Emperor Scorpion

Pandinus imperator

The emperor scorpion, Pandinus imperator, is a large black scorpion from humid forests and savanna-forest edges in West Africa. It has a broad body, heavy claws, and a comparatively thick tail, and it fluoresces bluish-green under ultraviolet light like many scorpions. Its venom is generally less dangerous to healthy adults than that of medically significant scorpion species, but stings are painful and the strong pincers can injure careless handlers. Similar Asian forest scorpions are sometimes mislabeled as emperors in trade.

Invertebrate keepers usually house emperor scorpions in warm, humid terrariums with deep substrate for burrowing, cork or bark hides, and a secure lid. They feed on appropriately sized crickets, roaches, and other invertebrate prey, with a shallow water source available. Handling is best kept to necessary transfers using calm tools or containers rather than bare hands. Because wild exports were heavily regulated after years of collection pressure, captive-bred specimens from reputable keepers are the better choice when available.