Arachnid · Scorpion
Chinese scorpion care guide
Olivierus martensii
The chinese scorpion is a intermediate-level scorpion from China, Korea, Mongolia. Adults reach Length 5–6 cm and live 4–6 years in captivity. Formerly Mesobuthus martensii; tolerates cooler room temperatures and dry conditions.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 24–30°C
- Humidity 40–50%
How much does a chinese scorpion cost in Canada?
Chinese scorpion quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Length 5–6 cm
- Lifespan
- 4–6 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- China, Korea, Mongolia
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 7 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 24–30°C
- Humidity
- 40–50%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
- Bioactive style
- Desert invertebrate
Chinese scorpion enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a desert invertebrate bioactive build.
- Soil and sand mix8 cm
Keep it dry with one slightly moistened corner. Desert species are sensitive to stuffy, wet conditions.
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 40–50%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a chinese scorpion eat?
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–3 appropriately sized insects every 7–10 days; remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.
Handling, temperament & health
Defensive with a painful sting that can cause local numbness; use tools.
Health watch: Too much humidity and poor ventilation cause deaths; keep it dry with a tiny water dish or a lightly misted corner weekly.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Visual check.
Weekly
- Feed; remove leftovers.
- Moisten one corner lightly.
Monthly
- Check the soil hasn’t become damp throughout.
Yearly
- Refresh substrate if it smells or compacts.
Recommended for a chinese scorpion bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 30 cm).
Chinese scorpion FAQ
Is the chinese scorpion good for beginners?
The chinese scorpion is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Defensive with a painful sting that can cause local numbness; use tools.
What size enclosure does a chinese scorpion need?
At least 30 × 30 × 30 cm (about 12 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 7 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a chinese scorpion cost in Canada?
Typically $30–70 CAD to buy, about $110–210 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $40–80 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a chinese scorpion need?
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 40–50%.
What does a chinese scorpion eat?
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–3 appropriately sized insects every 7–10 days; remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.