Tityus stigmurus Informative Paper

General:

Tityus stigmurus is a species of scorpion from Brazil that is golden/tan in color with a darker stripe along its mesosoma. Tityus stigmurus have a relatively fast growth rate and can mature in about one year. Upon reaching adulthood, Tityus stigmurus obtain a size of approximately 4.5-6cm.

Tityus stigmurus is a medically significant species and caution should be taken when caring for this scorpion.

Housing:

Tityus stigmurus is a communal species, so a large number of scorpions at various growth stages can be kept together with relatively little detriment to the colony. Although communal, as with any scorpion species, they will resort to cannibalism if not given a sufficient amount of food. Also, mothers may occasionally eat newly born young.

In addition to being a communal species, Tityus stigmurus is also a climbing species, so vertical hides should be provided. Many hobbyists use cork bark and lean it against the side of the enclosure or layer it to provide ample climbing space. Another possibility for vertical hides is artificial limbs made for reptiles or aquariums. In addition to these two varieties of hides, there are numerous alternatives.

While Tityus stigmurus love to climb, they are not burrowers, so the substrate only needs to be about 1.5-2 in. (3.8-5cm) deep. For substrate, cover the bottom of the enclosure in peat moss and moisten half of substrate. Moderately mist half of the substrate about once or twice per week. Tityus stigmurus do not require a water dish; they will be able to acquire enough moisture from their prey and the water that accumulates on the sides of the enclosure from periodic misting. The temperature should be maintained around 75-90°F (24-32°C).

Feeding:

Tityus stigmurus are fairly aggressive eaters and will accept a variety of prey, such as crickets and roaches. Blatta lateralis are a good feeder roach species to use because they will not burrow, making them easy for Tityus stigmurus to locate. Young Tityus stigmurus should be fed about twice a week, while adults only need to be fed about once a week.

Reproduction:

Tityus stigmurus with 2nd Instar Young Image

Tityus stigmurus are among the relatively few species of scorpions that is parthenogenetic, meaning that they have the ability to produce young without a male fertilizing the eggs. In fact, all of the known species in the hobby are female. They can give birth in as little as 3 months, but the average gestation period tends to be around 4-5 months. Depending on the temperature, the gestation period can take as long as 9-12 months. The warmer the temperature, within this species' desired range, the shorter the gestation period will be. The size of the brood can range from between 2 to about 16. The average brood size tends to be around 8.