Description
Scientific Name: Pandinus imperator
One of the biggest species of scorpion in the world is the emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator). The world’s largest scorpion, Heterometrus swammerdami, measures 9 inches (23 cm) in length and is one of several species of forest scorpions that are somewhat comparable in size to emperor scorpions. The big pincers have a granular texture and are blackish-red in colour. The prosoma, or front half of the body, is divided into four divisions, each of which has two legs. Pectines, which resemble combs and are typically longer in males than females, are the structures located behind the fourth set of legs. The long, curved metasoma tail extends back across the body.
Habitat
The emperor scorpion is a species that lives in African rainforests but is also found on savanna. Both wide savannas and tropical forests are home to this species. The emperor scorpion hides in termite mounds, burrows into the ground, and hides under boulders and other debris.
Behavior
They are the most cautious of all scorpions and non-aggressive, with the exception of females after birth, despite their propensity to reside in communities and their social nature. Unless cornered, will escape rather than fight. Burrow underground, frequently in termite mounds, and conceal themselves amid rubbish.
As Pet
Housing
Emperor scorpions can live individually or in groups. Glass aquarium tanks are frequently the simplest option for housing, but no matter what tank you use, make sure the cover is tight-fitting and secure. One scorpion may live in a 10-gallon tank, but groups need a tank that is 20 to 30 gallons large. You don’t want to allow them too much room, either, as that can make it hard for them to grab their prey.
Specific Humidity and Heating Needs
Providing emperor scorpions with the necessary heat and humidity is the most difficult aspect of keeping them because they are native to Africa and thrive in a warm, humid environment. Habitats for emperor scorpions should maintain a high humidity level (about 75 percent) through routine, daily misting. Whatever kind of substrate you use, it needs to be maintained damp but not wet. The humidity is too high if there is mold on the substrate or condensation on the tank walls.
Emperor scorpions require a temperature gradient between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit but do not require UVB lights. Even some scorpion keepers advise allowing temps to periodically get to around 100 degrees. These cold-blooded arachnids must have a temperature gradient in order to control their body temperature.
Grooming
Six times from birth to adulthood (approximately three years) scorpions molt, or shed, their exoskeleton. Molting is typical and to be anticipated. The scorpion may hide, be inactive, and stop feeding a few days before molting. It may be molting if you see the outer shell starting to fracture. It is prone to attacks, such as bug bites, at this time, so you should remove any visible, living insects in the cage or other cagemates. Additionally, you can raise the humidity in the cage to ease the procedure for your pet.
Six times from birth to adulthood (approximately three years) scorpions molt, or shed, their exoskeleton. Molting is typical and to be anticipated. The scorpion may hide, be inactive, and stop feeding a few days before molting. It may be molting if you see the outer shell starting to fracture. It is prone to attacks, such as bug bites, at this time, so you should remove any visible, living insects in the cage or other cagemates. Additionally, you can raise the humidity in the cage to ease the procedure for your pet.
Diet and Water
Emperor scorpions consume a wide range of insects, other arthropods, and small lizards in the wild. They appear to thrive in captivity on a diet that consists mostly of gut-loaded, calcium-dusted crickets, with sporadic additions of other insects like mealworms and moths.
An adult emperor scorpion needs to be fed every other night and will consume three to six adult crickets per week. Make sure there is a shallow water dish available so the scorpion may drink if necessary without drowning.
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