Scientific Name: Pandinus imperator
Length: Adults average about 8 inches long.
Average Adult Weight: 2 ounces
Life Span: 5 to 8 years
Description: The coloring of an Emperor Scorpion is usually a glossy black or blue. They have large fat pinchers, four pairs of legs and a long tail tipped by a venom gland and a stinger.
Habitat: Underground in humid rainforests and African savannahs.
Countries found in: Togo, Chana, Benin, Chad, Guinea, Liberia and the Congo region
Babies: Emperor Scorpions give birth to live scorpions. The gestation period can last 9 to 18 months depending on temperature and food availability. The female gives birth to an average of 12 young.
Food: Mainly termites, but will eat crickets, cockroaches, and mealworms. Emperor scorpions are also known to eat small mice and lizards.
Group Name: A cyclone of scorpions.
When frightened, Emperor scorpions will run away. Only if they feel trapped will they attempt to sting.
Conservation Status: Threatened
Predators: Other scorpions, spiders, parasitic wasps, flies, birds, reptiles, amphibians, monkeys, mongooses, and various rodents.
Interesting Facts: The Emperor Scorpion is one of the largest scorpions in the world.
They are a popular pet due to their lifespan and fairly low toxicity. This has led to overcollection putting this scorpion on the threatened list.
Emperor scorpions have a waxing coating that when placed under a UV light will glow turquoise.