Arachnid · Scorpion
Dictator scorpion care guide
Pandinus dictator
The dictator scorpion is a intermediate-level scorpion from Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea. Adults reach Length 18–22 cm and live 6–10 years in captivity. Very large forest scorpion; usually less tolerant of groups than the emperor.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 24–30°C
- Humidity 70–80%
How much does a dictator scorpion cost in Canada?
Dictator scorpion quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Length 18–22 cm
- Lifespan
- 6–10 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 24–30°C
- Humidity
- 70–80%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
- Bioactive style
- Tropical invertebrate
Dictator scorpion enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical invertebrate bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix15 cm
Keep the soil evenly moist and dig-friendly; a cork slab pressed onto the soil gives a ready-made scrape.
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 70–80%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a dictator 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
Usually calm with a mild sting, but its huge claws pinch hard; use tongs.
Health watch: Watch for dehydration, mites and mould; good ventilation and a shallow water dish prevent most problems.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Visual check.
Weekly
- Feed; remove leftovers.
- Mist one side and keep the water dish full.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
Yearly
- Refresh the top soil if it compacts.
Recommended for a dictator scorpion bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Dictator scorpion FAQ
Is the dictator scorpion good for beginners?
The dictator scorpion is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Usually calm with a mild sting, but its huge claws pinch hard; use tongs.
What size enclosure does a dictator scorpion need?
At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a dictator scorpion cost in Canada?
Typically $80–200 CAD to buy, about $180–330 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $50–100 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a dictator scorpion need?
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 70–80%.
What does a dictator 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.