help me choose some new scorpions

It’s time for me to add some more scorpions to my arthropod collection. The only true scorpion I currently have is a Pandinus cavimanus (I also have some whip scorpions). So I thought I’d seek some input from the scorpion loving masses…

I would prefer to get species that are active, fairly easy to keep, and can be kept in groups. I also would like species that are good for photography. That means they are either passive (and will sit still) or feisty (and will stand their ground). I don’t need a fast scorpion that will just bolt when it gets a chance. Also, species that are not glossy would be preferred. Likewise, really small species aren’t the best either. Scorpions like Hadrurus arizonensis are really nice to work with.

Here are the species currently available to me at a decent price:

Heterometrus longimanus, Pandinus imperator, Pandinus cavimanus, Hadogenes troglodytes, Hadogones paucidens, Babycurus Jacksoni, Hottentotta trilineatus, Scorpio maurus palmatus, Scorpio maurus fuscus, Parabuthus transvaalicus, Bothriurus keyserlingi, Bothriurus coriceus, Grosphus grandidieri, Compothbuthus werneri, Lieurus derti, Lieurus quinqestriatus, Lieurus hebraeus.

The Heterometrus and Pandinus are out because I don’t need another pet hole. Hadogenes is out because I’ve always found them a bit boring (correct me if I’m mistaken). I don’t really want to mess with anything really hot these days, so Lieurus and Parabuthus are off the list. Bothriurus and Compothbuthus seem like interesting scorpions, but they are pretty small.

So that leaves B. Jacksoni, H. trilineatus, S. maurus and. G. grandidieri. I’m not very familiar with H. trilineatus but they seem sort of average (again, please correct me if I’m wrong). On the other hand, B. Jacksoni and. G. grandidieri are attractive and apparently can be kept in groups. S. maurus, although they need to be solitary, have the right attitude and are cute little things.

So at this point I am leaning towards 3-6 B. Jacksoni, 3-4 G. grandidieri and a single S. maurus palmatus.

What do you think? Do you agree with my logic? Would you recommend a different choice? All thoughts and comments welcome…

Thanks,
EC

I'd go with H.paucidens and P.transvaalicus.. Pretty hardy scorps and underrated to some extent. At least you have 2 with different personalities

Your conclusion seems like a good choice but I would add the H.trilineatus if I was you. Yes, they aren't very "special" because a lot of people seem to keep them but they are hardy, communal when adult, are an easy species to breed, stand their ground when threatened(from what I have seen) and they are beautiful little scorpions.

shadowfoot wrote:

Your conclusion seems like a good choice but I would add the H.trilineatus if I was you. Yes, they aren't very "special" because a lot of people seem to keep them but they are hardy, communal when adult, are an easy species to breed, stand their ground when threatened(from what I have seen) and they are beautiful little scorpions.

Thanks for this. A few people have now recommended the H.trilineatus...I am definitely reconsidering. I'm now leaning to getting all 4 species (B. Jacksoni, H. trilineatus, S. maurus and. G. grandidieri). That will give me quite a range in appearance, behaviour and husbandry needs...

EC

No problem, I'm sure you will enjoy them