Black Thick-tailed Scorpion

This is a semi-desert scorpion with an exceptionally thick tail, which gives it greater strength compared to most scorpions. It feeds on small crickets, spiders, and other small to medium-sized arthropods, and even consumes the carcasses of some large insects. It is known as the "Black Thick-tailed Scorpion" in Chinese.

Scientific Classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Arachnida
• Order: Scorpiones
• Genus: Androctonus
• Species: Androctonus australis
• Subspecies: Androctonus australis hector

Parabuthus genus, commonly known as the Thick-tailed scorpion. However, species such as Parabuthus Stridulus, Parabuthus Gracilis, and Parabuthus Brevimanus all have thin tails. Obviously, the translation "Thick-tailed scorpion" cannot accurately encompass all species in this genus. Splitting the name, "Para" means "assistant" and "buthus" means "scorpion". Compared to Parabuthus villosus, the Thick-tailed scorpion has more hair on its tail and is also known as the Tri-colored Thick-tailed scorpion. It is the only scorpion in the world that is active during the daytime and is mainly distributed along the west coast of Africa.

The specific name "transvaalicus" refers to a location in South Africa, specifically the Transvaal Province, so the accurate translation would be "Transvaal Province assistant scorpion".

Recommended for pet lovers, the Black Thick-tailed Scorpion is easy to care for and has a good appetite. It is more difficult to keep it alive than to kill it, as it is an independent hunter. Unlike rainforest scorpions, the desert scorpion is not as troublesome. The Black Thick-tailed Scorpion has a fierce temperament, like most desert scorpions. It actively hunts for objects of similar size but is relatively docile towards humans or larger objects. However, there is a significant variation in individual behavior.

Black abdomen disease: The main symptoms are black abdomen, abnormal feces, inactivity, and loss of appetite. This disease generally occurs in winter or early spring, mainly due to low external temperature and high humidity, which leads to excessive moisture in the scorpion's body. Reasonably increasing the temperature of the scorpion nest and reducing humidity can prevent the occurrence of this disease.

Decaying body disease: The main symptoms are swollen and black abdomen, loss of appetite, inactivity, and subsequent decay of the whole body, resulting in mass death. This disease is mainly caused by deteriorated feed or unclean drinking water, and can be treated with antibacterial drugs such as luteotrin and a small amount of yeast tablets. It is particularly important to maintain environmental and dietary hygiene to prevent the occurrence of this disease.

Scabies disease: The main symptom is extreme restlessness of the scorpion, with yellow granular mites lurking in the chest and abdomen, gradually torturing the scorpion to death. This disease is mainly caused by excessive humidity in the dry scorpion nest. To prevent this disease, a 1% bleach solution and a 3.5% potassium permanganate solution can be sprayed and disinfected in the scorpion nests, or a 4.5% formalin solution can be used for disinfection.

Drying disease: The main symptoms are yellow tail, flat front abdomen, and lack of luster throughout the body. This disease is mainly caused by long-term lack of water in the scorpion. As long as water supply is observed and the humidity of the scorpion nest is kept moderate, this disease can be avoided.

Temperature range: 25-32 degrees; Humidity range: 30-40%

Substrate: Sand

There are also two other species of Black Thick-tailed Scorpions, Yellow Thick-tailed Scorpions (not Yellow Fat-tailed Scorpions) and Albino Black Thick-tailed Scorpions. Albino Black Thick-tailed Scorpions can be found in the domestic market, while Yellow Thick-tailed Scorpions are rare. For the substrate of Black Thick-tailed Scorpions, sand and river sand can be used, but the rough parts should be filtered out to avoid injuring the scorpions. No water bowl is needed. Water should be provided to the scorpions by using a dropper to avoid excessive humidity and prevent the scorpions from developing mold.