Three-colored Scorpion (scientific name: Opistophthalmus ecristatus) is also known as the South African three-colored scorpion, native to the arid deserts of South Africa. It measures 15-20 centimeters in length and has a yellow-brown color for its cl
Chinese name: 三色蝎
Latin name: Opistophthalmus ecristatus
Kingdom: Animalia
English name: Tri-color Scorpion
The Three-colored Scorpion (Opistophthalmus lamorali) belongs to the Yellow-talon Scorpion genus. The Three-colored Scorpion is distributed in Mozambique and surrounding countries in northeastern South Africa. This scorpion is known for making loud noises by rubbing its mouth (proboscis) against its legs when it feels threatened to intimidate its enemies. Therefore, Opistophthalmus ecristatus (Three-colored Scorpion) is also known as the "hissing scorpion". It is also one of the largest species of scorpions, with the largest recorded individual of the Opistophthalmus genus reaching 210mm in length.
These species are mostly found in the vast tropical grasslands of the African continent and resemble the Middle Eastern Gold Scorpion in appearance. They are mostly yellow or similar in color and have strong pincers and venomous properties, similar to the Middle Eastern Gold Scorpion features.
It is recommended to keep the Three-colored Scorpion as a pet for those who enjoy climbing. It is a fierce and easily nervous desert scorpion species, but it can adapt to large temperature changes. If you want to keep it, the daytime temperature should be controlled at around 25-32°C, and at night, it should be maintained above 20°C. In winter, an electric heating pad can be used to keep it warm. However, if this species is kept for a long time at a low temperature (15°C), it will not only affect its growth rate but also cause it to stop eating or even die, so it is necessary to provide insulation in winter. The temperature should be maintained at around 55-65%, and a spray can be used regularly to keep the environment moist. However, a dry place should also be provided for it to rest.
Black belly disease: The main symptoms are black abdomen, abnormal feces, inactivity, and refusal to eat. This disease usually 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. Properly increasing the temperature of the scorpion's nest and reducing humidity can prevent the occurrence of this disease.
Decay disease: The main symptoms are swollen and black abdomen, refusal to eat, inactivity, and eventually the whole body decaying, resulting in a large number of deaths. This disease is mainly caused by deteriorated feed or unclean drinking water. It can be treated with antibacterial drugs such as loperamide and a small amount of yeast tablets. It is especially important to maintain environmental and dietary hygiene to prevent the occurrence of this disease.
Tick disease: The main symptoms are extreme restlessness of the scorpion, with yellow granular mites lurking in the chest and abdomen, slowly tormenting the scorpion to death. This disease is mainly caused by excessive humidity in the dry scorpion nest. To prevent this disease, disinfection can be carried out by spraying 1% bleach solution and 3.5% potassium permanganate solution on the scorpion nest, or by using 4.5% formalin solution for disinfection.
Drying disease: The main symptoms are yellow tail, flat abdomen, and dull body. This disease is mainly caused by long-term water shortage in the scorpion. As long as water supply is paid attention to and the humidity of the scorpion's nest is kept moderate, the occurrence of this disease can be avoided.
If you want to keep it as a pet, the daytime temperature should be controlled around 25-32℃, while at night it should be kept above 20℃. In winter, you can use a heating pad to warm it up. However, if this species is kept for a long time at a temperature below 15℃, it will not only affect its growth rate, but also cause it to stop eating or even die. Therefore, insulation must be provided in winter. The humidity should be kept around 55-65%, and a spray bottle should be used regularly to keep the environment moist. However, you need to prepare a dry place for it to rest.
You can feed it with crickets, grasshoppers, and mealworms. When it grows big enough, you can also feed it with mice or small rats.
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