can ingest.
Unlike other exotic pets, scorpions don’t require a varied diet. This means you can keep feeding your pet the same food over and over again without it growing bored or suffering from malnutrition.
In general, it’s best to feed scorpions gut-loaded food. These are animals that have been fed nutrient-rich diets. Your pet then gets to absorb said nutrients when it consumes such prey – an excellent way to keep it in great health and guarantee it enjoys a long, happy life.
As for how to feed a pet scorpion, know that the process isn’t as dangerous or as complicated as it sounds. Just follow the quick guidelines below!
Let your scorpion hunt!
All you have to do is open your scorpion’s enclosure and toss a few prey animals in. Leave the rest up to your pet. Your pet will hunt these critters down, which means it gets to enjoy not only a delicious meal but also a good amount of exercise that can help it stay in excellent health.
Feed your scorpion at night!
As scorpions are typically nocturnal, they tend to hunt only once the sun has gone down. For this reason, you should offer prey animals to your pet at night, preferably before you go to bed.
If you provide your creepy friend with food during the day, there’s a good chance it’ll ignore it. Some insects may even end up injuring your pet, as many scorpions are sluggish when it’s daytime and thus less likely to defend themselves from harm.
How much your scorpion should eat depends on its size
How much food should you give your scorpion? That depends on the size of its species. A large scorpion consumes food such as a full-grown cricket a couple of times a week. A small scorpion doesn’t need to eat as often.
If you want to know how often your pet should feed, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian who specializes in exotic pet care. Many online resources also offer detailed information about various scorpion species’ feeding habits, so get ready to do some homework!
If your scorpion refuses to eat, something may be wrong
Does your scorpion refrain from eating? Does it eat less often than it should? Does it leave some of its prey untouched after mealtimes? These are all signs not all is right with your pet.
It’s possible your scorpion isn’t eating because it doesn’t feel comfortable in its enclosure. If this is the case, clean said enclosure or get it a new, better enclosure. Also, make sure you meet all its environmental requirements, such as the appropriate temperature and humidity for its species.
We also recommend seeking veterinary assistance. A lack or loss of appetite can mean your scorpion is ill, so having a vet treat any health problems can go a long way in restoring your pet to its usual voracious self. A vet can also give you good advice regarding how to improve your pet’s enclosure so that it feels comfortable enough to eat.
Conclusion
Scorpions are carnivorous predators that feed on a diverse array of small creatures, including insects, arachnids, and worms. They’re even known to devour rodents and other scorpion species!
The diets of wild scorpions and pet scorpions aren’t too different. Fortunately, you don’t have to go catching food for your pet as much of what these arthropods consume can be bought from exotic pet stores and bait shops.
To ensure the health of your scorpion, ensure you take the necessary steps to feed it properly. Therefore, let your ferocious friend hunt its food, and feed it only at night. Also, keep in mind that how much your pet ingests depends on its size. And if your pet refuses to eat, consider improving its environment and asking a veterinarian for help.