Do Scorpions Recognize Their Owners?

Many people keep scorpions as pets, even though they are not cuddly. One common question is whether a scorpion can learn to recognize its owner. Here is what we know.

Do scorpions recognize their owners? No, there is no evidence that scorpions recognize their owners. Scorpions do have a brain, but it is a small, simple one. They react to vibration, touch and movement rather than to a particular person. Many pet scorpions hide when someone approaches, though some species are calmer than others.

There are other things you will learn from this article. I will answer common questions about pet scorpions and list seven species people keep as pets. Now, if you are ready to learn more about pet scorpions, let us proceed!

Can Pet Scorpions Feel Affection?

There is no evidence that scorpions feel affection. They can sense and react to injury and threats, but they do not bond with people the way dogs or cats do.

Scorpions also live alone in the wild. They hunt, eat and shelter by themselves, so a single scorpion in its own enclosure does not need a companion.

Can Scorpions Be Tamed?

Scorpions cannot be tamed the way dogs or horses are. At most, some scorpions get used to their surroundings and react less when their enclosure is opened.

Different species have different temperaments. Some are calmer, while others are quick to pinch or sting.

Handling is stressful for scorpions and risky for you. If you must move a scorpion, use long tongs or guide it into a container instead of picking it up with your hands.

Never handle a species with strong venom. In the United States, the UC IPM guide to scorpions notes that most stings feel like a bee sting, but the bark scorpion's sting can be serious. If you are stung and have trouble breathing, swelling beyond the sting site, or other severe symptoms, get medical care right away.

Why Do People Keep Scorpions As Pets?

Lots of people around the world keep exotic pets, from pythons to tarantulas, and sometimes scorpions too.

Common reasons include curiosity, interest in unusual animals, and the fact that scorpions are quiet and take up little space. Some keepers also enjoy collecting different species.

Owners keep scorpions in a terrarium, which is a tank set up for land animals. The setup (substrate, humidity and temperature) depends on whether the species comes from a desert or a forest.

Why do people keep scorpions as pets? People keep scorpions because they are unusual, quiet, low-maintenance animals that are interesting to watch. They are display pets, not pets to handle.

If you want an exotic pet, check your local laws first. Some places restrict or ban certain species, and breaking those rules can lead to fines.

7 Scorpion Species That Can Be Pets

Scorpions can be interesting pets because they are quiet, clean, and low maintenance. The species below are commonly kept by hobbyists.

All scorpions are venomous, and anyone can have an allergic reaction to a sting. Even the milder species below should be treated with care.

Emperor Scorpion

For new owners, the emperor scorpion is the species most often recommended.

This scorpion is usually calm, and its sting is considered mild. It is more likely to pinch with its claws than to sting.

Tanzanian Red-Clawed Scorpion

The Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion is related to the emperor scorpion, but it is smaller.

It is more defensive than the emperor scorpion and stings more readily, so it is not the best choice for beginners. Its venom is considered mild.

Malaysian Black Scorpion

Malaysian black scorpions are large, dark forest scorpions.

They are more defensive than emperor scorpions and are not ideal for beginners. They tend to use their claws first, and their sting can cause local pain and swelling.

Javanese Jungle Scorpion

Javanese jungle scorpions come from Indonesia. They are defensive and quick to use their claws, and their venom is considered mild.

Some keepers house them in groups, but they can fight, so this takes experience and plenty of space.

Desert Hairy Scorpion

Desert hairy scorpions live in the southwestern USA. The Arizona hairy scorpion is the largest scorpion in North America. They are nervous and will sting if threatened.

They need a dry desert setup with sand or soil deep enough for burrowing. They are better for keepers with some experience.

Large Clawed Scorpion

Large clawed scorpions prefer to defend themselves with their powerful claws. Their sting is painful but considered mild.

They come from North Africa and the Middle East, where they live in deep burrows. Owners need a deep substrate with the right moisture so they can dig.

Asian Forest Scorpion

The Asian forest scorpion looks like the emperor scorpion but is slightly smaller.

It is more defensive and territorial than the emperor scorpion, so it suits keepers with some experience. It pinches and stings readily.

Final Verdict

Scorpions cannot recognize their owners. Each species has its own temperament: some are calm, while others are quick to pinch or sting. If you want a pet scorpion, choose a mild species like the emperor scorpion, treat it as a display pet, and avoid handling it.

Source: thesprucepets.com

Sources

• Scorpions Pest Notes, UC Statewide IPM Program