This is a specific care sheet for Gold Scorpions (Scorpio maurus), for more in this genus see Category:Scorpio.
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The Gold Scorpion also known as the Large-Clawed Scorpion or Israeli Gold scorpion. This species is native to a large region of western Africa and the Middle East as far east as Iraq and Iran.
| Scorpion Information (for a more detailed Scorpion care review see Scorpion Care Sheet | |
| Regions Found: | North Africa and the Middle East |
| Class: | Desert-dwelling burrower |
| Longevity: | |
| Adult Scorpion Size: | 2 – 3.5 inches |
| Temperament: | Unpredictable temperament |
| Claws: | Strong pedipalps |
| Sting Potency: | Not lethal to humans – mild stinging sensation |
| Scorpio maurus Housing Requirements | |
| Scorpion Housing: | Minimum 3 gallon glass tank with 4 inches of sand |
| Temperature range: | 75 – 90F |
| Humidity range: | 55% |
| Special Requirements: | Suitable in groups. |
| Scorpio maurus Breeding | |
| Breeding Difficulty: | Easy |
| Birth Size: | unknown |
| Danger to Male: | Minimal |
| Scorpio maurus 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 Scorpio maurus | |
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Description
They are a quick moving, chunky, small to mid-sized scorpion, 5-8.9 cm in length and has a shiny, straw yellow or golden yellow body and legs with dark tips on its large pedipalps. The short, roundish pincers somewhat resemble boxing gloves.
Behaviour
Although their venom is considered mild, it varies considerably amongst the subspecies. A sting is quite painful, and some produce more severe symptoms than others. Temperament also varies. Certain specimens will readily ssting if confronted, but all will grab at the annoyance with their pincers. Because of their disposition and the pain associated with a sting, novices should avoid Gold Scorpions.
Feeding
An insect based diet will provide this scorpion with the nutrients it needs.
Habitat
Gold Scorpons burrow in darky sandy sils in rocky areas, with hundreds of these burrows being found in a small section of ideal habitat. ith proper substrate and adequate food, a group of sx t eight can be successfully kept in a 10-gallon aquarium that has been set up as a terrarium. Several small flat rocks placed about the surface will enable each scorpion to build its own hiding spot. Tunnel entrances are usually built alongside a rock.
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.
Availability
The most readily available subspecies is the Egyptian Gold Scorpion S. maurus palmatus and are usually readily available in specialist pet stores.