Reccommended Scorpion Species

Hey guys,
I'm new here, and looking for a little advice on scorpions. (guess I came to the right place, huh?)
I've wanted a scorpion for a long time now, and was originally looking at the obvious P. Imperator, however I've had a few issues with that. Firstly, I was recently told that they were restricted on WC imports due to endangerment, and that I would have to find a breeder., or settle for a Vietnamese Scorpion that my pet shop couldn't really tell me anything about. Secondly, I dont want a "pet hole" so I guess im looking for a more active species.

whilst looking for a breeder/collector, I've also conducted my own research (I've put a lot of time into choosing my scorpion so far..) and compiled a list of species which I'd be interested in owning, Please look through and if there are any there which I may struggle with as a beginner, or you have more to add to the list as a suggestion, pleease do so.

- Pandinus Imperator
- Heterometrus Swammerdami - am I right in assuming this is V. similar to an emp, however mroe active/aggressive?
- Heterometrus Spinifer - similar to above? :/


I'm leaning more towards the Swammerdami, but I'm very open to suggestions.

In the case of the swammerdami, the breeder lists availability as: "Indian Giant Forest Scorpion L2/3 Young" " Indian Giant Forest Scorpion Large juveniles" "Indian Giant Forest Scorpion Sub Adult" and of course, adult. as I've never owned a scorp, I'm not really sure which to get, how small are L2/3 young, or how large is a "large juvenile?" lol. does the L2/3 refer to the instar?


Thanks a bunch,

Heterometrus sp can be very similar in behaviour to emps. I.e. pet holes.

Swammerdami tend to be much more expensive than other scorps as its the largest sp in the world.

If you are after an active beginner scorpion, then I'd suggest Hadrurus Arizonensis - Large, very active and aggressive (generally).

I've posted a couple of reliable sites on your other thread so have a little look at the scorps on those.
And yes, I'd assume that "L2" means instar but I'd ask just to be sure.

binksyboy3 wrote:

Heterometrus sp can be very similar in behaviour to emps. I.e. pet holes.

Swammerdami tend to be much more expensive than other scorps as its the largest sp in the world.

If you are after an active beginner scorpion, then I'd suggest Hadrurus Arizonensis - Large, very active and aggressive (generally).

I've posted a couple of reliable sites on your other thread so have a little look at the scorps on those.
And yes, I'd assume that "L2" means instar but I'd ask just to be sure.

thanks a ton, I called the breeder this morning, and ordered a Swammerdami. It's 3 inches long, and only cost me £5 + delivery, the guy seems very professional, and gave me plenty of advice over the phone, I'd reccommend him. - http://www.martingoss.co.uk/
I've been and made my Viv, if I post a few pictures could you tell me if anything needs doing to it?

Yep, Martin is another reliable source

tel0s wrote:

I've been and made my Viv, if I post a few pictures could you tell me if anything needs doing to it?

Of course

you might still want to get a h. arizonensis. can always have more than one scorp!

I hope these images arent too big. Thansk for taking a look

_scorpio_ wrote:

you might still want to get a h. arizonensis. can always have more than one scorp!

So I've heard, however it's a shame that money isn't an unlimited resource

Looks good

Although I'd strongly suggest adding a second hide of some sort.

tel0s wrote:

_scorpio_ wrote:

you might still want to get a h. arizonensis. can always have more than one scorp!

So I've heard, however it's a shame that money isn't an unlimited resource

enough space on there for 5 more scorpions if you stack 'em! a full setup done it true low budget style cant set you back more than £30 can it? bucket of sand from the beach (well rinsed), old second hand tank (like that one the other scorp is in). i picked up a 80l and a 20l tank from our hairdresser for free and im getting a viv and a 4 footer from our builders for free.
everyone has one in a shed taking up space and just wants to get rid of the thing. the only real cost is the scorp and its dinner, though roaches arent too hard to get going as a self sustaining feeder.

_scorpio_ wrote:

tel0s wrote:

_scorpio_ wrote:

you might still want to get a h. arizonensis. can always have more than one scorp!

