The Emperor scorpion is without a doubt one of the most well-known species of scorpion in the world of pet scorpions. Another extremely near relative of the emperor is the Tanzanian red clawed scorpion. It is more likely to be found in the middle of Africa as opposed to the northern part of the continent, which is where the emperors lived. In terms of appearance, it is comparable to an emperor. They should not be handled carelessly under any circumstances because there is a possibility that they could cause injury. The Tanzanian Red Clawed Scorpion’s very moderate sting does not pose a significant threat to the majority of people. It has been said that the Tanzanian Red Claw Scorpion is not overly difficult to care for, but it is still not advised for beginners, and it is frequently easy to find. Keep reading if you’re interested in learning more about the care and handling of captive Tanzanian Red Clawed Scorpions.
Appearance
The Tanzanian Red Clawed Scorpion is a typical species of scorpion that, in terms of appearance, is comparable to the Emperor Scorpion. Their bodies are black, and depending on the environment in which they were captured, the color of their claws can range from brilliant red to a more muted shade of red. A few of them can even have a slight pinkish or reddish hue to their backs. They reach their full size at a maximum of approximately 9 to 12.5 centimeters (3.5 to 5.0 inches) in length, making them considerably smaller than Emperor Scorpions.
Nutrition
The majority of a scorpion’s diet ought to be composed of live insects, such as crickets, locusts, butter worms, super worms, mealworms, houseflies, and cockroaches, among others. In the wild, Tanzanian red claw scorpions feed on a variety of prey, including insects, tiny mice, frogs, and other small animals. You may occasionally entice them with tasty morsels by presenting them with super worms or dubia roaches. Even though Tanzanian red-clawed scorpions may take a big quantity of food during feeding time, they need to be fed no more frequently than once every couple of days. However, scorplings require consistent feeding in order to survive.
Behavior and temperament
The Red-Clawed Scorpion, on the other hand, should not be kept in shared housing since it has a poor relationship with all other species of scorpions, including those with the same type of claws. Because it has a tendency to be more aggressive and prone to sting than the Emperor scorpion, it is not advised for beginners because of these characteristics.
Are they Venomous?
The sting of the Tanzanian Red-Clawed Scorpion is not considered to be particularly dangerous for the vast majority of individuals. Even someone who has been bitten numerous times can develop a hypersensitivity to the bee’s sting. Children and anyone who has an allergy to the bees’ stings are the most at risk of experiencing fatal consequences as a result of getting stung. Because of this, it is imperative that they are handled with the utmost respect and caution at all times.
Habitat and enclosure
As is the case with the vast majority of pet scorpions, the Tanzanian red claw scorpion requires a plastic or glass enclosure to call its own. This should measure at least 18 inches by 18 inches by 12 inches and have a volume of ten gallons for one adult so that it has room to roam around and hide. When choosing a tank for a scorpion, you should focus more on the amount of floor area available because these creatures enjoy the freedom to move about, dig, and burrow.
You are going to need substrate in order to provide a burrowing opportunity for your scorpion. At the very least, this has to be a few inches deep. The following are the substrates that are most frequently utilized by Tanzanian red clawed scorpions:
- potting soil that does not include any fertilizer.
- Peat infused with the bark of orchids
- Humus bricks
- Compost that does not include any fertilizer
Every day, water should be sprayed on the substrate, but not to the point that it should become soaked. It is critical to take preventive measures in order to stop the substrate from becoming contaminated with mold or fungus.
Heating and Lighting: Due to the fact that Tanzanian red clawed scorpions are native to warmer climes in Africa, it is essential to maintain a warm temperature inside their enclosure at all times. For this, you need either a heat pad or a heat lamp. It is possible to position two heat lamps on either side of the tank, with each bulb having its own temperature setting.
Temperature: This species thrives best at temperatures ranging from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius (75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). A temperature gradient is absolutely necessary for the scorpion to be able to control its internal temperature in the appropriate manner. The easiest approach to produce a gradient is with a heating mat specifically designed for use under enclosures for reptiles. The temperatures in various places are being monitored by a number of thermometers that have been strategically positioned.
Humidity: It is absolutely necessary to keep the humidity levels at a high level, between 75 and 80 percent. Using a hygrometer, you might get an accurate reading of the levels if you placed a water dish inside the enclosure and if you sprayed the tank with water every day.
Hides are another excellent choice that you may provide for your pet scorpion. You can accomplish this by utilizing materials such as pebbles, plant pots, cork bark, moist moss, driftwood, or specific reptile hides. You can provide your scorpion an additional area to hide by using artificial plants, which are also wonderful for tank decorating.
Read more about the best scorpions to have as pets at: https://www.herpsupplies.com/scorpions-as-pets/