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The Emperor Scorpion is a very large, impressive, and hardy scorpion from tropical
Africa. Wild-caught specimens are usually collected in Togo and Ghana. It is also the one of the only species of scorpion
that is known to be handled, yet this is not recommended. These scorpions are popular animals in scary movies, because they
are big, black, and they can have close contact with actors. The venom is used infrequently, and is generally not harmful
to humans. Emperor Scorpions have been traditionally kept in groups of three or more, as long as they are provided with enough
food, but it is suggested to keep them in separate tanks. If there are a group of scorpions in a tank, many times fights break
out for the same cricket, even if there are other crickets still left in the tank! As with most arachnids, it is important
to keep your scorpion away from direct UV light. This species is especially sensitive to UV light, and such exposure will
cause stress and ultimately death. Emperor Scorpions are a marvel of the "bug"-keeping world, and continue to impress collectors
with their size and beauty. If you are choosing a scorpion, the Emperor Scorpion won't let you down.
| Range |
Tropical rainforests of West Africa. |
| Type |
Terrestrial, but will burrow to some extent. |
| Diet |
Babies eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets,
mealworms, other large insects, and an occasional pinkie mouse. |
| Full Grown Size |
4.5 to 6 inches. |
| Growth |
Medium speed. |
| Temperature |
75 to 82° F. |
| Humidity |
75 to 80%. Adults may drink from a shallow, wide water dish. |
| Temperament |
Docile and calm. |
| Housing |
Babies can live in a clear plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults
can live in a 5 to 20-gallon tank depending on the number of scorpions. Floor space is more important than height. |
| Substrate |
3 to 4 inches of peat moss or potting soil. |
| Decor |
Rocks, logs, cork bark, etc. make good hiding places. Moss can be added
for floor cover, but leave some areas open for burrowing in the substrate. |
| Other Names |
Imperial Scorpion. |
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