Large-clawed Scorpion
Scorpio maurus
The Scorpio maurus, known as the 'Large-clawed Scorpion' or Israeli Gold Scorpion. Belonging to the Scorpionidae family, it is a formidable fossorial of limited size (2-3.1 inches). Although it comes from the same African and Middle Eastern deserts as lethal scorpions like the Leiurus, the maurus has a completely harmless venom and relies entirely on its sturdy pincers (proportionally huge compared to the body and reddish-brown in color) to catch prey. Its immense peculiarity is its behavior in captivity: it digs very deep and intricate dens (up to almost a yard in nature) and if the substrate in the terrarium does not have the perfect combination of clay and humidity not to collapse, the animal will die of stress. Beautiful but incredibly demanding for the setup.
Terrestre
40 - 50 %
25 - 32 °C
18 - 22 °C
Description de l'espèce
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Origine et répartition géographiques
Origine
Profil d'invertébré terrestre
- Régime alimentaire
- Carnivore
- It is an insectivorous ambush predator. It primarily feeds on various ground-dwelling insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms that wander too close to its burrow entrance at night.
- Taille adulte
- 8 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Fossorial
- It is a highly specialized fossorial scorpion. It is incredibly famous for digging exceptionally deep, spiraling burrows in hard-packed soil, relying heavily on this deep retreat for its survival.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- It is strictly nocturnal. To strictly conserve moisture, it stays deep underground during the hot, arid days, only coming up to the very entrance of its burrow at night to hunt.
- Sociabilité
- Solitary
- It is a strictly solitary animal. They are highly territorial over their burrows and will readily cannibalize any other scorpions that encroach upon their established territory.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- They are viviparous. In captivity, this species very often strictly requires a dedicated, carefully managed brumation period to trigger successful mating behaviors and subsequent reproduction.
- Venimeux
- Yes
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- With caution
- While considerably less venomous than Buthids, it is very defensive and possesses large, powerful claws capable of a strong pinch. Handling is not recommended; always utilize secure tongs for transfers.
- Brumation
- Non requise
- Experiencing a distinct winter in its native North African and Middle Eastern range, a significant cooling period (brumation) is often completely necessary to stimulate natural breeding behaviors and maintain long-term health.
- Mue
- Regular
- The molting process occurs deep underground within its burrow. It absolutely requires exceptionally deep, properly packed substrate to ensure its burrow does not collapse during this vulnerable period.
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