Androctonus bicolor
The black fat-tailed scorpion of North Africa and the Middle East. Small, but with very potent venom.
Species at a glance
- Origin: North Africa and the Middle East
- Size: adults usually 4–6 cm, up to about 8 cm; lives up to 5 years
- Venom: potent and medically significant
- Difficulty: high, for experienced keepers only
Care conditions
- Temperature: 28–32 °C in the warm zone by day, dropping to 22–25 °C at night
- Humidity: low, 30–50%; excess moisture causes fungal disease
- Enclosure: a securely locked terrarium with a layer of sand or sand-clay mix for digging and a bark or stone hide; a tiny water dish or occasional light misting of one corner
- Food: crickets and roaches no larger than the scorpion's body: several times a week for young ones, every 1–2 weeks for adults; remove leftovers
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.
Please note
Keep each scorpion on its own: these species are prone to cannibalism, especially during moulting.