Tri-Color Burrowing Scorpion
Opistophthalmus sp. (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae)
There are over 59 species of Opistophthalmus, which are native to southern Africa. Although not especially dangerous, they have an aggressive temperament and will sting at the slightest provocation. These scorpions range from 6 to 11 cm in length (Leeming 2006) and makes deep burrows, hence the common name. They belong to the same family as the popular emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator).
Captive Requirements
| Housing: | 6 to 10 L cage for large adults |
| Communal: | No |
| Diet: | Crickets, cockroaches |
| Substrate: | 10 cm of soil or sand mixture |
| Decor: | Rocks, driftwood, bark, water dish |
| Temperature: | 26.7° C (80° F) |
| Humidity: | Low |
| Temperament: | Defensive, will sting |
| Considerations: | Look, don't touch! |
***Opisto***
Opisto died in March 2003.
I got Opisto during the summer of 2002 and he is by far my most defensive scorpion. Opisto is content to sit and do nothing, as are all of my scorps, but he will attempt to sting anything entering his cage. Although I am handling him in the pictures below, Opisto resists being picked up and will pinch until he's released. He is a beautiful and interesting scorpion. Recently, Opisto has been hiding inside a burrow he dug in his cage.
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| Aug. 15, 2002 | ||
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| Feb. 19, 2003: Defense | Feb. 19, 2003 | Mar. 27, 2003 | |
***Pectina***
I bought Pectina in 2003. She was sold to me as a tri-colored burrowing scorpion, but she appears to resemble Scorpio more than Opistophthalmus. She is missing the end of her left pectine. This one died, but I picked up another at ATS.
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| July 29, 2003 | At first I thought she was a Scorpio | |
Copyright © 2002-2006 By Emily Tenczar
LINKS:
Tri-color Burrowing Scorpion caresheet (Petbugs)