Rule of thumb: if a scorpion has fat pincers and a small tail, its venom is fairly weak. If it has a fat tail and small pincers, watch out! Fortunately for our keepers, emperor scorpions are in the former category.
ORIGIN:
West Africa
HABITAT:
Forests and urban areas
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
1 oz
Length: 8 in
DIET:
Insects
PREDATORS:
Bats, birds and spiders
NATURAL DEFENSES:
Stinger
REPRODUCTION:
9-month gestation; sexually mature at 4 yrs
THREATS:
Collection for pet trade
LIFE EXPECTANCY:
5-8 yrs in human care
Stream banks |
Tree canopies |
Leaf litters | Burrows |