This is a specific care sheet for Chinese Swimming Scorpions (Lychas mucronatus), for more in this genus see Category:Lychas.
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L. mucronatus is most commonly known as the Chinese Swimming Scorpion.
| Scorpion Information (for a more detailed Scorpion care review see Scorpion Care Sheet | |
| Regions Found: | China |
| Class: | Arboreal but sometimes light burrowers |
| Longevity: | unknown |
| Adult Scorpion Size: | 2-2.5 inches |
| Temperament: | Will respond aggressively to any perceived threat |
| Claws: | Strong pedipalps |
| Sting Potency: | None lethal yet strong venom |
| Lychas mucronatus Housing Requirements | |
| Scorpion Housing: | Minimum 2 gallon tank with 2-3 inches of substrate for one specimen |
| Temperature range: | 24-29°C (75-85°F) |
| Humidity range: | 75-80% |
| Special Requirements: | Suitable in groups, can co-habitate with M. martensii |
| Lychas mucronatus Breeding | |
| Breeding Difficulty: | Easy |
| Birth Size: | approx. 20 |
| Danger to Male: | Minimal |
| Lychas mucronatus 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 Lychas mucronatus | |
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Habitat
Temperature
The temperature requirements for the Chinese Swimming Scorpion are 24-29°C (75-85°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
They should be kept in a humidity environment of between 75-80%, and they will drink from a wide, shallow water dish.
To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your scorpion you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.
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.