Please would some one help me to get 1

link to photos www.sareptiles.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=23364

That is beautiful

Ok, so I have been keeping scorpions since I was 10 and kept around 1500 scorpions over the years.

Scorpions are by FAR more active than most species of tarantula and therefore a different kind of interesting - I dare not say more interesting than T's

In terms of what to get, well unfortunately you do not have many options. Also, the lack of experience with scorpions worries me.

Pandinus imperator (Emperor Scorpion) is the most common scorpion in the pet trade. Most specimens have a pleasant demeanor and dont mind being handled and they are communal as well. I say most because I got stung a few weeks back whilst trying to photograph one...

Goodluck in finding Androctonus species in SA - I had them last in my collection in the mid 90's and haven't seen them since. Also, Androctonus has potent venom - if you get stung, you will most probably die and if you dont, you will have millions in hospital bills to pay off - it is not a beginner scorpion.

Parabuthus species are the SA equivalent of Androctonus species, but their venom is a little less potent - HOWEVER - stings from P. granulatus and P. transvaalicus have been known to cause fatalities.

The problem is, everyone reacts differently to invenomation. For example, if you are allergic to bee stings, I wouldn't recommend getting stung by any scorpion. How you react to a sting will depend on weight, body fat, age, general health etc etc.

The sting from Uroplectes species isn't that bad, it just stings like a mother for 20min of so, a bit of redness and maybe swelling, but nothing life threatening - but this might not be the same result for you or someone else who gets stung - it might have a worse effect on you or someone else.

You mentioned "rock scorpions" - please be aware that it is illegal to keep rock and burrowing scorpions with permits from Natcon.

It all depends what you "want" from keeping scorpions. they are not going to roll over and play dead, or play fetch . They are nocturnal and therefore most active at night.

Something cool is a communal setup of Emperor Scorpions with a UV light - at night you will see these neon green monsters doing there thing.

The only way you will ultimately learn is to jump inn and keep whatever it is you want. In all my years of keeping scorpions, I have never been stung by anything considered lethal or dangerous when it comes to venom and the only time I have been stung, is when I have been stupid and let down my guard.

What I can say about scorpions, irrespective of the species, is that they command respect.

In my experience scorpions are way more forgiving than T's in terms of how they are kept and heaven forbid "neglected". They are hardier and demand less attention (feeding, watering, humidity etc).

I would start by making sure that you have the necessary tools for keeping scorpions for example a loooong pair of foreceps. Never handle, even with foreceps unless it is absolutely necessary!

Also, if you are thinking of something like Parabuthus transvaalicus, be aware that they can spray their venom if startled or provoked.

Parabuthus and Uroplectes species are agro by nature. Obviously the age/sixe of the specimen will also determine how much damage a sting will do.

I have Parabuthus species and Uroplectes species of various ages/sizes available. I also have fairly large emperor scorpions available.

Quite a few members on this forum have various scorpions from me.

I hope that helps?

D

WOW :woohoo: what a list

im looking for somthing very impressive like the same effect as when you see a Goliath bird eater that WOW effect.... want a venomous one, think i can handle it not literaly thou lol somthing big with a mother of a tail... any suggestions?