Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion in hiding?

[hansen]

This is my first scorpion and it made a burrow under the water dish soon after we got it. We have had it for a couple months. It has gotten colder so at night our house gets cool so we got a lamp that lays on top of the terrarium. A few days ago I noticed it had covered the entrance to the burrow with sand. I read somewhere that they will go into hiding and refuse food when they are getting ready to molt. How long do I wait? Do I do anything?

 

[Ferrachi]

Can you post a photo of your set up ? I would leave it alone...

 

[hansen]

Can you post a photo of your set up ? I would leave it alone...

 

[Lubed Tweezer]

Could be pre-molt, but this time of year some H arizonensis go to rest and become very inactive, a sort of mild hibernation mode.
The colder temperatures at night might have triggered it.
Its not a problem, just let it hide. It will probably come out in early spring.

 

[hansen]

Could be pre-molt, but this time of year some H arizonensis go to rest and become very inactive, a sort of mild hibernation mode.
The colder temperatures at night might have triggered it.
Its not a problem, just let it hide. It will probably come out in early spring.

I’m new to the whole scorpion thing. Thank you!

 

[Dr SkyTower]

it could be in a phase called diapause, where they block up their burrows and you won't see them for months. During this time they won't eat so don't worry about that, they can go without eating for months! During this time it may also molt (depending on age) so its a good idea not to dig it up. Giant desert hairy female scorpions can live up to 25-30 years! Like others have said on here, temperature may trigger this hibernation/diapause phase.

 

[darkness975]

This is my first scorpion and it made a burrow under the water dish soon after we got it. We have had it for a couple months. It has gotten colder so at night our house gets cool so we got a lamp that lays on top of the terrarium. A few days ago I noticed it had covered the entrance to the burrow with sand. I read somewhere that they will go into hiding and refuse food when they are getting ready to molt. How long do I wait? Do I do anything?

This is their diapause period in the wild. Mine disappear in mid to late November and reappear in late April / early May.

Make sure you keep the water dish full and leave them be. The day they are hungry enough to emerge from diapause they will dig themselves out and hunt.