Pet Care Home
Animal-World
Information
Bookmark and Share
Special Features
 
Herptile Information
Connect with us on Facebook
Watch us on YouTube
Follow us on Twitter

Reptile Supply Comparison Shopping

Emperor Scorpion

Family: ScorpionidaePicture of an Emperor Scorpion Pandinus imperatorPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Russ Gurley
Latest Reader Comment - See More
I had two scorpions that had a bulge down near their tail and they were sluggish.  Joe

     Despite it's formidable appearance and large size, the Emperor Scorpion is the ideal starter pet for a scorpion enthusiast!

     The Emperor Scorpion is one of the most docile of all the scorpions kept in captivity. They are hardy, quiet, and easy to care for. They are impressive to look at and are much more handleable than most of their relatives. An ideal species for a beginner.

     The African Emperor Scorpion is probably the most recognizable scorpion species (and possibly the most commonly kept invertebrate in the world). Thousands have been imported from Togo and Ghana. They have flooded the pet trade and have become very popular.

     Television shows play on the fierce appearance of this large, black scorpion. They are a large, shiny black scorpion with massive pincers and a thick robust body and tail. Despite their gruesome look, the sting of the Emperor Scorpion is mild, causing only localized pain which disappears after a few minutes.

For more Information on keeping scorpions see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Invertebrate


Distribution:      Emperor Scorpions are widely distributed through West Africa in Guinea, Liberia, Togo, Ghana, Chad, Benin, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and in the Congo region.

Description:      The Emperor Scorpion is a large, black species. They are quite bulky and impressive and have a shiny, black granulated exoskeleton. The average size of a mature adult is between 5 - 8" (13 - 20 cm). They reach sexual maturity at about 4 years in the wild, (though in captivity it can be closer to 1 year) and have an average life span of about 8 years.

Care and Feeding:      There is a tendency by keepers to feed their large, aggressive species lots of live mice. We suggest feeding even large scorpions a diverse diet consisting of adult crickets, grasshoppers, Tenebrio larvae, and only occasional feedings (once or twice a month) of mice. This variety more closely mirrors the diet of this scorpion nature and will keep them healthy.

Environment:      Emperor Scorpions live in burrows in moist forest areas. They can be kept in a 2 1/2 to 15-gallon terrarium depending on the number of scorpions. They do well under humid conditions. A substrate of damp sand and peat moss with a top layer of cypress mulch, at least 3" deep (4 - 6" is even better). Also provide a shallow, wide water dish. They will dig deep burrows if the substrate is suitable.

Temperature and Humidity requirements:      This species like it warm and humid. Keep the temperature maintained at about at 75 ° - 82  °F with the humidity level at 75 to 80%.

Related Video:

Social Behavior/Activities:      Typically scorpions are loners, but the Emperor Scorpion is a bit of an exception. The young will stay with their mothers and even as adults they can be kept in groups of three or more. They can get into occasional scraps, and it is usually over a cricket. So be sure they are given enough food. It also helps to provide more hiding places than you have scorpions.

Handling:      The Emperor Scorpion is perhaps the most docile and easily handled of all the scorpions kept in captivity. Its large size and strong claws have obviously instilled in it less of a need for "fight or flight". It can be cupped in the palm of a your hand without mishap. If "tailed" they will often rear back and try to pinch. Their pinch is very strong and can be quite painful. Their sting is mild and they are usually unwilling to sting until they are pinned or grabbed carelessly.

Breeding/Reproduction:      If not overly obese, and if kept in a well-suited vivarium, the Emperor Scorpion will often breed and produce offspring in captivity. The pectines on the underside of scorpions can be inspected to give you an idea of your scorpion's sex. Place the scorpion in a clear plastic tub and hold it up to inspect the underside of the scorpion. Typically, males have longer combs on their pectines and females have shorter and often fewer combs on their pectines.      The male quickly grasps the pincers of the female and begins a shaking action known as "juddering". Then, after a short shoving match, the male deposits a spermatophore onto the substrate and positions the female over the packet of sperm. The female lowers her abdomen and picks up the spermatophore into her genital opening. The two separate and often beat a hasty retreat in opposite directions.      After a gestation period of seven months, a litter ranging in size from 15 to 40 young scorpions is produced. The young grow in the mother, are born live, and then will climb onto the mothers back. They are white at first, becoming darker when they molt. The mother scorpion will feed her young by killing an insect and leaving it on the floor of their enclosure. The baby scorpions will then descend from the mother's back and feed on the dead insect.

Even with a multitude of captive breedings, very few young Emperor Scorpions reach adulthood, many die from molting difficulties. Inability to exit their old skins from too dry conditions is proving to be the most commonly encountered problem. Large vivaria with a deep, damp substrate of sand and peat with multiple shelters and live plants have proven best for raising these large but delicate babies to maturity.

