H. Spinifer post-molt questions

[GenXtra]

This is my 1st scorpion, had it for 3.5 weeks now & it molted this past Thursday night. I'm not sure what instar it would be, hence the photo of it next to a water bottle cap for scale if anyone can help with that determination I would appreciate it.

Am I correct in assuming that it is best to wait 4 or 5 days before feeding?

Also due to the winter temps, the average in the room is about 70-72F, is this sufficient for this species? I have been keeping the substrate moist & water topped off.

Since I got him he was pretty lethargic, refusing to eat, but now he's full of piss 'n vinegar patrolling his perimeter. Looking forward to seeing him hunt & grow.

 

[LeFanDesBugs]

You should definitely up the temps to the mid-80s.
Very nice scorpion. You should indeed wait for a week or so before attempting to feed your animal

 

[GenXtra]

You should definitely up the temps to the mid-80s.
Very nice scorpion. You should indeed wait for a week or so before attempting to feed your animal

Short of an incendiary grenade, I can't get it close to those temps. Already using a space heater to raise it to where its at now.
In one of the stickies, there's a link to a "scorpion hot box" which is what I assume a means to house in warmer temps, but it's a dead link.
Any suggestions, maybe from those in the colder regions?

I'll feed it a cricket Tuesday evening then.

 

[Scorpionluva]

Your scorp appears to be either 3i or 4i based on the pic.
You could try a heat mat on a side of its tank or a small infrared bulb to add extra heat for the little gal or guy.

As far as how long to wait to feed it again... some will eat in 4-5 days after a molt and some can take 2 weeks + before they're ready to eat again. Usually the colder they're kept - the longer it takes for them to be ready to eat after a molt.

 

[Venom1080]

You should definitely up the temps to the mid-80s.
Very nice scorpion. You should indeed wait for a week or so before attempting to feed your animal

Is that like the ideal temp than? What about mid 70s?

 

[LeFanDesBugs]

Well, honestly, anywhere from 23 celsius all the way up to 30 should be fine. I'm keeping mine at 29°c and they are doing well. The temperature difference should only have an effect on the animals' metabolism and activity.

 

[GenXtra]

Thanks guys for your input. I'm gonna have to try something with heat mat/tape within a bookcase. My T-slings will benefit as well and so will my pocket as cranking this damn space heater isn't too efficient.