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Common Emporer
Scorpion (Pandinus imperator)
 This species was first described by
C. L. Koch in 1842.
This is probably the first
species of scorpion most of us started with when
we decided to branch out and experience other
arachnids.
A large black looking (although
in natural light it looks more like dark green,
or dark brown in some cases) scorpion with large
and very distinctive chunky (almost spade-like)
pedipalps.
It's not surprising that many in
the hobby aim to keep at least one of these
scorpions. It is certainly one on my list of must
haves, and indeed I recently acquired my first.
It is widely distributed through
West Africa, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana and
Sierra Leone where it lives in deep burrows in
the tropical rainforest.
This is an ideal starter
scorpion, due to it's forgiving nature and
tolerance of mistakes that many beginners make.
The venom of this species is considered to be
very mild. But they have strong pedipalps
(pincers) that can draw blood!
As with all scorpion species
handling is not recommended.
The requirements in captivity
are:
As for keeping them as pets, many
people keep these in large 12x12x12 (inches)
tanks.
This species requires high
humidity levels (above 75%).
Substrate for the cage should be
of peat/vermiculite mix, and should be at least 3
(preferably 4 to 6) inches deep. These scorpions
will dig deep burrows if the substrate is
suitable.
An open water dish is a must;
humidity must not fall below 75 percent!
Food: All standard invertebrates
Terrestrial: Rainforest species,
deep burrower.
Aggressiveness: Not overly
aggressive, can be fast.
Venom Effect: Considered to be
low toxicity.
Size: Adults vary between 5 to 8
inches in size.
Geographic Range: Can be found in
West Africa, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana and
Sierra Leone.
Requirements: Temperature: 78
Fahrenheit
Humidity: 80%
Substrate: Peat or
peat/vermiculite mix (at least 3 inches deep).
Shelter: Flowerpot or Cork Bark
Water: Open water dish
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