This is a specific care sheet for Brown Bark Scorpions (Centruroides gracilis), for more in this genus see Category:Centruroides.
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C. gracilis has an exceptionally wide distribution and therefore is known by many aliases. However, within the pet-keeping world the most common names are the Brown Bark scorpion, the Slenderbrown scorpion and the Florida Bark scorpion.
| Scorpion Information (for a more detailed Scorpion care review see Scorpion Care Sheet | |
| Regions Found: | Tropical forests throughout the Americas and Africa |
| Class: | Terrestrial |
| Longevity: | 6 years |
| Adult Scorpion Size: | Males 2-5.5″, females 2.5-4″ |
| Temperament: | Defensive |
| Claws: | Strong pedipalps |
| Sting Potency: | Less potent than other ”Centruroides”, yet still very painful |
| Centruroides gracilis Housing Requirements | |
| Scorpion Housing: | Minimum 3 gallon tank with 2 inches of substrate for one specimen |
| Temperature range: | 28-32°C (82.5-90°F). |
| Humidity range: | 50-70% |
| Special Requirements: | Suitable in groups of upto 20 with adequate food and shelter |
| Centruroides gracilis Breeding | |
| Breeding Difficulty: | Easy |
| Birth Size: | 20-40 |
| Danger to Male: | Minimal |
| Centruroides gracilis Diet | |
| A scorpions diet should consist mainly of livefood insects such as crickets, locust, butter worms, meal worms, superworms, houseflies and cockroaches. | |
| Recommended Pet Supplies for Centruroides gracilis | |
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Habitat
Enclosure
This species should be housed in an enclosure with a minimum volume of 3 gallons with a secure locking roof.
Substrate
The Brown Bark scorpion should be provided with atleast 2 inches of substrate within its enclosure. Potting soil is a good choice for this species.
Temperature
Temperature for this species should be maintained at 28-32°C (82.5-90°F).
To achieve these conditions, a range of appliances are available. Specially designed heating pads for this purpose are available on the market and help to maintain consistent ambient air temperatures within the enclosure. Temperatures should be closely monitored and inspected at regular intervals, the most efficient way to do this is too have multiple thermometers located around the enclosure at different heights and locations. For example, having one at substrate level and then a further one at the highest point your scorpion has access too.
Humidity
To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your Brown Bark scorpion you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.
C. gracilis requires a humidty range of 50-70% to recreate the conditions of its natural, tropical habitat.
Feeding
In captivity they feed well on crickets, waxworms, and small mealworms.
Special
C. gracilis can be kept in small groups of upto 10 if sufficient food and space is provided. To reduce the risk of territorial disputes, you should provide enough places for each scorpion to have its own retreat or shelter.
Breeding
Female scorpions are often bulkier and have thinner pincers than the males. However, these differences are usually subtle. The pectines on the underside of scorpions can be inspected to give the you an idea of their scorpion’s gender. Place the scorpion in a clear plastic tub and hold it up to inspect the underside. Typically, males have longer combs on their pectines and females have shorter and often fewer combs on their pectines.
During courtship the male grasps the pincers of the female and begins a shaking action known as “juddering�?. Then, after a short shoving match, the male deposits a spermatophore onto the substrate and positions the female over the packet of sperm. The female lowers her abdomen and picks up the spermatophore into her genital opening. The two separate and often beat a hasty retreat in opposite directions. Females will usually give birth to approximately 12 scorplings.
Ailments
Scorpions are generally quite hardy and adaptable if they are provided with the correct environment. A few signs that may indicate that your pet is not acting or feeling normal are a loss of appetite, acting listless or sluggish, having an overly swollen stomach, and missing or deformed limbs. Another problem can be an infestation of mites.
Molting
One of the most common reasons for the death in scorpions is the moult. The scorpion has a tough outer covering, a cuticle, that forms a rigid exoskeleton. All scorpions must shed their old exoskeleton and secrete a new one in order to grow, this is called the moult. Scorpions will moult from 6 to 10 times during their lifetime. This moulting process takes a lot of energy and they are very vulnerable for a couple of days after the moult until their new skin hardens. For about 24 hours prior to moulting it is not unusual for a scorpion to get quite sluggish. A difficult moult can result in lost or deformed limbs, or death. This is thought to be related to humidity levels. There can be either too much humidity or too little, depending on the species. In captivity a lot of immature scorpions die during the moulting process.
Other problems
Though many scorpions can go for long periods of time without eating, overfeeding can cause an overly swollen stomach as well as the loss of appetite, and even death. The stomach can be slightly swollen from regular eating, and this is not a problem. Another problem can be an infestation of mites. Uneaten food can attract mites, which are very dangerous and stressful to scorpions. Be sure to remove old food.