There are around 1400-1500 species of scorpions around the world. Although a number of species are dangerously poisonous, not all scorpions are, although they can give a painful sting. If you are considering keeping one as a pet, great care must be taken to ensure they do not escape and that they are not handled casually. If you handle a scorpion, grasp it firmly just in front of the sting with a pair of forceps, to avoid damaging it, fix small foam pads to the tips of the forceps. All contain a sting in their tail.

Scorpions can be kept in a plastic vivarium or a plastic container, secure lids are essential. Several species of forest scorpion are available and they need a substrate similar to that recommended for spiders, moist vermiculite, peat or bark chippings. Desert species require drier conditions and should be kept on sand or fine gravel.

All scorpions are nocturnal and need a place to hide during the day, a piece of cork bark laid flat on the substrate is the best means of providing this for all types of scorpion.

A heat pad controlled by a thermostat should be placed under the cage, the ideal temperature should be around 73-83F. Forest species require fairly humid conditions, so spray their cage lightly every day. Desert species obtain most of their water requirements through their food, but can be sprayed occasionally, provided their cage is well ventilated.

Scorpions feed off small insects, such as mealworms, crickets and locusts. This should be offered to them two to three times a week.

Many are cannibalistic, so always house scorpions separately.