There are approximately 1,500 different scorpion species in the world, and they roam terrains as diverse as rain forests and deserts. But when it comes to choosing one as a pet you choices are rather more limited, and the most likely species that you will find in your local pet store are: Gold Scorpions, African Burrowing Scorpions, Bark Scorpions, Asian Forest Scorpions, Flat Rock Scorpions, Emperor Scorpions and Giant Hairy Scorpions.
Of these the Emperor Scorpion, Pandinus imperator, is the one that you are most likely to find at you local pet store. Its stunning black body attracts many new hobbyists. After that the next most common is probably the Giant Hairy Scorpion, Hadrurus arizonensis. Larger scorpions such as Heterometrus swammerdami are unlikely to be available, which is just as well since they can grow up to nine inches in length and be quite a handful.
Recently the Asian Forest Scorpion, Heterometrus longimanus, and the Malaysian Forest Scorpion, Heterometrus spinifer, are becoming more readily available. Whichever scorpion you decide to go for in the end you should check that it is not one of the rare species that is harmful to humans. Before purchasing you will need to check the scorpion’s sting, legs, pincers, and pectines (its feelers) to make sure they are all in tact. You should check all the major limbs to ensure that they are in tact.
A scorpion makes a great pet, but there are many aspects to looking after them that require careful research before buying one. An example of this is the vivarium – what substrate with you use? what lighting is needed? what heat lamps are suitable? Beyond this you also need to understand the life stages your scorpion will go through, the molting process and just what they like to eat and drink.
A lot of folks are attracted to scorpions because of the perceived threat they pose. Whilst this is not the case with your pet, there are a few species that are venomous and potentially harmful to humans: Cambridge’s tityus (scientifically known as Tityus Cambridgei) is one you will find in banana plantations, and then there is Parabuthus truculentus – the burrowing thick-tailed scorpion which lurks in the sand banks of rivers seeking it prey. Your pet is closely related to these dangerous spiders, and let that be excitement enough.
So there you have it. Explore the world of scorpions and enjoy.
The scorpion species is certainly diverse. For more information look at http://hubpages.com/hub/Scorpion-Species. Having a scorpion as a pet is , but you must research its natural habitat. Enjoy that scorpion pet.
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