Pandinus imperator

Pandinus
imperator

Pandinus imperator, known as the emperor scorpion, is one of the largest scorpion species. Native to the rainforests and savannas of West Africa, it is very popular in the due to its exclusivity.

HABITAT

GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE: Pandinus imperator is native to the tropical rainforests and savannas of West Africa, particularly found in countries such as: • Ghana • Togo • Benin • Nigeria • Sierra Leone • Liberia • Ivory Coast • Guinea -------------------------------------------- HABITAT: This species prefers moist environments, often residing in humid tropical forests. It can also be found in savannas and other areas with significant ground cover. Emperor Scorpions are burrowers, commonly found hiding under rocks, logs, or within self-dug burrows. They are most often found in areas with high humidity, which helps prevent desiccation.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

SIZE: Pandinus imperator is one of the largest scorpion species, with adults typically reaching lengths of up to 8 inches. Some individuals can weigh up to 30 grams. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- COLORATION: The Emperor Scorpion is known for its glossy black exoskeleton, which may have a dark green or blue sheen under certain lighting conditions. The exoskeleton’s shiny appearance adds to its striking visual appeal. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- PINCERS (Pedipalps): It has large, robust pincers covered completely in granulation, giving them a rough appearance. The share are very round and large even for it's size. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TAIL (Metasoma): Juveniles will have an orange/yellow telson where as sexually mature adult's will have red. Compared to its pincers, the tail is used less frequently for stinging.

CAPTIVE CARE

HOUSING: A single adult can be kept in a terrarium with a minimum size of 10 to 20 gallons. The enclosure should include a deep substrate, such as variations of top soil that can hold water to allow for burrowing, along with hiding spots such as cork bark, or artificial caves (do not use coconut fiber in well ventilated enclosures as they will dry out quickly). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPERATURE: The ideal temperature range for this species is between 25°C to 32°C . A heat mat on the side or a heated room can be used to maintain these temperatures. (Never place a heat mat underneath enclosure for fossorial species). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- HUMIDITY: High humidity levels (around 75%) are essential for their health. Regular misting of the enclosure can provide a quick spike in humidity but having a soil that holds moisture very well inside an enclosure where humidity cannot escape easily will be key for these species thriving. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DIET: In captivity, Emperor Scorpions can be fed a diet of crickets, mealworms, and other small insects. They generally need to be fed once a week if young or every other week when they're older. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ HANDLING: While they are not highly aggressive, each scorpion is different and it may put you as well as the scorpion at risk should something go wrong, these are best observed from a distance, the safer they feel the more likely they will eat/breed successfully in captivity.

STATS

LATIN NAME: • Pandinus imperator ---------------------------------- COMMON NAME: • Emperor Scorpion ---------------------------------- TEMPERATURE • 26°- 32° ---------------------------------- TEMPERAMENT: • Quick to pinch ---------------------------------- HUMIDITY: • 80% ----------------------------------

COMMUNAL: • 5/5 ---------------------------------- SIZE: • Up to 16cm ---------------------------------- ECOLOGY: • Terrestrial/Fossorial ---------------------------------- SUBSTRATE: • Soil that holds humidity ---------------------------------- ORIGIN: • Rainforests of West Africa ----------------------------------

FACTS

INTERNATION UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE (IUCN STATUS) Pandinus imperator is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and over-collection for the pet trade. The species faces threats from deforestation and human encroachment on its natural habitats. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the survival of this species in the wild. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- CITES: It is also listed under Appendix II of CITES, which means that international trade in Emperor Scorpions is regulated to prevent over-exploitation. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: Unlike many scorpions, which are solitary, Emperor Scorpions can sometimes be found in groups in the wild, especially during the breeding season. They are perhaps one of the few species of scorpions that are truly communal. However, they can be territorial in captivity especially gravid females. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- LATIN NAME: The latin name may mean "Terrible Forest Emperor". ----------------------------------------------------------------------- HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Emperor Scorpion has been featured in various cultures and mythologies, symbolizing strength and resilience.