Opistophthalmus glabrifrons

The Opistophthalmus glabrifrons is native to the dry deserts of Africa. It has a strong territorial awareness, is easily excited, and makes a hissing threatening sound, which can usually scare away small rodents. It digs holes and ambushes crickets near the caves. It is divided into two color species, dark and original color.

This genus is distributed in the southern region of Africa (red line and below), especially in Namibia and the Republic of South Africa (red circle), where the diversity is the highest. Therefore, from the perspective of distribution environment, this genus is a population that combines grassland and desert habitats. Due to the habitat conditions, this genus is a burrowing species and is good at digging holes. There are also records that some South African burrowing scorpions have survived natural fires underground. Newlls noticed that the median eyes have the function of observing the hardness and size of sand grains. He detailed the discussion that species that dig hard sand grains will have stronger chelae and more posterior median eyes. Therefore, this genus is named after the Opistophthalmus. However, the shape and depth of the burrows dug by each species are different, possibly depending on the local climate or soil hardness. Some species only dig shallow pits, while others twist and rotate deep into the ground. It is worth mentioning that although this genus is mostly distributed in deserts and grasslands, scorpions can also be found in coastal deserts because some areas are close to the ocean. For example, O.litoralis has been found in driftwood and marine mammal carcasses along the coast of Namibia. This may be because there are other small invertebrates to forage in these areas, so O.litoralis waits for opportunities there. Its specific name also means "coastal".

It is recommended to keep the Huangzhaixie as a pet for those who love climbing. When keeping it, safety should be taken into consideration as scorpions are poisonous. Diet: It likes to eat small crickets, spiders, and small to medium-sized insects.

1. Black Belly Disease

Caused by scorpions eating unclean and smelly food or drinking water. The abdomen of the affected scorpion becomes swollen and turns black. The prevention and treatment method is to isolate the affected scorpion in time, remove leftover food, stop feeding water for a few days, pay attention to food hygiene, and strengthen management.

2. Withering Disease

Caused by the lack of water in the scorpion's nest, resulting in excessive dryness. The tail and posterior abdomen of the affected scorpion turn yellow, gradually wither, and eventually die. The prevention and treatment method is to timely provide water and maintain a certain level of humidity in the nest. The scorpion can recover in a few days.

3. Shrinking Disease

The affected scorpion becomes dry and dull with no shine, the anterior abdomen becomes flat, it loses balance and cannot crawl, it shows fear when encountering food, and it dies slowly after days without eating. This disease can be seen all year round and is often caused by not changing the soil for a long time, excessively dry nest soil, or excessive feeding after the scorpion is excessively hungry. The treatment method is to use 3 yeast tablets, 1 terramycin tablet, mix with water, and force the affected scorpion to drink the medicated water by sandwiching its posterior abdomen. Do this twice a day for 3-4 days for recovery.

4. Black Mold Disease

Also known as fungal disease or black spots. This disease often occurs in the autumn due to excessive or prolonged soil humidity in the nest. The main symptoms include the inability of the posterior abdomen to curl, the body becoming soft, sluggish movement, loss of appetite, and small black spots on the ventral surface of the anterior abdomen. The treatment method is to use 0.25 grams of aureomycin, mix with 400 grams of water, and force the affected scorpion to drink the medicated water by sandwiching its posterior abdomen. Do this twice a day for 3-4 days for recovery. The original nest should be disinfected, and the soil should be changed.

5. Numbness of Walking Legs and Blackening of Feet

This disease is easily contracted when a scorpion is bitten by ants. After being infected, the affected scorpion's legs shrink and cannot extend, losing its ability to move and losing its appetite. When it wants to run or encounters a situation, it starts to jump and roll uncontrollably, and the affected legs gradually turn black, dry up, and die. The prevention and treatment method is to strictly prohibit ants from entering the scorpion's nest, and if they are found, remove them immediately.

6. Hemiplegia

The symptoms of this disease include walking sideways, using one side of the abdomen and the second pair of limbs to walk, and rolling and crawling. The affected scorpion loses all sensation, as if it is not afraid of anything and climbs outward during the day. The cause of the disease is excessive humidity in the nest due to high temperatures and excessive steam. Therefore, attention should be paid to the humidity in the nest.

7. Scorpion Lice

During scorpion infestation, yellowish powdery parasitic mites appear on the body, hiding in the small cracks of the feet, thorax and abdomen, legs, and tail. These small mites are called scorpion lice. The cause of the disease is high humidity in the scorpion's nest. The prevention and treatment method is to make the nest slightly dry, and also pay attention to isolation and use diluted bleach powder for disinfection.

Put coconut soil into the breeding box and spread it evenly to a thickness of 1cm.

Place the cave waterer in and arrange it in the way you like.

Put wooden blocks on the coconut soil.

Put the scorpion in with tweezers.

Feed about 3-5 mealworms a week, not too much.