Ailments:      Scorpions are generally quite hardy and adaptable if they are provided with the right environment. A few signs that may indicate that your pet is not acting or feeling normal are a loss of appetite, acting listless or sluggish, having an overly swollen stomach, and missing or deformed limbs. Another problem can be an infestation of mites.

  • Molting: One of the most common reasons for the death in scorpions is the molt. The scorpion has a tough outer covering, a cuticle, that forms a rigid exoskeleton. All scorpions must shed their old exoskeleton and secrete a new one in order to grow, this is called the molt. Scorpions will molt from 6 to 10 times during their lifetime. This molting process takes a lot of energy and they are very vulnerable for a couple of days after the molt until their new skin hardens
         For about 24 hours prior to molting it is not unusual for a scorpion to get quite sluggish.
         A difficult molt can result in lost or deformed limbs, or death. This is thought to be related to humidity levels. There can be either too much humidity or too little, depending on the species. In captivity a lot of immature scorpions die during the molting process.
  • Other Problems: Though many scorpions can go for long periods of time without eating, overfeeding can cause an overly swollen stomach as well as the loss of appetite, and even death. The stomach can be slightly swollen from regular eating, and this is not a problem.
         Another problem can be an infestation of Mites. Uneaten food can attract mites, which are very dangerous and stressful to scorpions. Be sure to remove old food.

Availability:      These scorpions are commonly available from invertebrate dealers, reptile dealers, and most pet stores.      Emperor Scorpions are imported into the U.S. by the thousands each year. Captive breedings have also occurred but keepers have a difficult time keeping scorpions alive. They require humid conditions, a deep mulch substrate (which makes humidity difficult to monitor), and should not be overfed.

     In February 1995, the Emperor Scorpion was placed on the CITES II species list as threatened. Their numbers had been greatly reduced by over collection, especially in Togo and Ghana. Importing and exporting countries must issue a permit for international sale.

Author: Russ Gurley
Additional Information: Clarice Brough, CRS.
Edited by Animal-World.


Comments
View All 41 comments!
View all 9 questions
Latest Comments

I had two scorpions that had a bulge down near their tail and they were sluggish.
Reply
Joe
2010-06-24
Click For Replies (1)

I have an emperor scorpion that has a 12 young ones she protected it! So my question where I can hold my black emperor scorpion cause she is a violent one cause she has a 12 young ones so how I can hold it with my bare hands?
... Joel S. Santos

The stinger of my emporer's tail has gotten red and swollen over the last few days and doesn't look good. Any feedback...
Reply
clavin
2009-12-15
Click For Replies (2)

Mine is the same way, Ia m sure it's normal.... pete

This may mean that the scorpion is entering adulthood, because as the scorpion grows out of it's juvenile state, it's sting turns red and may grow in size a little.... Ryan

I've been noticing my scorpion getting bigger around the mid section but thought nothing of it. It is alone in its cage and has been for up to a year, then one day outta the blue I find it with about 5 little white babies on its back, and about 5 dead in the cage. I guess they don't need a mate to spawn?
Reply
phil
2009-11-12
Click For Replies (2)

No, they do need a mate to spawn, but depending on the cage conditions and humidity and temperature it can take longer for the female scorpion to give birth. The female scorpion can remain pregnant for a year or longer if not properly kept this is usually uncommon.... Rob

Well that stinks too bad.... joe simth

For in depth knowledge of arachnids, you should visit a hobbyist site like arachnoboards, scorpionforums, insect geeks, and the like.
Reply
Ryan
2010-01-05

I just got an emperor as an early christmas present. I set it up in 5 gal with a undertank heater, and it went directly into the hideaway. Wen i tried to add some moss around the cage, it came out, pinchers in the air and started shaking. =/ is that a normal behavior? is it the temp? I heard of "juddering", but isnt it a mating behavior? im just nervous, never had a scorpion before. Is that something I should be worried about?
Reply
Jocelyn
2009-12-18
Some of the bestest comments - here's the beef!

Everything about these magnificent living creatures is amazing, i highly recomend them as pets. I have a male and a female. Fortunately my female is such a sweetheart, shes actually mellow enough to chill out and walk around on your hand. ill walk around with her on my shoulder. The male on the other hand wont let you get even the slightest, close to him. The stings feel like taps, the pincers on the other...OUCH! In other words you'll know exactly how each ones individual personality is. i started with her on a table and without stressing her walked her back on to my hand, slow and steady is key, twitch and theyll get ya. can ya blame em. DONT GET A SCORPION IF YOUR ALERGIC TO BEE STINGS! Another bit of advise, dont start aggressive. The flatrock scorpion is similar to the emperor but different in appearence. the desert hair is also similar just dont recommend handling them and they are slightly more toxic, but usually only results in a small area with strong pain that goes away in a couple minutes. look em up...you'll like them
Reply
jeff
2006-06-21
       Add your comment!
Questions - Answers

