EMPEROR SCORPIONpandinus imperator ORDERScorpiones (Scorpions) FAMILYScorpionidae (emperor scorpion) HABITAT AND RANGEEmperor scorpions live in tropical rainforests regions of Western Africa. They prefer temperatures between 70-90 degrees F. They range West Africa including: Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote, etc. IDENTIFICATIONSize: about 5-7 inches in length. It is perhaps the largest and heaviest scorpion in the world, weighing up to 60 grams. Color: Dark brown to black, and shiny in appearance. DIETIn nature scorpions will eat any animal smaller than themselves such as: Small invertebrates, and small mice, lizards, crickets and moths. REPRODUCTION AND LIFESPANIn captivity it takes about 3 years for an Emperor Scorpion to reach sexual maturity. They will mate any time year-round, but it requires warm temperatures. The gestation period is 7 to 9 months long. The female gives live birth to about 35 young. The babies are carried on the mother’s back. The average life span of an Emperor Scorpion is 8 years. NOTESThey breathe through holes in their abdomen called spiracles. Scorpions are nonsocial, solitary animals that interact only at birth, and during mating. This species can sting, but they rarely use their sting to subdue their prey. They rely on their massive claws to capture and kill their prey. Females are generally larger in size and have more robust bodies. Females are generally larger in size and have more robust bodies. They are venomous, however the venom is not considered dangerous to humans. Digestion begins outside the mouth. They can pick up a 100-gram weight with one pedipalp.
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