Choosing a beginner scorp in the UK

Hey guys, my name is Rob and I would love to have a scorpion (although I'm afraid of holding them now I would love to get over my fear). I'm looking for a scorpion that is easy to take care of, has a decent size and likes to hunt pray, as in not staying hidden all day long. However, any suggestions are welcome. Thanks guys, Rob.

Another cool scorp which is very similar to the emperors is the Asian forest scorp (Heterometrus species). (In this case the word "species" means that the species is unspecified. There are a number of different species within the genus Heterometrus that are very similar.)

In my experience the Asian forest scorps are almost as big as emps but are more active. The downside is they are more aggressive and are quicker to sting than an emp. The venom is low though, level 1 (on a scale of 1 to 5). I have a female Asian forest scorp that almost always eats her crickets every week. She is also out every night crawling around her cage. The care of the Asian forest scorps and the emps is the same.

That sounds very goof indeed, can you suggest what sort of set up would be good? (Give some examples from ebay or something in ukk if possible) thank you

What is the typical temperature of your home and how much does the temp vary?

Currently 23c and it doesn't really change.

Most scorps do well at a temp around 26.7C (80F) to 29.4C (85F).  For a single Asian forest scorp or emperor scorp you would do well with a 5 gallon aquarium which you should be able to buy at a local pet shop.

You will need to raise the temp of the enclosure to around the above temps.  Scorps can't climb smooth glass but if you get the kind of aquarium with a screen top it will give you something to support an infrared heat lamp shining down into the tank.  You could also clamp the light on the aquarium and not use a screen top.  You will have to experiment with the light so the temp is not too high or too low.  A thermometer in the cage will make this easy.  A rheostat connected to the heat lamp is perfect to adjust the temp.

You will also need some substrate and a hide.  I like coco fiber substrate (Such as Eco Earth) which should be available at the pet store.  A rough textured low water bowl that the scorp can climb into is also needed.  This is really all you need for these two types of scorps.  Make the substrate at least a few inches deep as most like to burrow and keep it moist but not soggy.  See the FAQ in the emperor section for more tips (care for an Asian forest scorp is the same).  I would guess that you should be able to find most of these things at your local pet shop.  A pet shop that sells scorps could probably get you set up.

What kind of colors do scorps come in? :)is it only gold and black? Also I want to break my fear so I will have the scorpion climbing over me :DI have done some research but mostly everyone just says emperor is the best beginner scorp, however from everything I read I got the feeling that they are fairly "boring" when it comes to their daily cycle so I was looking for something a little bit more fun. I do like desert hairy as everyone says it is much more active however I don't like the color :/ Do you know of any books I could purchase?

Scorps come in a lot of different colors.  The emps and Asian forest scorps are dark brown/black.  Most scorps are not real active.  They are nocturnal.  They will usually hide during the day and come out at night.  You can get a red light (which they can't see) to view them at night.

There are only a few species of scorps that you can rely on to PROBABLY not sting you.  The emp is right at the top of the list.  Some folks don't like to handle any scorp and say that handling needlessly stresses a scorp.  I like to handle my more docile species a little bit.  I have had three emps and none have ever stung me.  I understand that a sting would probably be like a bee sting (unless you are allergic).

My Asian forest scorp is more active that my emps but she is definitely quicker to sting.  She has both tagged me and pinched me.  The pinch hurt worse but really was not very bad.  I don't recommend handling the AFS (or at least very much).

I love desert scorps but the only one I can think of that will let you handle them is the African Flat Rock scorp (Hadogenes troglodytes).  Their sting is very mild.  These are really cool and VERY laid back scorps but are very inactive.

I think a desert hairy scorp would probably sting you if you picked it up.  That said, they still are a great starter scorp if you don't want to handle them.  There is a lot of choice.  Most keepers are satisfied with knowing that their scorps are thriving and well cared for.  For them handling, if done at all, is secondary.

I would second Hadogenes sp, they are awesome looking creatures. Also very calm by nature.

You have very much grabbed my attention with asian forest scorp, what's the scientific name for it? or is there more spieces to chose from that family?

The scientific name of the AFS is Heterometrus species. According to Wiki there are at least 33 known species and many look very similar. I don't know the species of mine. If you take the time it is possible to determine the species but they all look similar and the care is the same.

I call mine a Heterometrus sp. because I don't know the species (too lazy to figure it out).

Hehe, is there any sign. difference between them? Such as poison/looks?

I don't think there is much difference. I think they all look very similar. I don't think it would make much difference which one you got.