What Can Scorpions Eat?
Scorpions are opportunistic carnivores and predators that feed primarily on live prey, using their pincers (pedipalps) to grasp and their venomous stinger to subdue or kill. Their diet varies somewhat depending on species, size, and environment, but in general, scorpions eat the following types of prey:
Insects
This is the most common food source for scorpions. Their typical insect prey includes:
Moths and their larvae (caterpillars)
Ants (though they are more difficult to catch and may fight back)
Other Arthropods
Scorpions will also prey on other arthropods, including:
Other scorpions (they are known to be cannibalistic, especially when food is scarce or during mating disputes)
Small Vertebrates
Larger scorpion species are capable of overpowering and eating small vertebrates, such as:
Carrion (Rarely)
While scorpions are primarily hunters, they may scavenge if the prey is freshly dead and soft-bodied, but this is not a regular or preferred behavior.
Feeding Behavior and Digestion
Scorpions use their pincers to crush or hold prey while delivering a venomous sting to immobilize or kill. They cannot chew solid food, so they excrete digestive enzymes onto or into the prey to liquefy it and then suck up the nutrients. This external digestion process means they consume only the liquefied parts of their prey, leaving behind indigestible exoskeletons.
Feeding Frequency
Scorpions have slow metabolisms and can go long periods (weeks or even months) without food. In the wild, they may only eat when prey is available, and they often consume relatively large meals in proportion to their body size when they do eat.
What Do Scorpions Like To Eat?
Scorpions prefer to eat small, soft-bodied invertebrates, with a strong preference for live insects. Their dietary preferences are guided by ease of capture, nutritional value, and the size of their prey relative to their own size. While they are opportunistic and adaptable hunters, their most preferred meals typically include:
Crickets
Crickets are a top choice for many scorpion species. They are:
Readily available in most environments
Active at night (matching scorpion activity)
Easy to catch and subdue
Nutritionally adequate
In both wild and captive settings, crickets are often the staple of a scorpion’s diet.
Cockroaches
Another highly favored prey item, especially in urban or warm, humid environments. Cockroaches offer:
High protein content
A relatively soft exoskeleton (especially younger nymphs)
Abundant population in many habitats
Soft-bodied Insects and Larvae
Scorpions prefer prey that can be easily immobilized and digested. Thus, they often go for:
Moth larvae (caterpillars)
Worms (like mealworms in captivity)
Termites and ants (if the scorpion can avoid being overwhelmed)
These are especially preferred by smaller or juvenile scorpions that may struggle with harder prey.
Spiders and Other Small Arthropods
Scorpions will eat spiders, especially smaller or weaker species. This is common in habitats with overlapping niches. However, they are selective and may avoid more aggressive or venomous species.
What They Avoid
Scorpions will generally avoid:
Dead or decaying animals (unless extremely fresh and soft)
Hard-shelled beetles (unless small or slow-moving)
Prey that is too large, aggressive, or toxic
Vertebrates, unless they are large scorpions and the opportunity is unusual
If your goal is to discourage scorpion activity, reducing their preferred food sources—like crickets, roaches, and spiders—is one of the most effective long-term strategies. This includes eliminating moisture sources, sealing entry points, reducing outdoor lighting that attracts insects, and managing leaf litter or debris where prey hides.