Terrestrial invert.TerrestrialExpert
©AI Generated·Proprietary
Brazilian Scorpion
Tityus stigmurus
The Tityus stigmurus, the famous Brazilian Scorpion (or North-Eastern Yellow Scorpion). It is a beautiful South American Buthid (2-2.7 inches) with a golden-yellow color furrowed by an unmistakable dark longitudinal stripe along the back and a black triangle on the head. Shares with the African Hottentotta the formidable capacity of PARTHENOGENESIS: a single unfertilized female can originate enormous colonies of clones. Unlike desert scorpions, the Tityus demands a humid tropical terrarium and vertical cork furnishings (it is semi-arboreal). Its venom is a clinically severe neurotoxin that makes it an animal to be handled exclusively with long tweezers, not recommended for those who cannot manage demographic explosions of 'hot species'.
- Taxonomy
- Class:ArachnidaOrder:ScorpionesFamily:ButhidaeGenus:TityusSpecies:Tityus stigmurus
Share
Check out Brazilian Scorpion (Tityus stigmurus) on Atlarium
Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
70 - 80 %
Day temperature
25 - 30 °C
Night temperature
22 - 24 °C
UVB
None
Species description
Geographic Origin and Habitat: This recovery does not add geographic-origin or habitat assertions for Tityus stigmurus.
Taxonomy and Genetics: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy presents Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1876) at species rank, in class Arachnida, order Scorpiones, family Buthidae, and genus Tityus. This recovery does not add genetic information.
Behaviour and Habits: This recovery does not add behavioural or natural-history assertions beyond the source-backed taxonomic placement stated above.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery does not add morphology or sexual-dimorphism assertions beyond the source-backed taxonomic placement stated above.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Guidance about terrarium setup for Tityus stigmurus must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Lighting and Heating: Guidance about lighting and heating for Tityus stigmurus must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Humidity and Hydration: Guidance about humidity and hydration for Tityus stigmurus must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Feeding and Supplementation: Guidance about feeding and supplementation for Tityus stigmurus must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Compatibility and Coexistence: Guidance about compatibility and coexistence for Tityus stigmurus must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Health and Common Diseases: Guidance about health and common diseases for Tityus stigmurus must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species originates from: Sud America (Foreste atlantiche e aree urbane del Brasile nord-orientale).
Origin
Tropical oceans and reefsExtra-Amazon South AmericaAfrica and Madagascar
Terrestrial invertebrate profile
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Their diet consists of appropriately sized live insects, including small roaches, crickets, and other active invertebrates. Due to their fast metabolism, especially in juveniles, they require relatively frequent feeding. Prey should be offered during the evening when the scorpion is naturally active and hunting.
- Adult size
- 6 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 6 cm. The PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases — Tityus stigmurus source reports a maximum adult measurement of 6 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). The taxonomic record consulted is Tityus stigmurus. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- Arboreal
- This species displays a highly arboreal lifestyle, frequently found climbing on trees, bushes, and vertical surfaces in its natural Brazilian habitat. Their slender build and strong claws allow them to navigate complex, three-dimensional environments with ease. Captive enclosures must provide adequate vertical climbing opportunities.
- Activity cycle
- Nocturnal
- Tityus stigmurus exhibits strict nocturnal behavior, becoming active only under the cover of darkness. Throughout the day, they remain hidden in bark crevices, leaf litter, or natural cavities to avoid desiccation and diurnal predators. This nocturnal habit is crucial for their survival in their native habitat.
- Sociality
- Gregarious
- Unlike many scorpions, Tityus stigmurus can be successfully kept in communal setups if provided with ample space and abundant food. However, cannibalism is still a risk, particularly among individuals of disparate sizes or during molting phases, requiring close observation by the keeper.
- Reproduction
- This species is remarkably known for its ability to reproduce via parthenogenesis, where females produce offspring without male fertilization. The female gives birth to fully formed scorplings that ride on her back until they have absorbed their yolk sacs and completed their first molt.
- Venom level
- Highly venomous
- The venom of Tityus stigmurus is highly potent and medically significant, capable of causing severe pain, vomiting, sweating, and dangerous cardiovascular and respiratory complications in humans. It poses a significant risk to health, making this species suitable exclusively for highly experienced and responsible keepers.
- Handling tolerance
- Display only
- Physical handling is absolutely contraindicated for this species. They are defensive and possess a highly potent venom. If disturbed, they will not hesitate to strike repeatedly. All maintenance, feeding, and transfers must be conducted using appropriate tools like long forceps to ensure keeper safety.
- Brumation
- Not required
- As a tropical species from the warm regions of Brazil, Tityus stigmurus does not undergo a true brumation period. They require consistently warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. Exposing them to low temperatures can lead to significant stress, health complications, or even death.
- Molting
- Periodic
- Molting is a critical and sensitive process requiring elevated humidity to ensure the old exoskeleton is shed successfully. The scorpion will refuse food prior to the molt and hang upside down from a branch. Disturbing the scorpion during this time can cause fatal developmental deformities.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
