There are about 1,500 different species of scorpions crawling around the world in a variety of habitats including rain forests, deserts,woodlands, grasslands and more. However, they prefer tropical or subtropical warm environments. Scorpions are becoming increasingly popular as pets, especially emperor scorpions. They are not great for handling, but they are quiet, clean and easy to care for. With a lifespan of six to eight years, they require a fairly long-term commitment.
Emperors are large scorpions at around six inches long. They are black (with green or brown hues) and have an impressive set of pedipalps (claws). As far as scorpions go, they are quite docile, but handling isn't recommended. Emperor scorpions can live together provided there is enough space and food for each one; otherwise they will fight to the death over food.
Scorpions are relatively inexpensive to buy and require very little maintenance; you can easily find them at pet shops, reptile shows and through dealers and breeders.
Risks of Handling Scorpions
Emperor scorpions are not particularly dangerous, in contrast to some other scorpion species. All scorpions sting, however, and their sting has been likened to that of a bee as it is painful. However, some people may have an anaphylactic reaction to the venom as they do with bee stings.
Some say that emperor scorpions are more likely to pinch you with their pedipalps, and this can be painful too. In any case, handling pet scorpions isn't recommended in part because of the risks, but also because scorpions are likely to be stressed if handled. Use a pair of long handled forceps with foam over the grips to pick up the scorpion by the stinging end if you need to handle it.
Check out some exotic and entertaining names for scorpions which include some names of Roman emperors, paying homage to your emperor scorpion!
- Caesar Augustus--the first Roman "imperator," or emperor
- Didius Julianus
- Dogo, which means "small" in Swahili
- Domitia Longina
- L. Domitius Domitianus
- Eusi, which means "black" in Swahili
- General Tsao
- Giftig, which means "poison" in African
- Jumbe, which means "leader" in Swahili
- Klein, which means "black" in African
- Krull Dragonslayer
- Magnus Maximus
- Marcus Aurelius
- Midnight Star
- Mfalme, which means "king" in Swahili
- Napoleon Bonaparte--declared himself Emperor of France in 1804
- Nerva, Trajan, Hadrius, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius--the "Five Good Emperors" who ruled in Rome
- Nge, which means "scorpion" in Swahili
- Pescennius Niger
- Poison Berry
- Special Ed
- Emperor Scorpions
- Scorpion Photo Gallery