EMPEROR SCORPION
EMPEROR SCORPION Scientific Name: Pandinus imperator Class: Arachnida Order: Scorpiones Physical Adaptations: The Emperor scorpion is the largest living species of scorpion Dark body ranging from dark blue-green through brown to black. Long tail has a mild venomous stinger They have 8 eyes The scorpion’s eight legs qualify it not as an insect, but as an arachnid, a cousin of the spider
Behavioral Adaptations: Scorpions are nocturnal and usually spend the day concealed in burrows or other protected places They use their two pincer-like claws to capture, hold and crush prey. They will sometimes sting prey, but not always. 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
Habitat/Biome:
Primary Diet: Wild: insects, arachnids, mice, and small lizards
CARNIVORE Fun Facts: The chelericerae (pincer-like claws) are similar to those of a lobster The babies are very tiny, about one half inch in length, when they first appear on their mother’s back. The mother protects and cares for the white-colored young, as they stay with her for quire some time. Baby scorpions are called scorplings
tropical forest and open savannas
Distribution: Coastal countries of Western Africa
Additional Notes:
Status: IUCN pop. trend: not listed
Length/Weight: Avg. 5-8 inches/1-2 ounces Gestation: 7 to 9 months Litter: 9 to 32 live young Life Span: 5 to 8 years in captivity
Special Notes: IUCN Category: Not listed CITES Listing: Appendix II Threats Include: Over collection for the pet trade, and habitat deforestation
Information Sources (2011) www.arkive.org www.zoo.org (Woodland Park Zoo) www.centralfloridazoo.org
Behavioral Adaptations: Scorpions are nocturnal and usually spend the day concealed in burrows or other protected places They use their two pincer-like claws to capture, hold and crush prey. They will sometimes sting prey, but not always. 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
Habitat/Biome:
Primary Diet: Wild: insects, arachnids, mice, and small lizards
CARNIVORE Fun Facts: The chelericerae (pincer-like claws) are similar to those of a lobster The babies are very tiny, about one half inch in length, when they first appear on their mother’s back. The mother protects and cares for the white-colored young, as they stay with her for quire some time. Baby scorpions are called scorplings
tropical forest and open savannas
Distribution: Coastal countries of Western Africa
Additional Notes:
Status: IUCN pop. trend: not listed
Length/Weight: Avg. 5-8 inches/1-2 ounces Gestation: 7 to 9 months Litter: 9 to 32 live young Life Span: 5 to 8 years in captivity
Special Notes: IUCN Category: Not listed CITES Listing: Appendix II Threats Include: Over collection for the pet trade, and habitat deforestation
Information Sources (2011) www.arkive.org www.zoo.org (Woodland Park Zoo) www.centralfloridazoo.org
