
Cheloctonus intermedius
Cheloctonus intermedius is a ground-dwelling, burrowing scorpion endemic to eastern South Africa and Eswatini. It inhabits open grassland and savanna environments where it excavates burrows in firm soil. Rather than relying on ambient humidity, the species uses its burrow to regulate temperature and moisture.
HABITAT
🌍Geographic Range:
Confirmed distribution:
Eastern South Africa
Strongly documented from Mpumalanga ProvinceEswatini (Swaziland)
These records are supported by:
SANBI / Biodiversity Advisor occurrence data (South Africa)
Regional field and medical references covering eastern South Africa and Eswatini
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🌳Natural Environment:
Cheloctonus intermedius inhabits open terrestrial landscapes, primarily:
Grassland and savanna-type environments
Areas with:
Firm ground
Scattered surface cover (rocks, stones)
Sparse to moderate vegetation
It is not a forest species and is not associated with high-canopy or permanently wet habitats.
The broader genus Cheloctonus is well known for occupying open, ground-dominated ecosystems, rather than leaf-litter or arboreal niches.
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🌦️Climate Conditions:
Based on its confirmed range in Mpumalanga and Eswatini, the species experiences a seasonal subtropical climate, characterised by:
Warm to hot summers
Most rainfall occurs during this periodCooler, drier winters
Reduced rainfall
Lower nighttime temperatures
Rather than relying on atmospheric humidity, C. intermedius uses burrowing behavior to buffer against:
Temperature extremes
Seasonal dryness
Predation
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🏡Microhabitat Preferences:
Cheloctonus intermedius is a true burrowing scorpion.
Self-excavated burrows
Dug into firm or compacted soilFrequently found:
Under rocks
At the entrance of burrows at nightBurrows provide:
Thermal stability
Protection from desiccation
A sit-and-wait hunting position
The genus is described as pelophilous (hard-soil adapted), using:
Chelicerae
Pedipalp chelae
to excavate and maintain burrows.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Size: Large, typically 8–9 cm total length (tail extended)
Build: Heavy-bodied and stocky, not slender or flattened
Colour: Uniform dark brown to pitch black, often appearing matte or soil-coated
Pedipalps: Robust, thick claws, powerful but not oversized
Metasoma (tail): Thick and muscular, not whiplike
Body profile: Low to the ground; lacks the flattened shape of rock scorpions
Movement: Slow, deliberate; often remains close to burrow entrance
Typical habitat clue: Found under rocks or emerging from burrows in grassland or open terrain
CAPTIVE CARE
📏Enclosure Size:
A terrestrial enclosure of at least 20 × 20 × 20 cm is recommended for a single Cheloctonus intermedius.
This species is a true burrower rather than a surface-dwelling or litter-dwelling scorpion. Floor space and, more importantly, substrate depth are critical. Height is of little importance. The enclosure must have a secure lid with good ventilation, as this species does not require stagnant or highly humid air.
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🌱Substrate:
Use a firm, compactable substrate capable of holding stable burrows.
A suitable mix includes:
Organic topsoil (no fertilisers)
Clay-rich soil or sand–soil blend for structure
✔️The substrate should be packed down firmly, not loose. Moisture should be present at depth but the surface should remain mostly dry.
❌ Coco fibre alone is not suitable, as it collapses and does not support burrow construction.
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🕳️Hiding Spots:
Provide heavy, stable surface cover, such as a Cork bark slab, placed directly on the enclosure base.
All heavy items must rest on the enclosure floor, not on loose substrate, to prevent collapse when the scorpion burrows beneath them.
C. intermedius often uses rocks as burrow anchors rather than hiding exclusively beneath surface décor.
Ventilation: Moderate to good airflow.
This species does not require reduced ventilation or sealed conditions.
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🌡️Temperature:
Maintain a temperature range of 24–28 °C.
A small heat mat on one side of the enclosure is appropriate
Always use a thermostat
Avoid excessive heat, this species relies on burrows rather than high ambient temperatures.
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💧Humidity:
Low to moderate humidity is ideal.
The surface should be mostly dry
Moisture should be concentrated deeper in the substrate
Light, infrequent misting of one corner is sufficient
Do not aim for high ambient humidity. Unlike forest scorpions, C. intermedius regulates moisture through burrow depth, not air saturation.
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🥣Water Source:
Provide a small, shallow water dish at all times.
Bottle-cap sized is sufficient
Keep it stable and shallow to prevent substrate flooding
Even arid-adapted burrowing scorpions benefit from access to free water.
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🐛Food:
Offer appropriately sized, ground-active live prey, such as:
Small to medium roaches
Crickets
Locust nymphs
Prey is typically captured at or near the burrow entrance.
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⏰Feeding Schedule:
Feed once every 7–14 days, depending on:
Size of the scorpion
Prey size
Body condition
As a slow-moving, ambush predator, C. intermedius does not require frequent feeding. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and stress.
VENOM
💉Despite being relatively large and robust:
Not considered medically important
Stings cause localized pain, not systemic effects
STATS
LATIN NAME:
• Cheloctonus intermedius
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COMMON NAME:
• Intermediate Creeper Scorpion
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TEMPERATURE
• 24°- 28°
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TEMPERAMENT:
• Usually Calm
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HUMIDITY:
• 60%
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COMMUNAL:
• 2/5 - Seperate Housing
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SIZE:
• Up to 9cm
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ECOLOGY:
• Terrestrial
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SUBSTRATE:
• Top soil
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ORIGIN:
• Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
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FACTS
🌍Geographic Range:

Africa
-South Africa
South Africa — Mpumalanga Province
Also recorded into Eswatini (Swaziland)

Endemic to Africa
South Africa — Mpumalanga Province
Also recorded into Eswatini (Swaziland)

Mac Mac Pools

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Scientific Name:
Cheloctonus intermedius
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Scorpiones
Suborder: Neoscorpionina
Infraorder: Orthosterni
Family: Scorpionidae
Subfamily: Scorpioninae
Genus: Cheloctonus
Species Authority: Pocock, 1899
Type Locality / Distribution: Southern Africa (notably South Africa)