So I've heard, however it's a shame that money isn't an unlimited resource

enough space on there for 5 more scorpions if you stack 'em! a full setup done it true low budget style cant set you back more than £30 can it? bucket of sand from the beach (well rinsed), old second hand tank (like that one the other scorp is in). i picked up a 80l and a 20l tank from our hairdresser for free and im getting a viv and a 4 footer from our builders for free.
everyone has one in a shed taking up space and just wants to get rid of the thing. the only real cost is the scorp and its dinner, though roaches arent too hard to get going as a self sustaining feeder.

yeah, I've not even gotten my first one, and I'm already wanting more...lots more...god this is addictive. hmm, would http://www.plasticboxshop.co.uk/6-litre-allstore-plastic-storage-box-556-p.asp suffice for a couple of emperors? maybe a couple of desert hairys?

I've been looking at the Fat tails, however im under the distinct impression that these are *not* beginner scorps?

Heat mat should go on the side, not the bottom.

If you're one of the UK folks, fat tails are illegal without a convoluted permit.

Is there a list somewhere of all scorpions which require a license in the uk?

tel0s wrote:

Is there a list somewhere of all scorpions which require a license in the uk?

You can use this list (you properly wont like the reading ) as all Buthidae species require license in the UK as I recall it.
http://www.ntnu.no/ub/scorpion-files/buthidae.php

So its only buthidae? thanks for the list.
what about the androctonus genus?

oh, seems i've misunderstood the naming conventions. it appears that Androctonus is a sub-genus of the buthid family? or am I incorrect?

Nope, you are correct - Androctonus is covered under the buthid family.

You need a DWA licence for all species in the buthidae family and Hemiscorpius lepturus from the Hemioscorpiidae family.

binksyboy3 wrote:

Nope, you are correct - Androctonus is covered under the buthid family.

You need a DWA licence for all species in the buthidae family and Hemiscorpius lepturus from the Hemioscorpiidae family.

Thanks binksy, you've been extrememly helpful.

No problem

It's annoying I know the amount of species on the list but there's only a handful of species actually worthy of being on the list - It's just that they can't be bothered to evaluate each and every sp so they just placed a restriction on the buthid family as it contains the more potent scorps.

the genus Androctonus is a medically important member of the family Buthidae. It should be noted that a considerable amount of CAUTION should be taken withe any member of the genus Androctonus as they are responsible for more human deaths every year than any Leiurus... Androctonus in Latin means "man-killer."

Some may consider them not suitable to be kept for hobbyist and should only be kept by certified scorpiologist/arachnologist or for purposes of medical research. However, if I can buy a Leiurus in a Malaysian petstore in a mall (which any 9-year old can pick up at their uncanny fancy of the name "Deathstlaker")... I guess its kinda unrealistic to hold up those kinda of ideals... not that I strictly advocate them

If Malaysia is like any part of the world, regular enforcers of wildlife don't know what family means with regards to classification or a genus for that matter...

If the DWA outlaws the family Buthidae... go here to refer to their members http://www.ntnu.no/ub/scorpion-files/gallery.php

binksyboy3 wrote:

No problem

It's annoying I know the amount of species on the list but there's only a handful of species actually worthy of being on the list - It's just that they can't be bothered to evaluate each and every sp so they just placed a restriction on the buthid family as it contains the more potent scorps.

I could not agree more... members of the genus Lychas for instance maybe extremely painful but not deadly outside being in conjunction with any untoward medical condition... are indeed rewardingly beautiful species... as well as Tityus but some species of the genus Tityus (South America) are known for having lethal stings and/or causes progressive morbidity of human tissue

Mr. Mordax wrote:

Heat mat should go on the side, not the bottom.

I agree

I'm not getting any response from him, but had another breeder tell me he could not ship to US due to customs restrictions....I'm wondering if he just didn't have the proper permits, or if the species is restricted? Anyone shine some light on this for me?

tel0s wrote:

binksyboy3 wrote:

Heterometrus sp can be very similar in behaviour to emps. I.e. pet holes.

Swammerdami tend to be much more expensive than other scorps as its the largest sp in the world.

If you are after an active beginner scorpion, then I'd suggest Hadrurus Arizonensis - Large, very active and aggressive (generally).

I've posted a couple of reliable sites on your other thread so have a little look at the scorps on those.
And yes, I'd assume that "L2" means instar but I'd ask just to be sure.

thanks a ton, I called the breeder this morning, and ordered a Swammerdami. It's 3 inches long, and only cost me £5 + delivery, the guy seems very professional, and gave me plenty of advice over the phone, I'd reccommend him. - http://www.martingoss.co.uk/
I've been and made my Viv, if I post a few pictures could you tell me if anything needs doing to it?

there is no restrictions on owning any species in the US...
i dont know why he wont send it, maybe customs will take so long with it he cant guarantee it arrives alive?