Emperor Scorpion
| Emperor Scorpion | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Emperor Scorpion ( Pandinus imperator ) |
||||||||||||
| Systematics | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Pandinus imperator | ||||||||||||
| ( Koch , 1841) |
The emperor scorpion ( Pandinus imperator ) is a species of scorpion from the genus Pandinus in the family of Scorpionidae . Together with Pandinus dictator and Pandinus gambiensis , the emperor scorpion is currently under species protection.
Occurrence
The emperor scorpion is native to the tropical forests of West to Central Africa, from Mauritania to Zaire . He prefers a relative humidity of 70-80 percent. The daytime temperature is 26–28 ° C, at night it is 20 to a maximum of 25 ° C.
features
Body features
The emperor scorpion is up to 15 centimeters, rarely 20-25 centimeters, and weighs between 30 and 50 grams in the adult stage. Pregnant females are significantly larger and heavier than their conspecifics. The animals appear glossy black (in incandescent light) and can iridescent olive green in sunlight, in mixed light ( black light with incandescent light) the animals iridescent turquoise blue, in pure black light the animals fluoresce (white to neon yellow).
Behavioral traits
This species is one of the few representatives of the scorpions that can socialize in groups. The emperor scorpion is not aggressive and does not attack conspecifics. However, when food is scarce, cannibalism occurs .
The emperor scorpion can move very quickly over short distances. He reacts to disturbances with a typical threatening posture, but even then is not aggressive and backs away from vertebrates from adult mice. Emperor scorpions can see comparatively well and recognize other animals at a distance of about one meter if they are moving.
He occupies an area of about 50 by 50 centimeters that is defensively defended and quickly abandoned. He wanders long distances, taking many breaks. Like many Scorpios, he has very little stamina during his activity phases. It is nocturnal and does not leave its hiding spots during the day. This species also shows a low need for climbing, which is rarely found in other scorpions, and climbs over roots and sticks in the ground area up to about 30 centimeters of vegetation height. Caves are dug up to 35 centimeters deep into the ground.
Reproduction and life cycle
The animals are viviparous and, after a gestation period of around 12–15 months, give birth to up to fifty whitish young animals (normally 15–25) that have hatched from eggs in the womb. The young gradually leave the womb, the birth process can take several (1–4) days. The females take care of the brood and carry the young around on their bodies for up to 20 days, with the latter mostly clinging to their backs, but also sitting on the stomach and on the pedipalps .
The young animals are white after birth and their compact bodies contain proteins and nutrients that last for about 4 to 6 weeks of life. They harden their shell within about 14 days, which turns black in the process, and can then take in food independently. First of all, they eat food animals that have been hunted by their mother. With increasing age they separate and look for their own territories, but also form small groups in which people live together peacefully.
The animals grow rapidly, live for about 15 years and are fully grown (adult size) after 6–7 years.
Poison of the emperor scorpion
The poison, one as Scorpin designated peptide , is largely safe from excessive toxicity and for humans. However, a sting can be extremely painful. The symptoms are similar to those of a bee sting. In rare cases, when there is an allergy to the poison, shock effects occur that can lead to death.
Unlike many other scorpions, the emperor scorpion only rarely uses its sting. Younger animals still sting occasionally, with increasing age they become increasingly lazy. The amount of the administered poison can be well dosed by the emperor scorpion. There are about two drops available. However, even after severe annoyance, they inject no or only a small amount of the poison actually available to them, which further reduces the effect. The powerful pedipalps are also used for defense. The emperor scorpions kill their prey mainly with these claws. In the case of violent fights or bites by rodents, however, the poison sting is used. The maximum dose reaches about two guinea pig units . The emperor scorpion is immune to its own poison.
nutrition
Emperor scorpions, like all scorpions, live raptorically and feed on any living prey they can overpower. These include cockroaches, crickets and other insects. Naked young mice can also be captured by the emperor scorpion. He is very strong and agile.
Prey does not appear attractive again until three days after the last meal at the earliest. The animals generally have a good appetite , but can starve for several months without losing weight. There are significant fluctuations in food intake.
Emperor scorpions and people
On the one hand, the emperor scorpion has an impressive appearance and, on the other hand, its biology shows numerous characteristics that make it suitable for keeping in captivity. Above all, its low toxicity, its laziness and its calm demeanor have contributed to its popularity. Its demands are also well compatible with human living spaces, it is considered an easily durable animal. The import of animals (mainly from West Africa ) increased steadily until the mid-1990s . It is estimated that around 100,000 copies were introduced annually through 1996. In order to protect the species from possible extinction, it was placed under species protection together with two other Pandinus species (WA Appendix B of EC Regulation 338/97) and today requires a certificate of origin and a registration number. However, this rule has been discontinued in some federal states and is no longer valid in Baden-Württemberg , for example .
The animals can be bred well in captivity.
photos
Mother with newborn baby boy
Pandinus imperator mother with her newly born young
Pandinus imperator mother with her young
A newly born Pandinus imperator
Adult Emperor Scorpion (female)
Pandinus Imperator on the hunt
Web links
- German Arachnological Society V. (DeArGe) - Association that looks after the research and transmission of information from arachnids (publication organ : ARACHNE - ISSN 1613-2688 )
swell
- Herbert Schiejok et Mark Moelter: Genus: Pandinus, Species Pandinus Imperator. Buthus, Remscheid 1999, ISBN 3-931707-06-7
- Ann Webb, Herbert Schiejok: Scorpions. bede, Ruhmannsfelden 1999, ISBN 3-933646-16-2