EMPEROR SCORPION

Common name(s): Emperor Scorpion. Imperial Scorpion.

Latin name: Pandinus imperator.

Native to: West Africa.

Adult size: 6in/15cm. Can live up to 8 years or more.

Eggs or young: Gives birth to 3-90 live young who then climb on the mother's back and ride around til their first moult. New born scorpions are soft and white and are called nymphs

Appearance: One of the largest of the scorpion family. They are normally a blue/black colour but can vary between shades of brown and black. Their claws are very broad, slightly hairy and covered with distinctive bumps.

What does it eat?: Feed once every 2 weeks or so. They eat invertebrates such as crickets, mealworms, large grubs, caterpillars and wax-moth larvae. Do not overfeed as this can be fatal.

Ease of care: Beginner upwards.

Temperament: They are not deadly but can pinch and their sting is of similar strength to a bee sting. Handle carefully by taking the scorpion by its sting and lifting it quickly onto your palm. They are social and can be kept together in captivity although some fighting is inevitable. They spend most of their time under rocks or in burrows. Nocturnal.

Vivarium set up: A vivarium 24x12x12in/60x30x30cm will house one.
Rainforest-type climate.
Substrate: Peat or soil 5-6in/13-15cm deep.
Provide wood, logs and rocks for burrows but keep some of the ground clear. Mist daily to maintain humidity.
Temperature 77-86F/25-30C. Relative humidity of 70-80%.
Under-tank heatpad required.