Heterometrus silenus heating absolutely needed ?

[Yama777]

Hello,
I plan to buy my first scorpion.
I chose Heterometrus silenus (ex. petersii), which seems to be recommended for beginners.
I have read that this species requires a lot of humidity, but the information concerning the temperature is very diverse...
Can this species be kept at room temperature (20-22°C / 68-72°F), or does it absolutely require heating?
Thanks a lot in advance!

 

[CRX]

I keep mine around 71-72 degrees F, I don't know if this is optimal, but hes molted and he feeds just fine.

 

[Albireo Wulfbooper]

At room temperature they'll be less active, and eat less frequently than at higher temperatures. That said, plenty of very experienced keepers and breeders keep their H. silenus at room temperature with no problems. As I understand it, females do require higher temperatures while gravid, but otherwise you'll be okay keeping them at this temperature range.

Of course if you want to see them being more active, higher temperatures will get you that. My apartment ranges from 18ºC to 35ºC throughout the year (yeah, it sucks) and I definitely notice a significant difference in activity level in my H. silenus starting in the ballpark of about 24ºC. I only use supplemental heating on the rare occasions that it drops below about 21° for a couple of days.

 

[Albireo Wulfbooper]

Addendum:
There is a good summary of best practises regarding keeping Heterometrus scorpions here: https://arachnoboards.com/threads/a...ginner-questions-tips-things-to-avoid.350273/

If you read that and still have questions, please ask us, we’re always happy to help new keepers take good care of their animals! We also encourage posting photos of your enclosure setup so that we can flag any potential issues before they become a problem for your pet.

 

[Dry Desert]

Hello,
I plan to buy my first scorpion.
I chose Heterometrus silenus (ex. petersii), which seems to be recommended for beginners.
I have read that this species requires a lot of humidity, but the information concerning the temperature is very diverse...
Can this species be kept at room temperature (20-22°C / 68-72°F), or does it absolutely require heating?
Thanks a lot in advance!

Your choice of Scorpion is a Tropical Forest Scorpion.

The secret is in the word Tropical, 22 C is not tropical, it's normal room temperature.

You need a Minimum of 26/28 C.

Lower temperatures it will survive, but not thrive.

20/22 C would be similar to you living at 12/14 C, you could survive quite well, although you would be a lot happier at 20 C.

 

[Joey Spijkers]

I agree with dry desert. In their natural habitat, they don’t experience such temperatures for long periods at a time. It’s fine for night temperatures, but during the daytime, it should be warmer.

 

[Albireo Wulfbooper]

Without trying to start an argument, I’ll just note that the acceptable temperature range for this group is hotly debated on this forum, with a contingent of keepers who use air temperatures from Heterometrus species’ native regions, and another contingent who use typical soil temperatures in those same regions to determine appropriate temperature ranges, since they primarily live in burrows in the soil.

Since there is no statistical data on the health of these animals in either temperature range, there is no scientifically determined “ideal temperature”. You’ll have to make up your own mind.

What is absolutely not under debate is that the lower temperature range will reduce metabolic rates and thus reduce both activity and appetite.

 

[Yama777]

Thank you all for your very interesting answers
I'm going to use a small heat mat on the side of the terrarium opposite the hide then!
Here is the terrarium picture I prepared for an individual not adult yet :

If you have any comments, I'm interested!
Thanks in advance for your help

 

[CRX]

Thank you all for your very interesting answers
I'm going to use a small heat mat on the side of the terrarium opposite the hide then!
Here is the terrarium picture I prepared for an individual not adult yet :
View attachment 412990
If you have any comments, I'm interested!
Thanks in advance for your help

That looks good, but I would add some more water to the substrate. NOT a ton just some.

 

[Yama777]

I added a heat mat on the side of the tank! This created a temperature gradient from 24°C to 28°C

That looks good, but I would add some more water to the substrate. NOT a ton just some.

I will ! Thank you

 

[Albireo Wulfbooper]

I added a heat mat on the side of the tank! This created a temperature gradient from 24°C to 28°C

Good choice. A gradient allows the animal to choose its own temperature at any given moment.

Agree with adding a bit more water. Otherwise looks like a solid setup.