Hi all

Hope it is the right place to ask these questions. ...

One of my buddies is considering getting a scorpion.
Apart from the sites mentioned here, is there anywhere online where he might find info about types allowed/available, husbandry etc.
Also any online stores that sell..

Thank you

Sent from my GT-N7100 a long time ago and far, far away.....

www.petbugs.co.za

First decide on a species and then start looking for info.

I have never done business with them, but deviantexotics.co.za always has a nice couple of scorps for sale.

Thank you.

What would a good beginner specie be ?

Sent from my GT-N7100 a long time ago and far, far away.....

Definitely Pandinus imperator (Emperor Scorpion). I had two of them for my starter scorpion specie! They are usually very docile and even if they sting their venom has little effect. Easy to keep too

Yeah, www.petbugs.co.za and www.deviantexotics.co.za

For a beginner scorpion, it depends.

Most of the Pandinus imperator are wild caught so are likely to die easily, same with Pandinus scavimanus.

I can't comment on Petbugs and Deviant Exotics stock so just ask whether it's captive bred just to make sure.

Now, while this may sound stupid, I personally think Parabuthus schlecheri/transvaalicus are good starters if your buddy is willing to take the risks involved and is responsible enough. They are quite docile (but this varies per individual), eat nicely, are cheap (much cheaper than Emperors) and are very hardy. A good pair of tweezers and some eye protection is a must though

Now, as to what is and what isn't allowed, here's some info:

Rule of thumb is that any local species with Thick Claws, Thin Tails are illegal, while any species with Thin Claws, Thick Tails are legal. All exotic species are legal, just depends on area as the Western Cape is the same there with scorps as with T's apparently.

All Scorpion Archives is in my opinion the best, and if your buddy wants some nicely setup caresheets and has a PC, I can email them to him, but they're web pages that have been saved so I can view them out of the internet.

Now is the best time to get into scorpions, there are loads more coming into the country, some species which has never been kept here before.

Feel free to contact me for more info if required

I'm getting some rare scorps soon so I'm very, very excited