As soon as I put my female in with my male they started to try and mate. Now they are avoiding each other, and she is on her back from time to time. What could this mean?
Reply
andrew matula
2010-05-31
Click For Replies (1)

Well, after they mate, they typically try to avoid each other, (Fear of commitment I'd say). But they do avoid each other. I have no idea about your female though, sometimes if it isn't humid or hot enough, They have been known to trip and try to climb up glass and flip over. But your scorpion should be using it's tail to flip back over. No Idea to why it's not.... John Mccain

I just got 2 emperors and am wondering about the humidity levels. I read that the tank should be misted several times a day and should be above "50". well the lamp placed on one side of the tank keeps getting too warm in there i guess so the humidity level drops low.... I keep spraying it more than twice, any ideas on what happens if it doesn't stay over 50 as the guide says or even how to keep the humidity levels up in the tank so I don't keep spraying it? Thanks guys...
Reply
artem
2010-06-15
Click For Replies (1)

Alright there, been keeping spiders myself but recently got a scorpion. Kept much the same though, they burrow to hide and to cool off. I wouldn't use a lamp but would use a heat mat secured to side of yer tank covering a third approx. This will keep a cold and warm side of tank and humidity should be fine after this- one spray a day should do. A small humidity gauge stuck inside your tank is a good idea too.... Dave Robertson

okay, i am interested in buying an emporer scorpion. but my grandmother says i cant. so im trying to convince her to let me have one by showing her i know how to take care of it. i have read about them and im not sure how to keep the tank humid? and hot at the same time? soo any info would be greatly appreciated. and any extra information would be even more appreciated.
Reply
Jake Hamrick
2010-01-27
Click For Replies (2)

Hi. I have 3 emperors now and they're great scorpions, funny to watch as they bulldoze the decor around they're tank. You have to put a heat-pad stuck to the insde wall of the tank and keep it on at all times, and to keep it humid all you need to do is get a spray-bottle ( unused bottle) and spray it 2 times a day morning & night. Then when you spray the tank the heat from the heat- pad makes it humid. All you need is 37x22x16cm (L, W, H) size tank 3" of coir (coco fibre) or peat soil and you got yourself a good tank for scorpions. Thou it would be much better if you get 2 scorpions (male & female) cause they do better when they live together. They will get lonely. You feed them crickets/locusts every 3-4 days a week. Don't make them to fat :) erm and rememmber there a sub-tropical scorpion. They will need 5 things... humidity, heat, hiding spots, friends, and food. Hope you get some, they're great wee scorps. Get 2 sub-adults...nico... nico

Howdy Jake,
Humid means Hot & Moist. I put three feet of electrical pipe tape[used to prevent freezing water in pipes] in an "S" pattern on the floor of my vivarium prior to adding anything. Then
added a sandy substrate, a cedar bark and soil layer, and finally some chunks of thin tree bark. I always kept a misting bottle of pure water for getting my jungle on. I started with one
(Telson was his name) and eventually added another which caused a little unrest at first.
Long story shortened, the arachnids knocked boots and 3/4 of a year later I walk in to see
Momma's back covered with minuscule "dots" void of any color. About 25~30 babies were
clinging to her and the expanded sidewalls of the Mommy had diminished considerably. She eventually started eating them like potato chips even though she was getting plenty of crickets. I never fed them mice so I can't comment on alternate food sources.
Poisonous/Threatening pets are not for typical pet owners and I can't stress enough the
level of responsibility you will need to exhibit at ALL times if you intend to keep them. I am
well aware you can live through an (Pandinus imperator) sting, but consider how your actions reflect on the rest of the world's scorpion caretakers. Especially in the US where the
do-gooders are obsessed with controlling what appears to threaten their idyllic existence.
I presume you are a minor and hope you'll show your handlers you can be trusted when out
of your cage.
My Female's name was Carapace which shows you how uncreative I can be at times.lulz!

PS: Mr. Hamrick, I'm going to need to see you exhibit some punctuation in the future.
I'll lay off hammering your sentence structure just because you have an adequate grasp of spelling. Thx.... Noel Grassy
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!

I bought an emperor scorpion today an I really wanna handle it but I know I should let it adjust to its home first. I really wanna sex it and find out what it is. I'm super nervous and am afraid its going to starve or something bad will happen to it. I'm glad i found this page because it has given me ALOT of information that the worker at the pet store didn't. I definitely need a bigger tank. I need to know how should I keep the tank nice and humid, just mist the moss?... Well if you have any pointers, (please add them). Thanks alot
Reply
cassandra h from tucson
2008-01-31

Click to see more Scorpions
Back to Scorpions






Copyright © [Animal-World] 1998-2009. All rights reserved.

Using cached version