Flat Rock Scorpion
The Flat Rock Scorpion is a striking species native to the rocky outcrops of southern Africa, instantly recognizable by its remarkably flattened body built for wedging into narrow crevices. At 14–20 cm in total length it's a fairly large scorpion, yet its slim profile and slow, deliberate movements give it a calm presence that's fascinating to watch. Its venom is mild, often compared to a bee sting, so it doesn't carry the intimidating reputation of some other species. Perhaps its most notable trait is longevity — individuals are known to live an impressive 20 to 25 years. Generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers, it makes a rewarding next step for those who already have some scorpion-keeping experience.
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Apply as a breederFlat Rock Scorpion key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- About 20-25 years
- Size
- 14-20 cm long, slender and flat
- Temperature
- 24〜30℃
- Humidity
- 40〜60%
- Diet
- Live insects such as crickets and roaches
- Habitat
- Stack flat rocks or slate to create tight crevices for hiding.
- Temp & Humidity
- Keep 24-30°C and 40-60% humidity, mostly dry with one damp corner.
- Feeding
- Metabolism is slow; feed sparingly, about once every 1-2 weeks.
- Caution
- Venom is mild and it is docile but very slow-growing; avoid crushing it in crevices.
About Flat Rock Scorpion
A flat-bodied scorpion native to southern Africa's rocky habitats. Its venom is mild, similar to a bee sting, and it's remarkably long-lived at 20–25 years. Grows to 14–20cm and is best suited to intermediate keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Flat Rock Scorpion
1Recreate rocky hiding spots
In the wild, this species wedges itself into narrow rock crevices for shelter. Recreating that in captivity with stacked flat stones or cork bark gives it somewhere to settle in comfortably. Because its body is so thin, it can squeeze into gaps narrower than you'd expect.
2Built for squeezing into cracks
At 14–20 cm long, it's a fairly large scorpion, but its body is unusually thin and flat. That shape is what lets it slip into tight rock crevices to avoid predators in the wild.
3Calm, slow-moving, and easy to watch
Movement tends to be slow and deliberate, and temperament is generally calm for the species. That said, as a scorpion it's best appreciated by observation rather than handling.
4Mild venom, but still handle with care
Its sting is mild, roughly comparable to a bee sting. Even so, it can cause localized pain or swelling, so anyone with allergy concerns should still handle it cautiously.
5A commitment lasting 20+ years
This species is known for exceptional longevity, typically living 20 to 25 years. Before bringing one home, it's worth thinking through whether you can maintain its care over that long a timeframe.
6Prefers a dry, arid setup
As a rock-dwelling species from an arid region, it does best with good airflow and a setup that avoids excess humidity. A small water dish kept topped up with fresh water is enough.
7Best kept alone
Despite its calm temperament, it shares the cannibalism risk common to many scorpion species. If keeping more than one, house them in separate enclosures rather than together.
Frequently asked questions about Flat Rock Scorpion
- Q.Is its venom dangerous to humans?
- A.Its venom is mild, generally compared to a bee sting. It can still cause some pain or swelling, so it's best to avoid handling it bare-handed and enjoy it mainly through observation.
- Q.Is this a good species for beginners?
- A.It's generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers rather than complete beginners. Having some prior scorpion-keeping experience makes care noticeably easier.
- Q.How big does it grow?
- A.Adults typically reach 14–20 cm in total length. Its body is notably slender and flattened compared to other scorpion species.
- Q.How long will I need to care for it?
- A.This species commonly lives 20 to 25 years, so it's a long-term commitment. It's worth confirming you can provide consistent care over that span before bringing one home.
- Q.Can it be housed with other scorpions?
- A.Solitary housing is recommended as a rule. Like many scorpion species, there's a risk of cannibalism, so multiple individuals should be kept in separate enclosures.
Learn more about Flat Rock Scorpion in the encyclopedia
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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