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Congo Scorpion
Hottentotta hottentotta
The Hottentotta hottentotta, commonly known as the 'Congo Scorpion'. It is a wonderful but hyper-aggressive African Buthid of medium size (2.3-3.1 inches). Exhibits a hypnotic coloring: dark back with filiform legs and pincers of a bright Yellow-Orange or Rust. The amazing biological peculiarity of this species is PARTHENOGENESIS: an isolated female, without ever having mated, will spontaneously generate perfect clones of herself for her entire life (churning out dozens of 'surprise' newborns in the breeding). Fast, lethal and with 'medically significant' venom (severe neurotoxic cramps), this scorpion colonizes sub-Saharan Africa. Requires semi-arid terrariums and is highly not recommended for the faint of heart due to the continuous 'explosive' reproductions.
- Taxonomy
- Class:ArachnidaOrder:ScorpionesFamily:ButhidaeGenus:HottentottaSpecies:Hottentotta hottentotta
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
50 - 60 %
Day temperature
28 - 32 °C
Night temperature
22 - 25 °C
UVB
None
Species description
Geographic Origin and Habitat: This recovery makes no geographic-origin or habitat statement.
Taxonomy and Genetics: The GBIF taxon page identifies Hottentotta hottentotta (Fabricius, 1787) and marks it as an accepted species. This recovery makes no genetic statement beyond those cited taxonomic facts.
Behaviour and Habits: This recovery makes no behavioural statement beyond the cited taxonomic facts.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery makes no morphological or sex-comparison statement beyond the cited taxonomic facts.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: This recovery does not establish a terrarium setup.
Lighting and Heating: This recovery does not establish lighting or heating parameters.
Humidity and Hydration: This recovery does not establish humidity or hydration parameters.
Feeding and Supplementation: This recovery does not establish feeding or supplementation guidance.
Compatibility and Coexistence: The 2007 Acta Biológica Paranaense paper reports new cases of thelytokous parthenogenesis in female Hottentotta hottentotta from West African populations in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Togo. This is a study record on reproduction, not a husbandry recommendation.
Health and Common Diseases: This recovery does not establish health, clinical, or veterinary guidance.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species originates from: Africa Occidentale e Centrale (Savane secche, zone semi-desertiche e boscaglie dal Senegal al Congo).
Origin
Africa and Madagascar
Terrestrial invertebrate profile
- Diet
- Carnivore
- The diet consists mainly of appropriately sized live insects, such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. They are opportunistic ambush predators that rely on their sensitive hairs to detect vibrations. A varied diet, offered once or twice a week depending on the age and size, is recommended for optimal health.
- Adult size
- 9 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 9 cm. The Acta Biológica Paranaense — Hottentotta hottentotta source reports a maximum adult measurement of 9 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). The taxonomic record consulted is Hottentotta hottentotta. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- Terrestrial
- It leads a terrestrial and semi-arboreal lifestyle, frequently climbing on rough surfaces, bark, and rocks in its habitat. While it can dig shallow scrapes, it prefers utilizing existing hiding spots. They are solitary hunters and highly adaptable to different micro-habitats within savanna and semi-arid environments.
- Activity cycle
- Nocturnal
- This scorpion is predominantly nocturnal, becoming active primarily during the night to forage for prey and explore its environment. During the day, it tends to remain concealed in burrows, under rocks, or within natural crevices to escape the heat and potential predators. This activity pattern helps it conserve energy and moisture.
- Sociality
- Solitary
- This species exhibits a solitary nature and is known for being highly cannibalistic, especially when food is scarce or enclosures are too small. Therefore, they must be housed individually to prevent fatal aggressive encounters. Communal setups are strictly advised against for this highly territorial scorpion.
- Reproduction
- Reproduction is characterized by parthenogenesis in some populations, allowing females to produce young without mating. The female gives birth to live scorplings, which climb onto her back and remain there until their first molt. After this initial stage, they become independent and must be separated to avoid cannibalism.
- Venom level
- Highly venomous
- This species is highly venomous, possessing a medically significant sting that can cause severe pain, swelling, and systemic symptoms in humans. The venom contains potent neurotoxins. Extreme caution is required, and only experienced keepers should consider maintaining this species, strictly adhering to safety protocols.
- Handling tolerance
- Display only
- Handling is highly discouraged due to its medically significant venom and aggressive defensive posture. They are quick to sting when threatened. Keepers should always use long tweezers or secure catch cups when transferring the scorpion or performing enclosure maintenance to ensure maximum safety.
- Brumation
- Not required
- Brumation is not strictly necessary for this tropical to sub-tropical species. However, a slight drop in temperature during the winter months can simulate natural seasonal changes and may be beneficial if breeding is planned. Care must be taken to prevent temperatures from dropping too low.
- Molting
- Regular
- Molting occurs periodically as the scorpion grows, requiring a slight increase in ambient humidity to ensure a smooth shed. During this vulnerable time, the scorpion will refuse food and remain secluded. It is crucial not to disturb the animal or leave live prey in the enclosure until its exoskeleton fully hardens.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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