Arachnid · Scorpion
Shiny burrowing scorpion care guide
Opistophthalmus glabrifrons
The shiny burrowing scorpion is a intermediate-level scorpion from Southern Africa. Adults reach Length 10–13 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Needs deep, packable substrate; it digs elaborate tunnels and is rarely seen in shallow setups.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 24–30°C
- Humidity 40–55%
How much does a shiny burrowing scorpion cost in Canada?
Shiny burrowing scorpion quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Length 10–13 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 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
- 24–30°C
- Humidity
- 40–55%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
- Bioactive style
- Desert invertebrate
Shiny burrowing 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.
- Soil and sand mix12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre8 cm
Keep it dry with one slightly moistened corner. Desert species are sensitive to stuffy, wet conditions. This species digs, so give it 20 cm (8 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 8 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 40–55%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a shiny burrowing 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 pincher with a mild sting; use tongs.
Health watch: Burrow collapse and dehydration are the main risks; keep the deep layer slightly moist so tunnels hold.
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 shiny burrowing scorpion bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Shiny burrowing scorpion FAQ
Is the shiny burrowing scorpion good for beginners?
The shiny burrowing scorpion is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Defensive pincher with a mild sting; use tongs.
What size enclosure does a shiny burrowing 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 shiny burrowing scorpion cost in Canada?
Typically $40–100 CAD to buy, about $150–260 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $40–90 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a shiny burrowing scorpion need?
Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 40–55%.
What does a shiny burrowing 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.