[westcoastwelder]

African Burrowing Scorpion



Species name: Opistophthalmus glabrifrons

Common names: African Burrowing Scorpion, Hissing Scorpion

Origin: South Africa and surrounding countries, they are found in arid or scrubland conditions, determined by the soil more than conditions.

Maximum size: 10cm/ 4 inches, females larger than males of same age

Minimum tank size: 5 gallon tank or similar sized container, this species is not a climber, but it is always wise to keep a lid on your terrarium at all times.

Substrate: hard packing soil, either a tamped composite sand or any other dry soil. The Opistophthalmus genus are all obligate burrowers, and require a hard packed substrate to prevent thier burrows from collapsing. The soil on the bottom of the tank should be more humid/ moist than the top to simulate nature.

Temperature: 80 degrees (26.5 C) or higher, keep within a 5 degree range of 80.

Humidity: low humidity, they do not require heavy misting, only mist the terrarium lightly, and monthly or bi weekly only.

Diet: feed appropriate sized crickets, cockroaches, and large mealworms. The prey should be 1/3 to 1/2 the length of the scorpions body. If feeding crickets, break off thier back legs to make them easier to catch. A water dish should be made available to the scorpion at all times, even if it never uses it.

Gender differences: The metasoma (tail) of the males is longer and thicker in comparison to the females, and the pedipalps (claws) are more elongated on males and bulkier. This goes for the entire Opistophthalmus genus.

Breeding: Breeding in captivity is more difficult than the famous emperor scorpion, but it is done by breeders and hobbyists both. Survival rates in captivity are very low for the babies. I'm unsure of the number born or how long the gestation is for this genus.

Temperment: The African Burrowing Scorpion has a mild temperment compared to most scorpions, but is still easily disturbed. When agitated it stridulates, like all in its genus, by rubbing its chelicerae (mouth peices that resemble mini claws)together which produces a hissing noise. This is designed to scare off its threat, and if it is still being bothered it will throw some bluff strikes with its stinger. This scorpion will almost always bluff first before it strikes the annoyance, but if it is being harmed it will strike repeatedly until let go. The sting of this species is painful, but not threatening to healthy adult humans. The effects last up to 48 hours with a localized pain that is equal to bashing your thumb with a hammer. You should never take the risk of being stung by this scorpion, they should never be handled.

Additional comments: I have kept one of these scorpions for just over a year, it has never molted in my possesion, and appears to be full grown at 2.5 inches long. The colouration of these scorpions is beautiful, the legs are yellow in contrast to a dark body and light tail, and the claws fade from a black or dark brown to a lighter tan or yellow away from the arm. Some of the other species in Opistophthalmus are unbelievably beautiful. I had kept this scorpion as a humid tropical species (which it turns out was very wrong) with little consequence, it is highly adaptable as are most scorpions. The tunnels they dig are very long and deep, up to a meter long and are in an anti-clockwise spiral down. If you purchase an African Burrower, keep in mind you will almost never see it as they spend most of their time underground. To avoid this, offer a thin layer of substrate and lots of hiding places, or to keep them properly give them about 6 to 8 inches of hard packed soil and some cover to start under. This little guy has outlived all of my collection, and is still thriving. Definitely a good choice for a beginner or intermediate keeper.

-Ryan

* picture used without permission from a foreign unreadable site, i figured they wouldnt mind, but I will replace it with a pic of my own soon.