15+ Interesting Facts About Emperor Scorpions

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  1. The emperor scorpion is one of the largest and heaviest species of scorpions. Their average length is 20 cm (7.9 inches).
  2. Emperor scorpions can live up to 8 years in captivity. They have a relatively shorter lifespan in the wild.
  3. These scorpions are native to Africa. Their natural habitat is the hot and humid forests of West Africa.
  4. Emperor scorpions have shiny black bodies and a red stinger at the tip of their tail. Like other scorpions, it glows under UV light and appears bluish-green.
  5. Emperor scorpions are among exotic pets due to their mild venom and docile behavior. Adult scorpions usually do not sting and use pincers to get food. 
    Stinger of a scorpion
    Adult emperor scorpions do not use stingers for hunting

  6. Scientists have used venom in emperor scorpions to kill mosquitoes that spread malaria. Parasitic fungi loaded with scorpine, a protein in emperor scorpion’s venom, are five times more effective than common parasites in eradicating malarial mosquitoes. These genetically engineered fungi can also kill other harmful mosquitoes and tsetse flies. (Source)
  7. The main prey of emperor scorpions is termites, while they also eat insects and small vertebrates. Their feeding habits assist in controlling harmful insects.
  8. Female emperor scorpions are larger than their male counterparts. Females may kill and eat males after mating. However, cannibalism is rare in these scorpions.
  9. Both male and female scorpions achieve sexual maturity at four years. There is no specific season for breeding, and it occurs throughout the year. Females reproduce 10 to 12 young ones after nine months of gestation.
  10. Newly born scorpions are weak and helpless. They ride on their mother’s back before reaching maturity.
  11. Adult emperor scorpions use their powerful pincers to kill prey. Juveniles hunt by using their stingers.
  12. These animals live in burrows. They hide from predators by using the cover of forest debris, leaf litter, and termite mounds.
  13. Like many other scorpions, emperor scorpions are nocturnal. They became active after nightfall.
  14. Emperor scorpions are social animals. They form colonies that contain up to 15 members.
  15. Emperor scorpions have weak eyesight. They use body hairs and pectines (special sensory organs) on the rear side to detect their surroundings.
  16. Before adulthood, emperor scorpions molt six times. This process continues from their birth to three years.

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