Please help ID! Hluhluwe, near Durban, South Africa

Hi guys!

Hoping someone can help me ID this little guy (..or gal?).

My company is doing some anti-rhino poaching drone flying in the Hluhluwe game reserve in South Africa, and they came back to our Johannesburg office with this little fella in one of the toolboxes.

I've put together a small temporary 'home' for him (/her). But, not sure how to configure it optimally, diet, etc...

I have 2 big emperors in my main tank, and had a bit of left over pete moss, which I used in the new 'enclosure' along with a couple different rocks/stones, a bit of wood, little plant, and some gravel / bark etc.

So far I've thrown in a little worm (earlier today, uneaten), and a tiny tiny fly yesterday, which seems to be gone today

If anyone can assist in ID'ing the little dude, I'd be really appreciative!

About 4cm in length from pincers to tail if all stretched out.. Definitely looks like a baby to me, but I'm no expert!

Thanks in advance!!

Dirk

Can we have a closer pic, very difficult to see any definition.

Given the loacation and the picture I think it is a Psuedolychas pegleri, the telson appears to be diagnostic except for the colouring. The P. plegreli however tends to be more reddish from the pictures I have. The adult size is 45mm.

The other contender is the Uroplected olivaceus which is more of an olive grren / blackish colour. These grow to 60mm and the tail is granulated.

so your scorp has the body and telson of the P.p but more the colouring of the U.o.

Better picture will help.

I think it is the Uroplectes 90%.

Shadowfoot might be able to help, but looks to me like one of the Pseudo's or Uroplectes species

I would say one of the Pseudolychas species because of the telson shape but a clearer photo could help.

Wow, thank you!! Appreciate the quick and detailed responses!

Took a few more shots, this time with my SLR, and a daylight lamp - perhaps the pics will give some better insight?

Any suggestions on habitat (/terrain) / diet, etc? Though once I know the species I am happy to do further research myself

Just want to give the little one the best living environment he can get...

I'm gathering thus far he prefers spending time on rock surfaces, and on occasion curled under a rock, any way - far more than being on the pete moss. I assume then he'd originally have come from more of a desert sand type of terrain?

Thanks again, really really awesome to hear back from you guys

See pics below!

Yip, that's a Pseudolychas species, probably P.pegleri by the looks of it. You can keep him on sand mixed with peat with 70% peat. You can also add a small water dish which should always be kept full and a weekly misting would be good. Temps anything in the mid 20's is fine.

Thanks Shadowfoot !

Set him up with a bit of sand, he seems very happy

Not sure what best to feed him, given his size... can't see him appreciating a cricket or meal worm like my emperors.. maybe small (very small) flies ?

In any case - really appreciate all the feedback!

Wish everyone a great week further.

Cheers,

Dirk

You can try chopping up a mealworm or offer him a cricket leg but best would be baby crickets.

Awesome... I'll pick some up this week after work.
Where abouts are you based Shadowfoot? Nice scorp in your profile pic, what is it? Yours?

I'm in the Western Cape. Thanks dude, that's my Parabuthus granulatus.

At that size trying to find small enough feeders can be a nightmare, but luckily I've got a lot of baby roaches (Touch Wood). Good luck with the little guy, the Pseud's are a interesting genus

just bought two just like that and have been trying to find out what spiecies they are
now i know. since i got mine home i fed them small to medium crickets
and they seem content with those. my question is
i was told they are called african flat bark scorppions
and im not sure if i can handle them i have emperors
and olive keeled flat rocks as well.

I've had a better look at them now, those are 100% Pseudolychas ochraceus. Common name for them is Plain Pygmy Thick Tail. I would rather not handle them as their sting is quite painful.

Now that's a scorpion you don't see everyday. (Unless you are from South Africa)

i figured they might have a strong sting but i just wanted to check
before i tried to handle them like i do my emperors and olive keeled flat rocks
but i think id rather watch them in there inclosure then risk a sting thanks for the info. they are really beutiful and thats a great photo of them.

i figured they might have a strong sting but i just wanted to check
before i tried to handle them like i do my emperors and olive keeled flat rocks
but i think id rather watch them in there inclosure then risk a sting thanks for the info. they are really beutiful and thats a great photo of them.