This is a specific care sheet for South African Spitting Scorpions (Parabuthus Transvaalicus), for more in this genus see Category:Parabuthus.
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P. transvaalicus is most commonly known as the South African Spitting scorpion. However, other names are used throughout the world, these include: Black Spitting Thicktail scorpion, South African Fattail scorpion and the South African Giant Fat Tail scorpion.
| Scorpion Information (for a more detailed Scorpion care review see Scorpion Care Sheet | |
| Regions Found: | Southern and Eastern Africa |
| Class: | Desert/scrubland species |
| Longevity: | unknown |
| Adult Scorpion Size: | 5 inches |
| Temperament: | Very defensive |
| Claws: | Small yet strong pedipalps |
| Sting Potency: | Severe pain and systemic effects – can be lethal |
| Parabuthus transvaalicus Housing Requirements | |
| Scorpion Housing: | Minimum 5 gallon tank with 4″ of sand |
| Temperature range: | 30°C (85°F) |
| Humidity range: | 50% |
| Special Requirements: | Can spray venom over one metre |
| Parabuthus transvaalicus Breeding | |
| Breeding Difficulty: | Difficult |
| Birth Size: | unknown |
| Danger to Male: | unknown |
| Parabuthus transvaalicus Diet | |
| A scorpions diet should consist mainly of livefood insects such as crickets, locust, butter worms, meal worms, superworms, houseflies and cockroaches. | |
| Recommended Pet Supplies for Parabuthus transvaalicus | |
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Introduction
The largest of the Buthidae family. This, like some other Parabuthus are able to project an aerosol mist like venom up to 3 feet. Effects in the eyes range from pain to temporary blindness. Permanent damage can occur if the venom is not washed from eyes. Goggles should be worn when working with this scorpion.
Habitat
Adults should be housed in a large critter keeper, 5 gallon tank, or rubbermaid type container. Young scorpions can live in small critter keepers or large deli cups. 4″ of sand or sand/soil/peat mix should be provided within the enclosure with rocks or hides on offer for shelter. Sand should be mixed with a small amount of Bentonite or the sand should be wet down and allowed to dry to provide a stable burrowing substrate.
Feeding
Young can eat Pinhead crickets, small cockroaches, meal worms. Adults can eat large crickets. roaches, super worms.