Androctonus — fat-tailed scorpions
Fat-tailed scorpions of North Africa and the Middle East, among the most dangerous scorpions in the world.
About the genus
The name Androctonus means 'man-killer'. These desert scorpions have a thick, powerful tail and potent venom that causes serious human envenomations in the wild. They live in the deserts and semi-deserts from North Africa to the Middle East.
Care
- Terrarium: dry, with sand for digging and a hide, and always lockable.
- Temperature: a 28–32 °C warm zone by day with a night-time drop.
- Food: crickets and roaches of a suitable size.
- Housing: each scorpion is kept on its own.
Safety
This species' venom is dangerous to people: severe and even fatal cases are known. Keep it only if you already have experience with milder species. Use a lockable terrarium out of reach of children and pets. Never handle the scorpion; use long forceps. Find out in advance where the nearest hospital is and check whether keeping such animals is allowed in your country.