Complete Guide to Caring for an Emperor Scorpion

The Emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator) is among the largest and most popular pet scorpions in the UK, originating from Africa. Known for their glossy black appearance that glows under ultraviolet light, these fascinating creatures captivate enthusiasts with their longevity of six to eight years. However, despite their relatively docile nature, Emperor scorpions require careful and respectful handling to ensure their wellbeing and safety.

In this complete guide, you will learn the essential steps involved in providing the right environment, diet, and care routines to help your Emperor scorpion thrive in captivity.

1. Choosing and Housing Your Emperor Scorpion

Step 1: Enclosure Size and Setup

A single Emperor scorpion should be housed in a secure vivarium or faunarium measuring around two feet long by one foot wide and high. The enclosure must have a secure lid to prevent escape while allowing adequate airflow.

Step 2: Substrate and Environment

Use a substrate that mimics their natural forest floor habitat, ideally additive-free peat mixed with orchid bark. The substrate should be at least two to three inches deep to facilitate burrowing, as these scorpions enjoy digging their own shelters, often at the cooler end of their tank.

Step 3: Humidity Control

Maintain humidity levels between 60 to 80% by misting the substrate lightly every day with clean, fresh water. A shallow water dish with a sponge for drinking should be provided and replenished daily to keep your pet hydrated and comfortable.

Step 4: Temperature and Lighting

Maintain a stable temperature between 25 to 28 degrees Celsius, with a basking spot near a heat source reaching around 30 degrees Celsius. An infrared heat lamp is ideal for providing consistent warmth. Though Emperor scorpions are nocturnal and do not require UVB lighting, providing a timer-controlled light to simulate a natural day and night cycle can enhance their environment and help owners observe them more easily.

2. Feeding Your Emperor Scorpion

Step 1: Diet Basics

Emperor scorpions are obligate insectivores, primarily feeding on live insects such as black and brown crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and occasionally treats like waxworms and hornworms. Ensure all insects are gut-loaded with nutritious, high-protein diets before feeding to improve your scorpion’s health.

Step 2: Feeding Frequency and Quantity

Adult scorpions typically eat three to four times per week, consuming up to five or six crickets or equivalent prey items during each feeding. Juveniles require smaller prey and more frequent feedings, often once or twice a week. Remove any uneaten insects within 24 hours to prevent tank contamination from decay or pests.

Step 3: Nutritional Supplements

To support a healthy exoskeleton, dust live prey occasionally with a calcium supplement, especially important for scorpions during growth or molting phases.

3. Social Housing and Behaviour

Emperor scorpions are not social animals and should normally be housed individually to avoid fighting or stress. Breeding pairs require experienced keepers, as males and females may fight if improperly introduced.

4. Safe Handling Practices

Step 1: Minimise Direct Contact

Handling should be kept to an absolute minimum, as it causes stress and carries the risk of stings or pinches. Use long-handled tweezers to remove uneaten food rather than putting hands directly inside the enclosure.

Step 2: Moving Your Scorpion

If relocation of your scorpion is necessary, use a small plastic container with a secure lid to gently corral and transfer the animal. Avoid direct hand contact to prevent injury or escape.

Step 3: Handling Technique

If you must handle your Emperor scorpion, use blunt tweezers or long-handled tongs to grasp gently by the tail just below the sting. Hold firmly but carefully to avoid dropping or causing harm.

5. Long-Term Care and Health

Ensure consistent temperature and humidity conditions to promote molting and overall health. Avoid handling scorpions when they are molting, as they are vulnerable during this time. Monitor your scorpion regularly for signs of stress, injury, or illness, and consult a specialist exotic pet vet if needed.

Providing a stable environment, appropriate diet, and minimal stress through careful handling contributes to a long, healthy life for your Emperor scorpion.

Conclusion

Caring for an Emperor scorpion requires attention to detail, respect for their natural behaviours, and dedication to maintaining their habitat and diet. By following these comprehensive steps, you will create a safe and enriching home for your scorpion, allowing it to flourish as a fascinating and long-lived companion.

For those interested in acquiring an Emperor scorpion, always seek out reputable breeders to ensure ethical sourcing and healthy pets.