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  Common Name(s): Emperor Scorpion                      Imperial Scorpion   EMPEROR SCORPION    
 
Latin Name: Pandinus imperator
 
Description: Black in colour. 5-8 inches in length.  Large pedipalps modified into claws. Sting located at the end of thin abdomen
 
Range: The emperor scorpion is native to Central Africa
 
Habitat: It inhabits both tropical forest and open savannas, where it burrows beneath soil and hides beneath rocks, wood piles and old pieces of fallen tree bark
 
Diet: Predatory carnivore. Will feed on insects, spiders, even small vertebrates such as lizards and mice
 
Care in Captivity: House scorpion in an enclosure with adequate floor space. Ensure enclosure has a tight fitting lid as scorpions can be good climbers. A substrate of peat/potting soil mixed with vermiculite. Rocks or bark should be added for burrowing and hiding. Temperature must be kept between 24-28oC. Temperature must not be allowed to drop below 18oC for any length of time. Also, constant fluctuations in temperature will be detrimental to this animals health. 2 to 3 light mistings a week to dampen the substrate and maintain humidity. Replace substrate once a month. Crickets are the best source of food, although other variety of insects will be taken. 2 crickets every 2-3 days. Remove any uneaten food after 24 hours. Handling will cause stress to a scorpion, so only handle when necessary.
 
Fact: Under UV light, emperor scorpions are a bright, shiny green colour. This is due to a chemical in their skin. Insects are attracted to this colour, as it resembles the colour of nectar.