15+ Interesting Facts About Emperor Scorpions

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  1. The emperor scorpion, also known as the imperial scorpion, is one of the largest and heaviest scorpion species. Their average length is 180 mm (7 inches). The largest emperor scorpion ever-measured has a length of 229 mm (9 inches). (Source)
  2. Emperor scorpions can live for up to 8 years in captivity, or even longer in ideal conditions. It is one of the longest lifespans among scorpions. They have a relatively shorter lifespan in the wild.
  3. These large scorpions are native to Africa. Their natural habitat is the hot and humid forests and open savannas 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. 
    An emperor scorpion
    Emperor scorpions have a large size and shiny black bodies

  5. Emperor scorpions are among exotic pets due to their mild venom and docile behavior. Adult scorpions usually do not sting and use their pincers to get food. (Source)
  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 in their habitats. 
  8. Female emperor scorpions are larger than their male counterparts. Females may kill and eat males after mating. However, cannibalism is rare in these social 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. Baby emperor scorpions have pale color, which darkens as they age.  
  11. Adult emperor scorpions use their powerful pincers to kill prey. They use these claws to grab and crush their prey. Juveniles hunt by injecting venom through their stingers.
  12. Emperor scorpions hide from predators by using the cover of forest debris, leaf litter, and termite mounds. In their natural habitat, they face threats from other nocturnal animals, such as bats, nocturnal birds, snakes, Lizards, tarantulas, shrews, and mongooses. 
  13. Like many other scorpions, emperor scorpions are nocturnal. They became active after nightfall to hunt prey.
  14. Emperor scorpions are social animals. They form colonies that contain up to 15 members which live in burrows and termite mounds. They dig tunnels deep enough to get necessary moisture and protection from the sun and predators. 
  15. Emperor scorpions have weak eyesight. They use body hairs and pectines (special sensory organs) on their rear side to detect vibrations and smell in their surroundings.
  16. Before adulthood, emperor scorpions molt six times. This process starts after their birth and continues for up to three years.

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