Emperor scorpion
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| Pandinus imperator (Koch, 1841) |
The emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator) is a species of scorpion native to Africa. The emperor is one of the largest species of scorpion in the world, with adults averaging about 8 inches in length. Their life span usually ranges from 5-8 years while they are held in captivity [1], but is likely shorter in the wild. The emperor's size, relatively low toxicity, and life span make it the most popular scorpion in the pet trade, which has led to such over-collecting in the wild that it is now a CITES listed animal, meaning it is threatened with extinction if exportation and other threats, such as development, are not regulated.
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[edit] Prey and predator
In the wild, emperor scorpions are reported to feed primarily on termites. In captivity they readily feed on crickets, cockroaches, and mealworms. Emperors are burrowing scorpions, digging with the first or first two pairs of legs. A burrow may be little more than a hollow under a rock or may twist and turn more than six feet into the earth. In the wild emperors are said to burrow into termite mounds and make their homes there.
Emperor scorpions are preyed upon by a huge number of animals, including other scorpions, spiders, parasitic wasps and flies; birds, reptiles and amphibians; mammals such as monkeys, mongooses, various rodents, and even humans.
[edit] Behavior
The emperor scorpion, like most scorpions, is timid and reclusive. If given a choice they will spend the vast majority of their time hiding in a burrow, only venturing out to hunt. When frightened the emperor scorpion will run if possible, but if it feels cornered it will 'threat posture'. When threat posturing, the scorpion turns to face its enemy while holding the claws up and open, and arching the tail and stinger over its back. If harassment continues at this point the scorpion is likely to sting, but may also pinch with its claws. The pinch is surprisingly powerful (capable of breaking a pencil in half) and the sting, although toxic, has varying affects on humans; some report no problems while others suffer severe pain.
[edit] Reproduction
Emperors, like all scorpions, give live birth to their young. Gestation can last 9 to 18 months depending on temperature and food availability, until an average of 12 young are born. Baby scorpions, called 'scorplings', are born very vulnerable and unable to fend for themselves. The mother emperor cares for her babies in a number of ways, such as fiercely defending them and killing prey for them. Like all scorpions, the young emperors ride on the mother's back when very small. As they molt and grow, they will begin to venture off their mothers back, explore the world and attempt to catch prey. For a few months the scorplings will return to their mothers back when frightened, until eventually the scorplings make burrows of their own and become independent.
[edit] Commercial use
Because of its docile nature and mild venom, the emperor has been used in movies such as 1999's The Mummy and The Scorpion King from 2002. As there are currently no laws in the United States protecting invertebrates from abuse or death, their use in the film industry can involve alleged mistreatment.
In their native land of Africa, emperors are used for food by some native tribes. They are also captured for sale into the pet trade, killed for use in the tourist industry, tribal rituals, and homeopathic remedies both in and outside of Africa.
