Range:

The emperor scorpion is native to western Africa, primarily Ghana and Togo.

Habitat:

This species is native to the brush and forest.

Size/weight/longevity:

The emperor scorpion is the largest living species of scorpion. Adults can reach a length of nearly 20 cm (8 inches) and a weight of more than 60 gm.

Not all individuals reach this large size but instead average 4 to 6 inches. These differences can be attributed to genetic variations among populations, environmental conditions and/or diet. These scorpions live between 5 and 8 years with females generally living longer than males.

The emperor scorpion reaches maturity after 6 or 7 molts that can require 3 1/2 to 7 years. Male and female emperor scorpions can be distinguished by the size of their pectines, which are larger on males. The pectines are comblike structures on the ventral side of the scorpion, behind the area where the last set of legs joins the body. Pectines, which are unique to scorpions, are receptors that the males use to select a site suitable for spermatophore deposition.

Coloration:

The emperor scorpion is black with a red telson (stinger).

Habits:

Scorpions are nocturnal and usually spend the day concealed in burrows or other protected places. Scorpions have eyes that are sensitive to light and they respond to sudden illumination. They use the light source and their wind-sensitive hairs to calibrate their orientation. When disturbed a scorpion runs with its pedipalps held outstretched and its posterior end curved upward. They will sting readily if threatened.

The degree of venom in a scorpion sting varies between species, and although the sting of the emperor scorpion can be very painful it is not fatal. Scorpions use their two pincer-like claws, called palps, to capture, hold and tear prey. They will sometimes sting the prey, but not always. The prey is not taken into the mouth but the body fluids and soft parts are sucked in.

Diet:

The diet consists of insects, spiders, and millipedes.

Reproduction/gestation:

Breeding involves a courtship "dance" which is sometimes referred to as "promenade- a-deux". When a female is receptive, a male grasps her pedipalps (claws) with his own and leads her to a suitable place where he scrapes at the soil and then delivers his spermatophore (a capsule which contains sperm). The male then holds the female over it so that her cloaca picks up the spermatophore. The two animals stay together for about 5 or 6 minutes before breaking away.

Scorpions are ovoviviparous. The babies are born live after a few months. Most scorpion species seem to average between 8 and 13 young. The young scorpions climb on the mother's back where they generally will remain until after their first molt.

At birth the sting is conical rather than sharp. After the molt the young scatter to feed, in some cases the sting is probably functional. The young will maintain a mother-offspring association for several months or even years. In this species, the offspring may even remain with the family group as adults. In some cases, however, if food is not plentiful, cannibalism of the young will occur.

Similar species:

All scorpions are in the same order - Scorpionida. A similar species in the same genus as the emperor is the red-clawed scorpion (Pandinus species). It is important to remember that scorpions and spiders are both in the same class - Arachnida. They are NOT insects!

Wild Status:

Information on wild populations is not easily obtained but the emperor scorpion has been collected extensively for the pet trade. It does, however, reproduce very well in captivity and is often bred.

General comments:

As mentioned, the sting of the emperor is not toxic enough to be fatal; however, this is not the case with all scorpions. Of the approximate 1500 known scorpion species, only 25 have venom that is capable of causing human death. An interesting trait of scorpions is that their exoskeleton is a smooth, shiny armor that will glow green under a blacklight giving them a fluorescent appearance. Only the lenses of the eyes and tips of the sting and appendages do not fluoresce. The functional significance of scorpion fluorescence is unknown. With regards to research it is a very valuable tool for studying nocturnal scorpion behavior. One unfortunate consequence of fluorescence is the advantage it gives commercial collectors. A combination of small populations, slow reproducers and indiscreet collecting can decimate populations.

Like all arachnids, scorpions molt their exoskeleton several times in their lives. The exact number of molts will vary with diet and temperature. The emperor scorpion will go through approximately seven molts over a period of several years before reaching sexual maturity. During the molting process, the epidermis underneath the old secretes the new exoskeleton. Some of the materials are reabsorbed. The blood pressure of the animal increases causing the cuticle at the sides and the front margins of the old exoskeleton to rupture allowing the scorpion to pull itself out of the old exoskeleton.