Our planet is inhabited by various creatures. Man has always been a scorpion especially, experiencing both fears and a peculiar delight. Since ancient times, this animal has been deservedly considered a dangerous adversary, which is better not to mess with. This is not surprising, because some species of scorpions are deadly poisonous even to those who are many times larger than their size. What can we say about the little things?
Today, scorpions have not lost their formidable fame, but among lovers of wildlife there are many who treat these stern predators with tenderness and love. Our article will tell you about what scorpions eat, and will certainly come in handy for those who decide to get such an unusual exotic pet. It will be interesting to those who decided to learn something new about this desert inhabitant.
Scorpion in nature
Everyone knows that many species of scorpions live in the desert. The diet of its inhabitants at first glance may seem meager. However, the scorpion is not at all alone, and there are plenty of neighbors suitable for food in its natural habitat.
So what does a scorpion eat in the desert? The basis of his diet is insects: bugs, locusts, grasshoppers, crickets. The predator goes hunting in the dark. He approaches the prey slowly and silently, and then makes a lightning throw. Capturing the victim's body with powerful claws, the scorpion is able to crush chitin with them, but if necessary, it also uses a deadly sting. It is necessary for him not only for attack, but also for defense, so sometimes people suffer from the bite of this arachnid.
Rodents, lizards and even small birds can also interest the scorpion. He does not get to enjoy such a delicacy very often, but he will not miss the chance.
Food frequency
It is important not only what scorpions eat, but also how often they do it. Do not think that this beast is gluttonous! Scorpio eats no more than a couple of times a week. And if necessary, can eat even less often.
If you know what scorpions eat in nature, this will help to draw up the diet of a pet contained in a terrarium. But do not forget about the frequency of feeding. You can not overfeed the scorpion, but you should not starve it. Feed him once every 3-4 days.
Scorpion diet in the terrarium
When choosing a menu, give preference to those foods that scorpions eat in a natural environment. In many pet stores you can easily find feed cockroaches, mice, crickets. In summer, you can treat the scorpion with insects caught personally in the meadow or in the forest.
This animal does not need vegetables, in any case, most scorpions show no interest in them.
It is known what scorpions eat in nature, so at home you should make a menu so that insects are its basis.
Drinking mode
It is not easy to find water in the arid desert, but the scorpion needs it. This animal is not averse to taking a walk in the rain, so in the terrarium it needs not only a container of water, but also a regular shower (from the spray bottle). Understanding the question of what scorpions eat, do not forget about drinking. This arthropod does not need any other liquids like juice or milk, limit yourself to clean water.
Children's menu
In the first few days after birth, scorpions do not eat at all. Babies, not yet coated with chitin, are sitting on the back of their mother, huddled against her and to each other. As soon as they acquire their own durable shells, they will leave their mother and go in search of food. Scorpions prefer not to engage in a battle with larger and even proportionate opponents.
In the question of what scorpions eat, this moment is very important. For example, cricket is easy prey, but it will never occur to a young scorpion to fight a mantis. Do not injure the psyche of the pet, offering him too large insects or rodents. Young growth is better to feed with larvae.
Some interesting nutritional information
The poison of most scorpions is dangerous for small animals and insects, but only a certain discomfort will cause a person. However, some species are able to smite with a special substance that paralyzes the work of the nervous and cardiovascular system. Going to the regions where scorpions live, remember this, carefully inspect shoes and clothes, take care of the antidote in advance. But do not forget that the scorpion does not consider a person as food, because he himself will not attack.
Scorpio prefers live prey, but in times of food shortage it can be seduced by carrion. The science even knows cases of cannibalism, when scorpions feasted on weaker counterparts.
If you plan to get yourself such an unusual pet, in no case give him more food than he can eat at a time. Surprisingly, a couple of surviving flies flying across the terrarium can lead to the depression of this formidable predator. He will be anxious and nervous.
Professional breeders believe that regular overfeeding shortens the life of an arthropod. But with an attentive and caring owner who has chosen the right diet, this amazing creature will live for more than one year.