This is a specific care sheet for Black Fattail Scorpions (Androctonus crassicauda), for more in this genus see Category:Androctonus.

The Black Fattail Scorpion also known as the Fat Tailed Scorpion, Arabian Fat Tailed Scorpion, Black Scorpion and the Egyptian Gold Fat-tailed Scorpion.

Introduction

The Black Fattail Scorpion is one of the 25 species of truly dangerous scorpions, and is not recommended for anyone aside from highly experienced scientists and hobbyists.

This species is in the top three of scorpions with extremely virulent venom. They are currently listed as number 1 on the LD-50 chart. Some authorities report a sting from a Black Fattail Scorpion can kill an adult human in seven hours. Reactions vary considerably, but children are especially vulnerable and this is not a species that should be considered for any household where children are present. You should also consult your local authorities regarding whether permission is required to keep venomous animals.

The Black Fattail Scorpion is especially abundant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where it is considered a significant health threat, often occurring near human habitations. Desert, and desert scrublands are the Black Fattail’s preferred habitat. They are nocturnal, venturing out from their burrows, or beneath rocks and other debris and vegetation to hunt insects and small mammals at night.

This may be the species referred to in a Persian legend that has scorpions sent by the devil to sting the testicles of the sacred bull, preventing the fertilization of the universe. More recently, soldiers in the Gulf War suffered from the stings of the Black Fattail Scorpion, especially when they staged “scorpion fights” as entertainment. Ironically, the study of scorpion venoms has yielded a drug that is helpful to stroke victims.

It is highly recommended that keeping of these scorpions be left to professionals. Many people die each year from Black Fattail stings.

Description

Despite its common name, the Black Fattail Scorpion varies considerably in colour, from olive brown to reddish brown to slate gray to black. A small, isolated population in Egypt is abnormally pale (hence the name Egyptian Gold Fat-tailed Scorpion). Accurate identification can only be made by experienced professionals who recognize the unique sculpturing on the scorpion’s “tail” segments. Mature specimens can attain 150 mm (4 inches) in length. As with many other members of the family Buthidae, the pincers of the Black Fattail are relatively small and weak, while the tail and sting are abnormally stout and muscular.

Habitat

Maintain a dry, loose (sandy) substrate and offer cover in the form of a rock or piece of cork bark that your pet can then partially burrow underneath.

Temperature

Temperature within the enclosure should be maintained at between 24-29°C (75-85°F).

To achieve these conditions, a range of appliances are available. Specially designed heating pads for this purpose are available on the market and help to maintain consistent ambient air temperatures within the enclosure.

Humidity

The humidity requirements for A. crassicauda are approximately 55% humidity. To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your Black Fattail you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.

Feeding

Water need not be provided continually, and neither is regular feeding a necessity. Overfeeding is more of a hazard than underfeeding, as these are opportunistic hunters capable of fasting for weeks, if not months, at a time. Do not feed immediately after a specimen has molted.

Breeding

Female scorpions are often bulkier and have thinner pincers than the males. However, these differences are usually subtle. The pectines on the underside of scorpions can be inspected to give the you an idea of their scorpion’s gender. Place the scorpion in a clear plastic tub and hold it up to inspect the underside. Typically, males have longer combs on their pectines and females have shorter and often fewer combs on their pectines.

During courtship the male grasps the pincers of the female and begins a shaking action known as “juddering�?. Then, after a short shoving match, the male deposits a spermatophore onto the substrate and positions the female over the packet of sperm. The female lowers her abdomen and picks up the spermatophore into her genital opening. The two separate and often beat a hasty retreat in opposite directions. Females will usually give birth to approximately 12 scorplings.

Ailments

Scorpions are generally quite hardy and adaptable if they are provided with the correct environment. A few signs that may indicate that your pet is not acting or feeling normal are a loss of appetite, acting listless or sluggish, having an overly swollen stomach, and missing or deformed limbs. Another problem can be an infestation of mites.

Molting

One of the most common reasons for the death in scorpions is the moult. The scorpion has a tough outer covering, a cuticle, that forms a rigid exoskeleton. All scorpions must shed their old exoskeleton and secrete a new one in order to grow, this is called the moult. Scorpions will moult from 6 to 10 times during their lifetime. This moulting process takes a lot of energy and they are very vulnerable for a couple of days after the moult until their new skin hardens. For about 24 hours prior to moulting it is not unusual for a scorpion to get quite sluggish. A difficult moult can result in lost or deformed limbs, or death. This is thought to be related to humidity levels. There can be either too much humidity or too little, depending on the species. In captivity a lot of immature scorpions die during the moulting process.

Other problems

Though many scorpions can go for long periods of time without eating, overfeeding can cause an overly swollen stomach as well as the loss of appetite, and even death. The stomach can be slightly swollen from regular eating, and this is not a problem. Another problem can be an infestation of mites. Uneaten food can attract mites, which are very dangerous and stressful to scorpions. Be sure to remove old food.