The emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator) is a
species of scorpion native to Africa. One of the
largest species of scorpion in the world, the
adult emperor scorpions average about 8 inches
(20 cm) in length.[1] Known for being docile and
calm,[2] and tolerant of caregiver's mistakes,[3]
emperor scorpions are very interesting animals,
and can make for a great pet for a beginner
branching out into arachnid pets.
!! Steps !!
Provide suitable housing. Keep your scorpion in
a well-ventilated glass or plastic tank with a
secure lid. The tank size should measure about
30cm x 20cm x 10cm (11.8" x 8.8" x 3.9cm or a 5
to 20 gallon tank[4]).[5] The following is
essential:
* Install a heat mat.
* Place a thermostat at the back of the tank to
keep the temperature at 25ºC/77ºF. Place a thermostat sensor
over the heat source. Fit a thermometer to make it easy to check
the temperature.
* Cover the floor with a thick layer (at least
7.cm or 3" deep) of substrate such as cocoa fiber, peat,
peat/vermiculite, or cork bark.[6] The substrate should be kept
moist. Moss is also helpful but don't smother the base with it as
being a rainforest burrower, this scorpion needs to be able to dig
holes for hiding.
* Provide plenty of obstacles such as bark and
rocks for your scorpion to climb, burrow and hide in. Suitable
shelters include cork bark, half a log, a flower pot, a clean dark
container (prefer opaque glass over plastic as it won't off-gas),
or ceramic items with arachnid safe or no glazes.
* Humidity should be high, 60-70%, or even above 75%[7]. The
humidity level can be checked with a hydrometer.
Handle your scorpion with great care, if at
all. It's recommended that you don't handle
your scorpion, as he can sting and bite.
* Whenever you need to move him, coax him into
a ventilated container such as a clean plastic food container that
can be closed easily once the scorpion enters it.
* Ensure that it has holes poked in the lid
and sides for air ventilation.
* Alternatively, use tongs or tweezers to
gently pick him up, just below the sting.
* Keep additional scorpions separate. It is
best not to keep more than one in the same tank, as there is a
risk that the weakest may be eaten (cannibalism),[8] and there is
nowhere else to run and hide. In addition, even though you're
providing enough insects for each scorpion, it's not uncommon for
several scorpions to fight over the same insect if they're kept
together.[9]
Feed your scorpion a healthy diet. Feed your
scorpion live crickets, locusts, and mealworms.
For baby scorpions, feed them pinhead crickets
and other small insects.[10]
* The insects themselves should be fed
beforehand with a nutrient rich mixture available from pet shops
(this is known as "gut-loading").[11]
* Use tongs to feed your scorpion one insect
at a time. He may eat 2 or 3 at a time, or refuse them altogether.
Note that scorpions don't eat every day and sometimes fast for a
week or more, so try again another time if this happens. (In fact,
adult scorpions molt once or twice a year and don't eat before and
after molting.)
* Scorpions drink a lot of water, so make sure
it is available every day. Use silica gel, or soak cotton wool in
bottled water and place it in a small dish for your scorpion to
drink from.
* Be sure your scorpion is getting adequate
exercise. Scorpions will get any exercise they need from within
their enclosure. If your scorpion appears to not be exercising, or
is moving around too much, contact your local vet or the animal
store from where you obtained your scorpion.
* Clean your scorpion's home regularly.
Scorpions don't make much mess, but any food remains should be
removed. Change the substrate and clean and disinfect the tank
every 3 or 4 months using an arachnid-friendly disinfectant.
Keep your scorpion healthy. Your scorpion
should have few health problems if kept in the
right conditions.
* If the scorpion is overheated, he will become very active, may
appear to sting himself and roll over on his back.
* If he's too cold, he won't eat.
* Don't keep live insects in the tank if they're not being eaten, as
your scorpion may be bitten by his prey.
!! Video !!
!! Tips !!
* The second pair of appendages, or claw-like extensions of the
scorpion are known as "pedipalps". All arachnids have pedipalps;
in scorpions, they are used as weapons.[12]
* The emperor scorpion originates from West Africa, Sierra Leone,
Senegal, Ghana, and Ivory Coast.[13]
* Emperor scorpions are the scorpions often seen in films; although
their size makes them appear scary, they're generally docile and
can be used around actors to good effect!
!! Warnings !!
* Scorpions don't like bright lights, so keep the tank out of direct
sunlight and away from radiators. This species is especially
vulnerable to UV light and too much exposure will stress the
scorpion, leading to its death.[14]
* Keep emperor scorpions away from drafts.
* Avoid handling your scorpion as it may sting or pinch. The pinch
may hurt and the sting may be poisonous if the scorpion still has
venom.
* All scorpions have some venom.[15] While the venom of the emperor
scorpion is relatively mild, if you're allergic to it, you could
suffer a very bad reaction. It is best not to risk it; do not
handle the scorpion direct.
* While this scorpion does not tend to be aggressive, it can move
fast![16]
* Emperor scorpions can live for up to 12 years; be sure you're
ready for this commitment.
!! Things You\'ll Need !!
* Suitable tank
* Substrate material
* Live insect tank and bug food
* Tongs or tweezers, plastic container with air holes
* Rocks, logs, etc., to provide hiding space and interest for the
scorpion
* Heat pad, hydrometer, thermostat, thermometer
* Arachnid-friendly cleaning product and wipes, scoop
!! Related WikiHows !!
* How to Care for a Tarantula
* How to Care for an Iguana
* How to Care for Triops
* How to Care for Chinchillas
* How to Care for a Monocular
* How to Care for Hermit Crabs
!! Sources And Citations !!
* VideoJug,
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-care-for-emperor-scorpions -
Original source of article information. Shared with permission.
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