Flinders Ranges Scorpion Care Guide: Keeping Australian Scorpions as Pets
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Thinking about keeping a pet scorpion? Learn how to care for a Flinders Ranges Scorpion, including enclosure setup, substrate depth, temperature, feeding, water, safety and licensing requirements.
Scorpions are becoming increasingly popular pets for people who want something unusual, fascinating and low-space compared to more traditional pets.
The Flinders Ranges Scorpion is one of Australia’s most impressive native scorpion species. With the right setup and care, these remarkable invertebrates can make interesting display animals for experienced and well-prepared keepers.
However, scorpions are not cuddly pets. They are best appreciated as “look, don’t touch” animals that need secure housing, careful feeding and respectful handling practices.
This guide covers the basics of caring for a Flinders Ranges Scorpion and what to consider before bringing one home.
What Is a Flinders Ranges Scorpion?
The Flinders Ranges Scorpion, also known by its scientific name Urodacus elongatus, is a large Australian scorpion species.
It is one of the better-known scorpions kept in the Australian invertebrate hobby and is admired for its size, shape and interesting behaviour.
Flinders Ranges Scorpions are burrowing scorpions, which means they spend much of their time hidden in burrows or under shelter rather than constantly out in the open.
They are generally kept for observation rather than handling.
Are Flinders Ranges Scorpions Good Pets?
Flinders Ranges Scorpions can be good pets for the right keeper.
They may suit people who:
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enjoy invertebrates
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want a low-space display animal
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understand venomous animals require caution
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are happy with a pet that is mainly for observation
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can provide correct housing and stable care
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are willing to check licensing rules before purchase
They are not ideal for people wanting a pet they can regularly handle.
Scorpions are not domesticated animals, and even calm individuals can sting if frightened, trapped or mishandled.
How Big Do Flinders Ranges Scorpions Get?
Flinders Ranges Scorpions are one of the larger scorpion species found in Australia.
Males may reach around 120 mm, while females are often slightly shorter and more robust in body shape.
Females usually have:
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a heavier body
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a shorter tail
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a more solid appearance
Males often appear:
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slimmer
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longer through the body and tail
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more elongated overall
With proper care, Flinders Ranges Scorpions may live for many years, often around 8–12 years.
Do You Need a Licence to Keep a Scorpion in Queensland?
In Queensland, native wildlife and some protected invertebrates may require the appropriate licence.
Scorpions in the genus Urodacus are not treated the same as many exempt invertebrates, so you should always check current Queensland wildlife licensing rules before purchasing or keeping one.
Never collect scorpions from the wild.
Always obtain animals from legal, reputable sources and make sure you understand your responsibilities as a keeper.
Flinders Ranges Scorpion Enclosure Setup
Flinders Ranges Scorpions are best kept alone.
A secure, well-ventilated terrarium is important because scorpions can be surprisingly good at finding gaps and escape points.
Your enclosure should include:
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secure lid
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good ventilation
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deep substrate
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hides or shelter
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shallow water dish
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room for burrowing
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stable temperature range
They do not need an enormous enclosure, but they do need a setup that allows natural behaviour.
For many keepers, a small to medium terrarium is suitable for a single adult scorpion.
Why Deep Substrate Matters
Substrate is one of the most important parts of a Flinders Ranges Scorpion enclosure.
Because they are burrowing scorpions, they need enough depth to dig and create secure retreats.
A substrate depth of around:
100–150 mm
is a good guide.
Suitable substrate mixes may include sand, soil or coco-based blends that can hold a burrow without becoming wet or boggy.
The substrate should be slightly moist enough that it does not completely dry out and collapse, but it should not be constantly damp.
Too much moisture can increase the risk of mould and fungal issues.
Do Scorpions Need Hides?
Yes.
Even with deep substrate, it is helpful to provide hides and cover.
Suitable hides may include:
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flat rocks
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cork bark
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artificial caves
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bark pieces
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partially buried hides
Hides help your scorpion feel secure and reduce stress.
A scorpion that feels safe is more likely to settle well and behave naturally.
What Temperature Do Flinders Ranges Scorpions Need?
Flinders Ranges Scorpions generally do well at moderate temperatures.
