Hadogenes troglodytes

About Hadogenes troglodytes

The flat rock scorpion is one of the longest scorpions in the world — adults can reach 20 cm from pincers to tail tip, though much of that length is in the remarkably long, thin tail. Its body is dramatically flattened, an adaptation for squeezing into narrow crevices in the rocky outcrops (kopjes) of southern Africa where it lives.

This is an arachnid (Order Scorpiones), not an insect. Like all scorpions it is venomous, but H. troglodytes has extremely mild venom — among the weakest of any scorpion. It has large, strong pincers and a thin, weak tail, following the general rule that scorpions with powerful pincers rely on crushing rather than stinging. It is considered one of the most docile pet scorpion species.

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this species is its lifespan: 25–30 years in captivity, making it one of the longest-lived scorpions known. This is a genuine long-term commitment.

Enclosure — different from forest scorpions

This species requires a fundamentally different setup from tropical forest scorpions like Pandinus or Heterometrus. Flat rock scorpions are obligate rock-dwellers, not burrowers. Deep damp substrate is inappropriate.

• Stack flat rocks or slate pieces to create narrow crevices (5–10 mm gaps). The scorpion must be able to wedge itself tightly between surfaces — this is how it feels secure
• Silicone the rock stack together or ensure it is structurally stable. Collapsing rocks can crush the scorpion
• Substrate: thin layer (2–3 cm) of dry sand or fine gravel. This is not a burrowing species
• A shallow water dish is essential — all scorpions drink
• A 45×30×30 cm enclosure is sufficient for a single adult

Temperature, humidity & lighting

H. troglodytes comes from drier, more temperate habitats than the tropical forest species. Keep temperatures at 22–26°C — slightly cooler than emperor or Asian forest scorpions. A mild temperature drop at night is natural and well-tolerated. Humidity should be 50–65%. Lightly mist one area of the enclosure every few days, but allow it to dry out between mistings. Persistently damp conditions can cause fungal problems.

No special lighting is required. Like all scorpions, they are strictly nocturnal and fluoresce under UV light. A UV torch is useful for night-time observation.

Feeding

Flat rock scorpions have a slow metabolism to match their long lifespan. Feed less frequently than tropical species:

• 1–2 appropriately sized crickets or roaches once a week is sufficient
• They are ambush predators — they wait in crevice entrances and grab passing prey with their pincers
• Do not overfeed. Obesity shortens lifespan and increases moulting complications
• Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours

Handling & breeding

H. troglodytes is one of the most tolerant scorpion species for handling — it is slow-moving and extremely reluctant to sting. That said, it can still sting if severely provoked, and handling any scorpion carries some risk. Always be calm and gentle.

House individually. While less aggressive than many species, cannibalism can still occur, and their slow reproduction rate makes losses costly. Like all scorpions, females are viviparous and carry scorplings on their backs after birth. Breeding in captivity is uncommon due to the species' slow growth and long maturation time.

If you get stung

• Clean the area with soap and water
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Pain is typically comparable to a bee sting and subsides within a few hours
• Seek medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, significant swelling beyond the sting site, or any signs of an allergic reaction
• If you have a known allergy to bee/wasp stings, exercise extra caution