Dwarf wood scorpion (Liocheles australasiae)
Photo: Hectonichus / CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Arachnid · Scorpion

Dwarf wood scorpion care guide

Liocheles australasiae

Beginner

The dwarf wood scorpion is a beginner-level scorpion from SE Asia, Pacific islands, N Australia. Adults reach Length 3–4 cm and live 3–5 years in captivity. Parthenogenetic and communal; one female can found a small colony in a humid bark-and-litter setup.

  • Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
  • Temp 24–28°C
  • Humidity 70–80%

How much does a dwarf wood scorpion cost in Canada?

Animal$20–50Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$150–280Enclosure $30–60 · equipment $60–150 · bioactive supplies ≈ $60
Yearly upkeep$30–60Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$200–390All prices CAD, estimates

Dwarf wood scorpion quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
Length 3–4 cm
Lifespan
3–5 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
SE Asia, Pacific islands, N Australia
Minimum enclosure
30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
Housing
Up to 10 can share; add about 10% more floor space for each extra animal.
Temperature
24–28°C
Humidity
70–80%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
Bioactive style
Tropical invertebrate

Dwarf wood scorpion enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). Up to 10 can share; add about 10% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical invertebrate bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix6 cm

Keep the soil evenly moist and dig-friendly; a cork slab pressed onto the soil gives a ready-made scrape.

Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 70–80%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a dwarf wood scorpion eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 1–2 small crickets or roach nymphs weekly.

Handling, temperament & health

Harmless sting and very shy; easy to move with a cup.

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 dwarf wood scorpion bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).

Dwarf wood scorpion FAQ

Is the dwarf wood scorpion good for beginners?

Yes – the dwarf wood scorpion is a good choice for beginners. Harmless sting and very shy; easy to move with a cup.

What size enclosure does a dwarf wood scorpion need?

At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 10 can share; add about 10% more floor space for each extra animal.

How much does a dwarf wood scorpion cost in Canada?

Typically $20–50 CAD to buy, about $150–280 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $30–60 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a dwarf wood scorpion need?

Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 70–80%.

What does a dwarf wood scorpion eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 1–2 small crickets or roach nymphs weekly.

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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.