Yellow Thick-tailed Scorpion

The Yellow Thick-tailed Scorpion (scientific name: Parabuthus Mossambicensis) is native to the dry deserts of East Africa. It has a fierce temperament and its venom is deadly. It grows quickly, reaching a length of 12-18 centimeters when fully grown, and has a lifespan of about 15 years. It is easy to keep as a pet. This species is highly venomous and can be lethal, and it is also highly aggressive and not suitable for group living. This species is relatively rare and can be considered a treasure.

Androctnous australis was discovered and named by Linnaeus in 1758. At that time, it was defined as a scorpion that was entirely yellow with no black parts. In the following decades, A. a with black parts was discovered, but it was not classified as A. a. Instead, it was defined as separate species Androctnous libycus and Androctnous hector (I can't remember exactly when, maybe around 1828). It was not until around 1948-1958 that French zoologist Max Vachon merged A. libycus and A. hector into A. a based on body color, resulting in Androctnous australis libycus and Androctnous australis hector, while the originally discovered species became the nominate subspecies Androctnous australis australis. In 1973, a subspecies defined based on protein analysis was named Androctnous australis garzonii. In 1974, another subspecies was defined using the same method, Androctnous australis africanus. The classification of these subspecies has been the subject of debate for several decades and still remains controversial today. I once read a paper discussing the differences between garzonii and hector subspecies, which are both found in Tunisia. The comparisons were based on the number of teeth on the comb-like structure, the width of each tail segment, length ratios, and claw length ratios. DNA comparisons were also conducted, and the conclusion was that the differences were minimal. At the same time, as a species with a wide distribution and large individual variations, A. a shows significant variations in body color, body size, and body proportions across different geographic regions. The current classification may still lack strictness and may even have errors. However, regardless of the classification, australis, hector, and libycus, classified based on body color, are the most common and widely accepted subspecies. Some foreigners even directly refer to these three names as "color forms" rather than subspecies. Body size and proportions are not the basis for classification. (The above was written by Bitter_Creek). As for distinguishing these three species: AAA is completely yellow with almost no black color, and the front end of the pincers is orange. AAL has the additional characteristic of having black color on the tail compared to AAA. AAH is distinguished by a significant color difference between the pincers and the posterior part, which is darker, usually brownish-black, with some black and yellow on the tail. AAL and AAH are the most common in the market.

It is recommended to keep this species for people who love pet crawling. This species belongs to the highly venomous scorpion category. If ranked by venom toxicity, the Yellow Thick-tailed Scorpion can squeeze into the top five most venomous scorpions in the world. There have been occasional cases of deaths caused by its bites in its native habitat. Therefore, if you want to keep this highly venomous scorpion, you must be careful in both management and feeding, and pay attention to safety.

Black Abdomen Disease

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The main symptoms are black abdomen, abnormal feces, inactivity, and loss of appetite in scorpions. This disease generally occurs in winter or early spring, mainly due to low external temperature and high humidity, causing excessive moisture in the scorpion's body. By raising the temperature of the scorpion's nest and reducing humidity appropriately, the occurrence of this disease can be prevented.

Decomposed Body Disease

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The main symptoms are swollen and black abdomen, loss of appetite, inactivity, followed by body decay and mass death. This disease is mainly caused by deteriorated feed or unclean drinking water, which can be treated with antibacterial drugs such as loperamide and a small amount of yeast tablets. Pay special attention to maintaining environmental and dietary hygiene to prevent the occurrence of this disease.

Scorpion Lice Disease

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The main symptoms are extreme restlessness of scorpions and yellow powdery mites lurking in the thorax and abdomen, gradually tormenting the scorpions to death. This disease is mainly caused by excessive humidity in dry scorpion nests. To prevent this disease, 1% bleach solution and 3.5% potassium permanganate solution can be sprayed and disinfected in the scorpion nest, or 4.5% formalin solution can be used for disinfection.

Withering Disease

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The main symptoms are yellowing of the tail, flattening of the anterior abdomen, and lack of luster in the whole body of scorpions. This disease is mainly caused by long-term water shortage in scorpions. As long as water supply is paid attention to and the humidity of the scorpion nest is kept moderate, the occurrence of this disease can be avoided.

This scorpion belongs to the desert scorpion species and has a strong physique that can tolerate harsh environments. It is relatively easy to keep. You can use an acrylic terrarium, line the bottom with reptile sand, and place a shelter. The temperature is best maintained at 25-35°C, and the humidity does not need to be too high, it can be adjusted below 60%. Although the Yellow Thick-tailed Scorpion can obtain water from food, it is still best to place a small cup with a piece of wet cotton or sponge inside to provide drinking water. For food, provide crickets, mealworms, and superworms, etc. Feed once a week.