Substrate/care for Dune Scorpion (Smeringurus Mesaensis)

[TaylorCV27]

what’s the best substrate for a Dune Scorpion? I read somewhere that a mixture of excavator clay, and desert sand was recommended. And would I need a small heat pad too? I feel bad that I got one without looking up these things beforehand. Mine is about an inch and a half or so maybe 2 inch. It’s on some tarantula substrate right now. And how big should the enclosure be?

 

[Outpost31Survivor]

what’s the best substrate for a Dune Scorpion? I read somewhere that a mixture of excavator clay, and desert sand was recommended. And would I need a small heat pad too? I feel bad that I got one without looking up these things beforehand. Mine is about an inch and a half or so maybe 2 inch. It’s on some tarantula substrate right now. And how big should the enclosure be?

Burrowing substrate consisting of clay and sand. 75F-85F temps should be fine.

 

[Joey Spijkers]

Yes, 70:30 sand:clay ratio. Temps as described above.

 

[Malwarewolf404]

Any recommendations on moisture? I know some southwest US species can be really sensitive to moisture (I keep losing baby Desert Hairies because the moosture gets too high), but are Dune scorpions any better? Would a water dish be recommended?

 

[gzophia]

Any recommendations on moisture? I know some southwest US species can be really sensitive to moisture (I keep losing baby Desert Hairies because the moosture gets too high), but are Dune scorpions any better? Would a water dish be recommended?

From what I have seen, S. mesaensis should be kept on absolutely bone dry substrate. Usage of water dishes for this species depends on the keeper; I don't think it is needed though.

 

[darkness975]

From what I have seen, S. mesaensis should be kept on absolutely bone dry substrate. Usage of water dishes for this species depends on the keeper; I don't think it is needed though.

I always use a water dish. I have seen them drink from them. Same with H. arizonensis.

 

[Joey Spijkers]

Bone dry substrate with a small water dish would be my recommendation

 

[gzophia]

I always use a water dish. I have seen them drink from them. Same with H. arizonensis.

Yeah, I was thinking of your care methods and that picture when I made my post! Thanks for the input.

 

[HOITrance]

And how big should the enclosure be?

You could use a small or medium kritter keeper with a few inches of the substrate others have mentioned.