The habits of dodging spiders and screeching at their sight do not contribute to a friendly attitude towards them. And the sinister cinema scenes with the attack of scorpions and people dying in agony created for them a truly murderous reputation. In the best case, the people treat them tolerantly - they say, God's creature, has the right to exist … Few people can be convinced that the imperial scorpions are in their own way beautiful and interesting to observe. However, many people around the world contain them and highly recommend that their friends follow their example.
Why choose the "emperor"
Frankly speaking, not only imperial scorpions live in the homes of arachnid lovers. Experienced fans have a wide variety of family members. However, these are the particular features by which preference is most often given to them:
- Contrary to the general misconception, out of more than a thousand species of scorpions, only about 25 are dangerous to people. They are certainly poisonous, but serious consequences can be expected from a few. Among these "harmless" - Hadogenes, Hottentotta, Heterometrus and the imperial scorpion Pandinus Imperator.
- This species of arachnids is the largest, which is reflected in its name. Adults can grow up to 20 centimeters. That is, monitoring them is greatly facilitated. In addition, these creatures are rather slow, which also favors "spying."
- Emperor scorpions are not aggressive. This reduces the risk of attack - only females with children are unfriendly and wary.
- Compared to other species, the "emperor" can be called quite unpretentious. In nature, it happens, for several days without food and drink. Yes, and the deterioration in living conditions does not kill him at all right away - he hides when the temperature drops, becomes sluggish, but can hold out while you repair the heating.
Terrarium Equipment
If you are interested in the imperial scorpion, the content starts with choosing a home for him. The minimum size of the aquarium is 35x35 centimeters (if you are limited to one or two individuals). Wall height - at least 15 cm; too high are simply not needed, because scorpions do not climb smooth walls and hunt only in horizontal planes. From above, the terrarium is covered with mesh or plastic with ventilation holes. Shelters are required in the landscape: large pieces of bark, halves of small clay pots, artificial hollows. Lighting is not particularly necessary - the imperial scorpion remains a nocturnal creature at home, and even tries to hide from the bright light. However, some people attach an ultraviolet or red lamp solely for aesthetic reasons: in their rays, the pet mysteriously glows. Most scorpions are single. Little of! Deadly fights over the territory between them are common. The black imperial scorpion in this respect is an exception, it is desirable to keep it in small "flocks" or at least in pairs.
Litter is required!
The bottom of the terrarium is certainly lined with moss, peat or soil for indoor plants from the tropics. You can use wood bark, wet vermiculite or coconut. The litter layer is at least five centimeters, the imperial scorpions dig shelters in them. The litter should always be wet, but not wet, so that mold and rot do not appear. For the same purpose, it changes 3-4 times a year.
Comfortable temperature
Emperor scorpions feel good in the range of + 20-30 degrees. In our homes, such stability is not observed, therefore, under the bottom of the terrarium lays a constantly working thermal mat. It will dry the litter substrate, so its moisture should be closely monitored.
Tropical rain
Humidity is necessary not only for the spread substrate, but also for the “emperor" himself - he regularly pours from the sky in his homeland, he also needs this in your home. No special devices are required, a rather ordinary spray gun and regularity. It is necessary to spray both the soil and the inhabitants of the aquarium every day, but without busting so that puddles do not stagnate and condensation does not run down the walls.
There should be a drinking bowl in the terrarium - the imperial scorpions drink constantly, and they also take a bath in it. The frequency of “sprinkling” is reduced to two to three times a week in early September, when the rainy season ends in the animal’s homeland.
Scorpion Menu
Daily feeding of these arachnids is not required. Adults eat no more than twice a week; the younger generation - three to four times. However, you should not hesitate to feed: with a lack of food, they can feast on each other. The imperial scorpions are not inclined to overeating and obesity, so to determine the amount of food it is enough to watch them and draw conclusions a couple of times. The diet is based on insects and worms. Adult individuals easily eat up a mouse or a lizard (it is better to kill them in advance - scorpions eat the victim alive, and why observe someone’s torment?). Usually the food is stacked in a saucer, but some prefer to feed the pet with it.
Male or female?
Emperor scorpions willingly breed in captivity. If you want to get offspring from them - bring a couple together. Usually the gentleman is seated to the lady. To determine who is who, during the purchase you will have to compare the acquired specimens: the males are smaller, their tail is longer and narrower; scallops on the abdomen are larger in size, and the teeth of these "combs" are longer. Do not trust yourself - ask directly at the store or bring a connoisseur with you.
The mating season and post-wedding chores
In order to stimulate sexual interest in an observed pair, it is enough to create the illusion of the rainy season for two weeks, that is, spray the dwellings twice a day (but with a smaller volume of water so that mold does not appear). The courtship of the "emperors" is very impressive, but they are rarely observed, since they occur in the dead of night. On the other hand, many scorpion breeders saw the carrying female: through the abdomen, the future offspring is clearly visible. It is advisable to put her in a private apartment for the period of “pregnancy”. As a mother, the scorpion is very caring. She does not start eating until all the offspring are fed. She kills food and gives nymphs on chelicera and claws, and until they get an “adult” color (scorpions are born white), she wears them on her back.
It is possible to separate young growth from mother when they get down from it and begin independent life. Then you can give your friend (or enemy) an exotic gift: an imperial scorpion, the price of which starts with two thousand rubles, will be completely worth a valuable surprise with a hint.
