South African Thick-tail
Parabuthus transvaalicus
The Parabuthus transvaalicus, the dreaded 'South African Thick-tail Scorpion' or Black Spitting Scorpion. It is one of the largest and most lethal Buthids in the world (reaches 5.9 inches and a considerable weight). Dark Black-Brown in color, it is famous for its enormous and thick armored tail (Thick-tail) equipped with a gigantic sting, which contrasts with its tiny filiform tweezers. In addition to the very powerful neurotoxic venom, it has the unique ability to 'spit' (spray) the venom at a distance up to 3 feet into the eyes of the aggressor, causing temporary blindness and intense pain. but deeply dangerous, it requires dry desert cases, long tweezers and mandatory protective glasses for the keeper.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
30 - 45 %
Température ambiante
30 °C
Température diurne
22 - 26 °C
Température nocturne
22 °C
Profondeur du substrat
>= 10 cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographic Origin and Habitat: This recovery makes no geographic-origin or habitat statement beyond the cited facts above.
Taxonomy and Genetics: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy lists Parabuthus transvaalicus Purcell, 1899 at species rank. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy places Parabuthus transvaalicus in the order Scorpiones, family Buthidae and genus Parabuthus. This recovery makes no genetic statement beyond the cited facts above.
Behaviour and Habits: This recovery makes no behavioural statement beyond the cited facts above.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery makes no morphological or sex-comparison statement beyond the cited facts above.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Terrarium Setup: This proposal does not establish a terrarium setup.
Lighting and Heating: This proposal does not establish lighting or heating parameters.
Humidity and Hydration: This proposal does not establish humidity or hydration parameters.
Feeding and Supplementation: This proposal does not establish feeding or supplementation guidance.
Compatibility and Coexistence: In a behavioural study of Parabuthus transvaalicus, venom spraying occurred mostly, but not always, when the metasoma was contacted—usually with forceps—and was absent during stinging-like thrusts without contact. Spraying was significantly more likely when contact was accompanied by airborne stimuli. After forceps grasping, the median latency was 0.23 s; the spray was a brief, fine stream not directed toward the stimulus source. Rapid independent movements of the metasoma or telson sometimes created a more diffuse spray, increasing the possibility of venom contact with the sensitive eyes of potential scorpion predators. The authors conclude that spraying might have an antipredator function and can be modulated by threat. These are experimental behavioural observations, not cohabitation, handling, or safety instructions.
Health and Common Diseases: This proposal does not make a clinical, toxicological, or veterinary claim.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Cette espèce provient de : Sudafrica (Deserti, boscaglie semi-aride del Sudafrica, Botswana, Zimbabwe).
Origine
Afrique et Madagascar
Profil d'invertébré terrestre
- Régime alimentaire
- Carnivore
- It is an extremely voracious and aggressive eater. It will eagerly attack and consume almost any appropriately sized insect, including very large roaches, crickets, locusts, and occasionally small vertebrate prey.
- Taille adulte
- 15 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Terrestrial
- It is a terrestrial, heavy-bodied dweller of semi-arid scrublands and deserts. It is an excellent digger that utilizes its robust physiology to construct deep, extensive burrow systems in the hard earth.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- This species is nocturnal. It spends the entirety of its days completely hidden deep within its burrows or under large rocks, emerging exclusively at night to actively hunt for prey.
- Sociabilité
- Solitary
- It is a strictly solitary and highly territorial species. They are notoriously cannibalistic and must always be housed completely alone in secure, individual enclosures to prevent fatal encounters.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Like all scorpions, they are viviparous. Following successful mating, mothers give birth to live scorplings, which they carry and protect on their backs until they are ready to disperse independently.
- Venimeux
- Yes
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- Display only
- Never handle. It is highly venomous, very aggressive, and uniquely capable of actively spraying (spitting) venom from its telson when threatened. Always use eye protection when opening the enclosure.
- Brumation
- Native to the semi-arid regions of southern Africa, it does not strictly require true brumation. However, it can easily tolerate slight seasonal temperature fluctuations reflective of its natural environmental conditions.
- Mue
- Regular
- Molting occurs exclusively deep inside the safety of its constructed burrow. It requires absolute and total peace during this vulnerable time; do not disturb the substrate or offer any food.
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