Black Thick-Tailed Scorpion
Parabuthus transvaalicus (Scorpiones: Buthidae)
The Black Thick-Tailed Scorpion is one of several species of Parabuthus. *THIS SPECIES IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS* and should always be regarded with caution. Native to southern Africa, these scorpions thrive in arid environments where they construct burrows. The fat metasoma (tail) and thin pedipalps (claws) of thick-tailed scorpions are characteristics of the family Buthidae, which all of the world’s dangerous scorpions belong to. Parabuthus transvaalicus is a large buthid, growing to 15 cm (Leeming 2006). This species has a strong venom (LD50 4.25 mg/kg) and have the unusual ability to squirt venom from their tails. Deaths have been attributed to this species; however, it is unlikely. Stings usually cause severe pain, stiff joints, paralysis, and other systemic effects (Rubio 2000).
Captive Requirements
| Housing: | 6 to 10 L cage should be sufficient |
| Communal: | No |
| Diet: | Crickets, cockroaches |
| Substrate: | 10 cm of sand mixture |
| Decor: | Rocks, bark, driftwood |
| Temperature: | 29.4° C (85° F) |
| Humidity: | Low |
| Temperament: | Defensive and skittish |
| Considerations: | Potent venom, not for beginners! |
***Butip***
I got Butip in February of 2002. The pet store sold him as a “South American Black Scorpion” (Centruroides species). Upon researching the Centruroides from South America, I realized that he was none of these. Further research and comments from others revealed that he is a Parabuthus transvaalicus, a Black Thick-Tailed Scorpion. I have read that the species is very aggressive, and I have seen an aggressive individual before, but Butip is pretty docile. He was missing the tip of his stinger when I purchased him, so he can't sting (luckily, since the species can be dangerous).
Butip molted in November of 2003 and he is obviously a male (I think....). Butip is more skittish now than before the molt.
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| Feb. 21, 2002 | May 2002 | ||
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November 2003: |
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| Nov. 2003: Butip attacking a cricket | Cute! | ||
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| In the cage... | Out of the cage. | |||
Copyright © 2002-2006 By Emily Tenczar
LINKS:
Parabuthus transvaalicus (Scorpion Files)