How Often to Feed a Scorpion: Prey Size, Feeding Schedule, and Water Needs

Most adult pet scorpions eat less often than many new pet parents expect. A common starting point is one to three appropriately sized insects every 5 to 10 days for adults. Larger, heavier-bodied species may eat a bit more at one sitting and then go longer between meals, while smaller species may do better with fewer prey items offered a little more often.

Juvenile scorpions usually need more frequent feeding because they are growing. Many do well with small prey every 2 to 4 days. Tiny scorplings often need very small prey, such as pinhead crickets or freshly molted feeder insects, and close observation to make sure they can capture food safely.

Appetite can drop before a molt, during cooler periods, or after a recent large meal. That can be normal. A scorpion that is active, well-filled, and otherwise behaving normally may safely skip meals for a while, but a prolonged refusal to eat with weight loss, weakness, or a bad molt is a reason to contact your vet.

Prey size is one of the most important parts of safe feeding. In general, feeder insects should be no larger than the scorpion’s body length, and for juveniles they should often be much smaller. Oversized prey can be stressful, may injure a scorpion during capture, and is more likely to be left behind in the enclosure.

Good feeder options include crickets and roaches. Mealworms or superworms may be used in some cases, but they are not ideal as the only food source for many species. Variety can help support balanced nutrition over time. Feeder insects should be purchased from a reputable source rather than collected outdoors, since wild insects may carry pesticides or parasites.

If your scorpion is timid, newly moved, or close to molting, smaller prey is usually safer. Uneaten live prey should be removed promptly. This is especially important because vulnerable invertebrates can be injured by feeder insects when they are resting or molting.

Fresh water should be available at all times in a shallow, stable dish. Even arid species benefit from access to water. The dish should be easy to clean and shallow enough to reduce drowning risk for very small juveniles. Replace the water regularly and clean the bowl often to limit bacterial growth.

Humidity needs vary by species, so your vet can help you match the enclosure to your scorpion’s natural history. Desert species usually need a drier setup with a small water source and limited moisture, while tropical forest species often need higher ambient humidity and a more moisture-retentive hide. Water access and humidity both support hydration and healthy shedding.

If your scorpion looks shriveled, has repeated bad molts, or spends unusual amounts of time near the water dish, review enclosure conditions and speak with your vet. Hydration problems are often tied to husbandry, not feeding alone.

Do not leave live prey with a scorpion that is actively molting or appears close to a molt. Signs can include reduced appetite, increased hiding, sluggish movement, and a swollen or dull appearance. During this time, stress should be kept low and feeder insects should be removed.

It is also reasonable to pause feeding briefly after shipping, after a major enclosure change, or if temperatures are outside the species’ normal range. Scorpions often eat poorly when husbandry is off. Before assuming illness, check temperature, humidity, hiding spaces, and water availability.

If your scorpion has not eaten for several weeks but still looks well-conditioned, that may be normal for some adults. If the fasting is paired with weight loss, weakness, trouble walking, or a failed molt, contact your vet promptly.

Feed in the evening when many scorpions are naturally more active. Use feeding tongs if needed, but avoid excessive disturbance. Some scorpions prefer prey released near the entrance of a hide rather than directly in front of them.

Keep a simple feeding log with the date, prey type, number of insects offered, whether they were eaten, and any molt activity. This helps you notice patterns and gives your vet useful information if appetite changes.

For most pet parents, feeder insect costs are modest. A small supply of crickets or roaches often runs about $5 to $20 per purchase, depending on insect type, quantity, and local availability. Water dishes and basic feeding tools are usually low-cost supplies, but enclosure humidity and temperature control can add to the overall care budget.