Flat rock scorpion (Hadogenes troglodytes)
Photo: Maans Booysen, Birding Weto / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Arachnid · Scorpion

Flat rock scorpion care guide

Hadogenes troglodytes

Intermediate

The flat rock scorpion is a intermediate-level scorpion from Southern Africa. Adults reach Length 15–20 cm and live 15–25 years in captivity. Needs stacked rock crevices. Keep alone.

  • Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 25–30°C
  • Humidity 40–60%

How much does a flat rock scorpion cost in Canada?

Animal$80–200Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$110–220Enclosure $40–80 · equipment $40–90 · bioactive supplies ≈ $40
Yearly upkeep$40–90Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$230–510All prices CAD, estimates

Flat rock scorpion quick facts

Skill level
Intermediate
Adult size
Length 15–20 cm
Lifespan
15–25 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Southern Africa
Minimum enclosure
45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
25–30°C
Humidity
40–60%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
Bioactive style
Desert invertebrate

Flat rock scorpion enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a desert invertebrate bioactive build.

  1. Soil and sand mix8 cm

Keep it dry with one slightly moistened corner. Desert species are sensitive to stuffy, wet conditions.

Temperature: 25–30°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a flat rock 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

Shy and very mild-venomed; it wedges into cracks and should not be pried out.

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 flat rock scorpion bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).

Flat rock scorpion FAQ

Is the flat rock scorpion good for beginners?

The flat rock scorpion is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy and very mild-venomed; it wedges into cracks and should not be pried out.

What size enclosure does a flat rock 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 flat rock scorpion cost in Canada?

Typically $80–200 CAD to buy, about $110–220 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $40–90 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a flat rock scorpion need?

Temperature: 25–30°C. Humidity: 40–60%.

What does a flat rock scorpion eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–3 appropriately sized insects every 7–10 days; remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.

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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.