A suitable range is around:
20–25°C
If extra heat is required, a heat mat may be used carefully on one side or part of the enclosure only.
Avoid heating the entire enclosure.
Providing a temperature gradient allows your scorpion to move between warmer and cooler areas as needed.
If using heating equipment, always monitor temperatures closely.
Do Scorpions Need Humidity?
Flinders Ranges Scorpions come from semi-arid environments, so they do not need a constantly wet enclosure.
The substrate should not be allowed to become bone dry for long periods, but it should also not stay soaked.
Light misting may be used occasionally to prevent the substrate from drying out completely.
The goal is slightly dry to moderately moist conditions, not a tropical rainforest setup.
Good ventilation is important.
What Do Flinders Ranges Scorpions Eat?
Flinders Ranges Scorpions are carnivorous and usually eat live insects.
Common foods include:
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crickets
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woodies
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roaches
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small insects of appropriate size
Feed prey that is no larger than around one-third of the scorpion’s body size.
Avoid overfeeding.
Too many live insects left in the enclosure can stress or annoy your scorpion, especially during moulting.
Uneaten insects should be removed if they are not eaten within a reasonable time.
How Often Should You Feed a Pet Scorpion?
Scorpions do not need to eat every day.
A typical feeding routine may involve offering one or two appropriately sized insects at a time, then waiting until they are eaten before offering more.
Feeding frequency may vary depending on:
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age
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temperature
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activity level
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season
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moulting stage
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individual appetite
Some scorpions naturally fast for periods. This can be normal, especially before moulting.
Do Scorpions Need Water?
Yes.
Provide a very shallow water dish so your scorpion can drink safely.
To reduce drowning risk, use:
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a shallow dish
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small stones or gravel in the dish
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easy access in and out
Avoid deep water dishes.
Keep water clean and replace it regularly.
Can You Handle a Flinders Ranges Scorpion?
Handling is not recommended.
Scorpions can sting, and reactions may vary between people.
Even if a species is not considered highly dangerous, a sting can still be painful and stressful for both the person and the animal.
Handling also increases the risk of:
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falls
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injury to the scorpion
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escape
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stress
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defensive behaviour
If you need to move your scorpion, use a secure container and appropriate tools rather than your hands.
Scorpions are best enjoyed as display animals.
Common Beginner Scorpion Mistakes
Keeping More Than One Together
Flinders Ranges Scorpions should generally be housed alone.
Keeping scorpions together can lead to stress, fighting or cannibalism.
Substrate That Is Too Shallow
A shallow setup prevents natural burrowing behaviour.
Deep substrate helps your scorpion feel secure.
Making the Enclosure Too Wet
Overly damp substrate can contribute to mould and health problems.
Leaving Too Many Crickets Inside
Excess live food can stress your scorpion.
This is especially risky if your scorpion is moulting.
Handling Too Much
Scorpions are not handling pets.
Observation is safer for both the keeper and the animal.
Signs Your Scorpion May Be Stressed or Unwell
It can be difficult to tell when a scorpion is unwell, but warning signs may include:
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unusual lethargy
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difficulty moving
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failure to eat for extended periods
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mould or fungal growth in the enclosure
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damaged limbs
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difficulty moulting
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constant exposure with no hiding
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abnormal posture
If you are concerned, speak with an experienced invertebrate keeper, exotic pet specialist or veterinarian familiar with invertebrates.
Are Flinders Ranges Scorpions Right for You?
Flinders Ranges Scorpions can be fascinating pets for the right person.
They are best suited to keepers who:
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enjoy unusual pets
-
understand they are display animals
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can provide secure housing
-
are comfortable feeding live insects
-
respect venomous animals
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check legal requirements before purchase
They are not the right pet for regular handling or young children without close adult supervision.
Need Help Setting Up a Scorpion Terrarium?
At Aquabird Pet Centre, we are happy to help with terrarium setup, substrate, hides, heating, feeding supplies and general invertebrate care advice.
If you are thinking about keeping a Flinders Ranges Scorpion, visit us in-store or contact the Aquabird team so we can help you prepare the right setup before bringing your new scorpion home.
