Scorpion of the month: By the month of November
Scorpio Maurus Palmatus (Israeli Gold Scorpion)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Subclass: Dromopoda
Order: Scorpiones
Suborder: Neoscorpiones
Family: Scorpionidae
Subfamily: Scorpioninae
Genus: Scorpio
Species: Scorpio Maurus Palmatus
Regions Found: North Africa and the Middle East
Class: Desert-dwelling burrower
Longevity: unknown
Adult Size: 2 - 3.5 inches
Temperament: Unpredictable temperament
Claws:Strong pedipalps
Sting Potency: Not lethal to humans - mild stinging sensation
Scorpio maurus Housing Requirements
Scorpion Housing: Minimum 3 gallon glass tank with 4 inches of sand
Temperature range: 75 - 90F
Humidity range: 55%
Special Requirements: Suitable in groups.
Scorpio maurus Breeding
Breeding Difficulty: Easy
Birth Size: unknown
Danger to Male: Minimal
Description:
They are a quick moving, chunky, small to mid-sized scorpion, 5-8.9 cm in length and has a shiny, straw yellow or golden yellow body and legs with dark tips on its large pedipalps. The short, roundish pincers somewhat resemble boxing gloves.
Behaviour:
Although their venom is considered mild, it varies considerably amongst the subspecies. A sting is quite painful, and some produce more severe symptoms than others. Temperament also varies. Certain specimens will readily ssting if confronted, but all will grab at the annoyance with their pincers. Because of their disposition and the pain associated with a sting, novices should avoid Gold Scorpions.
Feeding:
An insect based diet will provide this scorpion with the nutrients it needs.
Habitat:
Gold Scorpons burrow in darky sandy sils in rocky areas, with hundreds of these burrows being found in a small section of ideal habitat. ith proper substrate and adequate food, a group of sx t eight can be successfully kept in a 10-gallon aquarium that has been set up as a terrarium. Several small flat rocks placed about the surface will enable each scorpion to build its own hiding spot. Tunnel entrances are usually built alongside a rock.
Molting:
One of the most common reasons for the death in scorpions is the moult. The scorpion has a tough outer covering, a cuticle, that forms a rigid exoskeleton. All scorpions must shed their old exoskeleton and secrete a new one in order to grow, this is called the moult. Scorpions will moult from 6 to 10 times during their lifetime. This moulting process takes a lot of energy and they are very vulnerable for a couple of days after the moult until their new skin hardens. For about 24 hours prior to moulting it is not unusual for a scorpion to get quite sluggish. A difficult moult can result in lost or deformed limbs, or death. This is thought to be related to humidity levels. There can be either too much humidity or too little, depending on the species. In captivity a lot of immature scorpions die during the moulting process.
Other problems:
Though many scorpions can go for long periods of time without eating, overfeeding can cause an overly swollen stomach as well as the loss of appetite, and even death. The stomach can be slightly swollen from regular eating, and this is not a problem. Another problem can be an infestation of Mites. Uneaten food can attract mites, which are very dangerous and stressful to scorpions. Be sure to remove old food.
Scorpio Maurus Palmatus (Israeli Gold Scorpion)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Subclass: Dromopoda
Order: Scorpiones
Suborder: Neoscorpiones
Family: Scorpionidae
Subfamily: Scorpioninae
Genus: Scorpio
Species: Scorpio Maurus Palmatus
Regions Found: North Africa and the Middle East
Class: Desert-dwelling burrower
Longevity: unknown
Adult Size: 2 - 3.5 inches
Temperament: Unpredictable temperament
Claws:Strong pedipalps
Sting Potency: Not lethal to humans - mild stinging sensation
Scorpio maurus Housing Requirements
Scorpion Housing: Minimum 3 gallon glass tank with 4 inches of sand
Temperature range: 75 - 90F
Humidity range: 55%
Special Requirements: Suitable in groups.
Scorpio maurus Breeding
Breeding Difficulty: Easy
Birth Size: unknown
Danger to Male: Minimal
Description:
They are a quick moving, chunky, small to mid-sized scorpion, 5-8.9 cm in length and has a shiny, straw yellow or golden yellow body and legs with dark tips on its large pedipalps. The short, roundish pincers somewhat resemble boxing gloves.
Behaviour:
Although their venom is considered mild, it varies considerably amongst the subspecies. A sting is quite painful, and some produce more severe symptoms than others. Temperament also varies. Certain specimens will readily ssting if confronted, but all will grab at the annoyance with their pincers. Because of their disposition and the pain associated with a sting, novices should avoid Gold Scorpions.
Feeding:
An insect based diet will provide this scorpion with the nutrients it needs.
Habitat:
Gold Scorpons burrow in darky sandy sils in rocky areas, with hundreds of these burrows being found in a small section of ideal habitat. ith proper substrate and adequate food, a group of sx t eight can be successfully kept in a 10-gallon aquarium that has been set up as a terrarium. Several small flat rocks placed about the surface will enable each scorpion to build its own hiding spot. Tunnel entrances are usually built alongside a rock.
Molting:
One of the most common reasons for the death in scorpions is the moult. The scorpion has a tough outer covering, a cuticle, that forms a rigid exoskeleton. All scorpions must shed their old exoskeleton and secrete a new one in order to grow, this is called the moult. Scorpions will moult from 6 to 10 times during their lifetime. This moulting process takes a lot of energy and they are very vulnerable for a couple of days after the moult until their new skin hardens. For about 24 hours prior to moulting it is not unusual for a scorpion to get quite sluggish. A difficult moult can result in lost or deformed limbs, or death. This is thought to be related to humidity levels. There can be either too much humidity or too little, depending on the species. In captivity a lot of immature scorpions die during the moulting process.
Other problems:
Though many scorpions can go for long periods of time without eating, overfeeding can cause an overly swollen stomach as well as the loss of appetite, and even death. The stomach can be slightly swollen from regular eating, and this is not a problem. Another problem can be an infestation of Mites. Uneaten food can attract mites, which are very dangerous and stressful to scorpions. Be sure to remove old food.
