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Tough and Cuddly: Black Emperor Scorpion Information and Care

Although scorpions are often mistaken as insects, they actually comprise a sub-order of arachnids. The Black Emperor Scorpion (pandina imperator), often referred to as the Imperial Scorpion, is one of the largest scorpions in the world, with an average adult size of 5-8″ (the largest grows to 9″). Native to Africa, they are prevalent in many equatorial West African countries.

Although some scorpions are dangerous and even deadly, the emperor has a relatively weak venom (imperotoxin) and a docile disposition. The impressive appearance and good nature of the species has made it the most widely collected scorpion, with imports of thousands of specimens per year to the United States alone. This vast demand has resulted in over-exportation, particularly in Ghana and Togo, causing it to be placed on the CITES II Threatened Species list in 1995.

This article will cover:

• Natural Environment and General Information
• Captivity Care Suggestions

Natural Environment and General Information

The emperor has a shiny, black, granulated exoskeleton, four legs, and impressively large pedipalps. It lives in humid forest environments in burrows that can be as simple as an open space under a rock or as complex as a winding area tunneling up to 6 feet underground.

In the wild they feed on a variety of insects, particularly termites, some small reptiles and mice. In an effort to be as close as possible to their food source, emperors have been known to tunnel into termite mounds.

Although they are dangerous to a wide variety of creatures, an even larger array gladly makes dinner out of the emperor. It is regularly hunted by other scorpions, spiders, birds, reptiles, amphibians, various rodents and mammals such as some species of monkey and the mongoose.

Like all scorpions, the emperor is nocturnal, and it also glows in the dark when cast in UV light. This makes them very easy to catch by scorpion-traders who merely have to obtain a portable UV lamp.

The emperor is typically non-confrontational and will scurry to safety when in danger. If cornered, however, the scorpion will square off against the threat if it gets too and strike with either its pedipalps or the stinger on the tail. The sting is relatively mild and often compared to a bee sting, but the claws are very strong and a “bite” very painful. Although the sting is mild, different people can experience a severe anaphylactic response, just like some do in response to bee stings.

If you ever find yourself where scorpions are known to live, usually a forested or desert environment, make sure all items left outside on the ground are checked for scorpions, especially items like shoes that may be left outside of a tent when camping and that also provide an attractive hollow for scorpions to venture into.

Captivity Care Suggestions

Habitat
The emperor prefers temperature levels of 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit and a high humidity level of 75-80 percent.

Correct Temperature Level
The easiest way to maintain adequate temperature levels is to use a heating mat for use under reptile tanks. Only place under at most 1/3 of the tank, so that the scorpion can travel from warm to cool areas as needed to regulate its body temperature. Use thermometers at different parts of the enclosure to check temperature. The emperor prefers a light to dark cycle, with a slightly longer dark stretch.

Proper Humidity Level
The easiest way to maintain correct humidity is to provide an adequate substrate and to mist daily. A substrate 3-6″ deep composed of soil, peat, vermiculite, or a mixture can be used. The greater the depth the better, so as to allow sufficient space for the scorpion to burrow. A layer of Cyprus mulch or sphagnum moss at the top of the substrate will help retain moisture. You want to keep the environment damp but not wet. If mold begins to grow in the substrate or condensation collects on the walls of the vivarium, then humidity levels are too high.

Although there are a diverse array of captive environments to choose from, most specimens don’t reach maturity because of molting difficulties. These usually result directly from errors in maintaining correct humidity levels which causes them to have great difficulty when exiting their cuticle. A difficult or failed molt will often result in missing/deformed appendages or death.

Hiding Spots
Bark, flat stones, and broken ceramic pots can allow for the creation of good hiding spots, and if you are keeping multiple specimens, allow for the creation of more hiding spots than scorpions to avoid confrontation. They may have scuffles, usually over food. If signs of extended aggression are noticed, separate the creatures because there is a risk of cannibalization.

Don’t give them too much space because this might make it difficult to catch food. They may arrange the fixtures in their environment, and although it might not be aesthetically appealing, avoid rearranging them as it may cause stress.

Water and Food

Also provide a shallow, wide water dish (not deep enough to drown the animal). Depending upon the amount of scorpions, containers of 2.5-15 gallons are acceptable.

There is a tendency to feed large, aggressive scorpions an abundance of mice, but diversifying the emperor’s diet between adult crickets (widely used), grasshoppers, meal-worms, moths, etc.

But giving them mice only a couple times a month, more accurately mimics the diet in the wild. Although the emperor can go for extended period without food, overfeeding can result in stomach swelling, loss of appetite, and death (the stomach may be slightly swollen after regular feeding, but don’t be alarmed).

An adult can survive healthily on 3-6 adult crickets per week fed once every other day or so. The crickets can also be dusted with a reptile mineral/vitamin supplement every few days.

Uneaten food can attract mites, deadly to scorpions if not handled quickly, so remove food scraps religiously.

Emperor scorpions are the most docile, and easiest of handle scorpion, and will typically only bite if frightened/cornered, or handled carelessly (such as grabbing the animal on the tail). If managed responsibly, these incredible scorpions can be very rewarding pets.