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