Emperor Scorpion
Pandinus imperator
Distribution,
Climate & Habitat: found in Western Africa in tropical and subtropical
rainforest. Requires high humidity
Size: adults vary from 12 to 20 centimetres in length
Diet: insects, other arachnids, small lizards and small mammals
Appearance:jet black all over with whitish membranes between the body plates. The stinger is a dark red colour. The claws (called chelae) are large and the tail relatively small, as this species prefers to subdue prey with the chelae rather than a sting. The feet bare curved hooks for gripping onto rocks, wood and other surfaces. Fine hairs (called trichobothria) cover much of the body, especially the chelae, and detect the slightest vibration, which may signal an approaching predator or prey
Habits:
this large forest scorpion, often called "king of the scorpions",
lives in burrows on the forest floor. Prey as large as geckoes, skinks and adult
mice may be preyed upon, and anything smaller than the scorpion itself may be
on the menu!
Unlike most scorpions the Emperor is also quite social and it can live in colonies
Fascinating Fact:
although reluctant to sting, Emperor scorpions can do so, usually in self-defence.
It has been likened to a bee sting or an electric shock, the pain being short-lived,
but the venom is toxic