Smeringurus mesaensis care questions

[CommanderBacon]

Hola, friends.

About 10 months ago, I received a Smeringurus mesaensis as a freebie from a vendor at a reptile show when I purchased 2 C darlingi. I hadn't kept a scorpion before, but I was intrigued, so I took it. It had previously been kept in a deli cup with sand and was likely wild caught.

After looking up some husbandry information, much of which was at odds with each other, I mixed some Reptisoil substrate with sand and purchased a log from an aquarium store for it to hide under. I also purchased some excavator clay and was considering rehousing into an enclosure with a mixture of that, but I've read that sand is also okay, so I haven't moved it from this setup:

I provide it with a water bowl, although I've never seen it drink, and offer it a prey item every other week, although I've never seen it eat other than the first time I fed it a small dubia. I also mist the enclosure once a month in case it wants a drink, although I have no idea if it needs that. I've basically been treating it like one of my Kukulcania but with less fake scrub.

It has been out more often now due to what I assume is the warm weather. I love it. It always seems so cheerfully hateful!


However, I feel as though I should/could be doing better for this creature, because "it hasn't died yet" isn't exactly a measurement of success I aspire to hold myself to. Is there anything I should be doing differently?

Thanks in advance.

 

[GordoOldman]

They are active hunters who are extremely adept in running on and dissapearing into loose sand (the moniker dune scorpion was earned well). Heat loving species.
It looks to be of fantastic body weight so don't stress not having seen it eat...
They tend to do best in enclosures with large footprints and good high temps.

 

[CommanderBacon]

They are active hunters who are extremely adept in running on and dissapearing into loose sand (the moniker dune scorpion was earned well). Heat loving species.
It looks to be of fantastic body weight so don't stress not having seen it eat...
They tend to do best in enclosures with large footprints and good high temps.

Thank you so much! So is this enclosure okay, size-wise, or should I look at getting something a bit larger? It is 7-1/2" x 11". The specimen is about 2", or maybe 2.5" with tail (not sure how scorpions are measured).

It sounds like I should increase the heat. What would be the best way to do this for this sp?

 

[GordoOldman]

That enclosure is adequate for a single individual (they are canabalistic machines, so when attempting breeding...bigger enclosures help). Heating options abound...I utilize heat cables and incandescent bulbs, also a thermostat so I can have units automatically come on and shut off. I recommend a daytime temp higher than that of the night time temps, I also make sure that my enclosures have a gradient from front to back...(not nessecary, but just how I prefer to do it).
There are tons of options out there through reptile/amphibian supply companies, plant supply stores and such.
You should be able to find something that works without breaking the bank to do so by spending some time scouring the internet.

 

[CommanderBacon]

That enclosure is adequate for a single individual (they are canabalistic machines, so when attempting breeding...bigger enclosures help). Heating options abound...I utilize heat cables and incandescent bulbs, also a thermostat so I can have units automatically come on and shut off. I recommend a daytime temp higher than that of the night time temps, I also make sure that my enclosures have a gradient from front to back...(not nessecary, but just how I prefer to do it).
There are tons of options out there through reptile/amphibian supply companies, plant supply stores and such.
You should be able to find something that works without breaking the bank to do so by spending some time scouring the internet.

Thanks! I have a spare heat mat, a timer, and a few lamps sitting around. I'll incorporate them into the setup.

I really appreciate your insight and advice!