Pandinopsis (Dictator Scorpion) Care Guide:

Relevant species:

Pandinopsis dictator.

Basic Care:

Venom Potency -

No in-depth research about Pandinopsis venom, however it is most likely similar to that of P. imperator (LD50 of 0.2 μg/mouse). 

Potential envenomation side effects may include: local pain, inflammation, swelling, itchiness/red skin, slight burning sensation, allergic reaction and anaphylaxis (extreme allergic reaction).

 

Enclosure size -

30cm(L) x30cm(W) x30cm(H) - 45cm(L) x45cm(W) x 30cm(H)

 

Substrate - 

4" Deep as a minimum, they are a fossorial/terrestrial species (likes to both burrow and hide on the surface underneath objects). No maximum amount of substrate. 

Ensure substrate is a forest soil or coco fibre, not any type of bark, chips or anything else.

 

Temperature and Humidity - 

Temperature should be 27°C - 32°C/80°F - 90°F

Humidity should be between 75% RH - 85% RH. The substrate should not leak water when squeezed, a few drops are fine as long as it's not a lot.

 

Feeding - 

Offer food once per week for adults, and offer up to twice per week for anything less than 3i. Offer food once per week if kept solitary, twice per week if kept communally.

2i - Feed small pre-killed prey item such as a mealworm. May be best to cut a small mealworm in half.

3i - Attempt to feed small, live prey such as small mealworms. If the scorpion does not take to the prey, try pre-killing it. 

4i + - Feed live prey, no larger than 3/4 the size of the scorpion. If near pre-moult, no larger than 1/2 the size of the scorpion. 

If your scorpion does not eat for a long time (up to a year), do not stress, scorpions have a very slow metabolism; if they are not hungry they will not eat. You can always try offering different food sources, or just waiting an extra week before attempting to feed.

 

Solitary or Communal? -

Pandinopsis dictator can be kept communally, as long as each member is fed regularly. Failure to do so can result in cannibalism. 

Cannibalism, even if the scorpions are well fed, can still occur no matter the conditions.

 

Hides -

Always keep at least one hide in a solitary enclosure, and 3+ in a communal enclosure.

 

Water bowls -

Scorpions do not need water bowls, they receive most of their water intake from their prey. With arid scorpions, spray the side of the enclosure (glass/plastic/acrylic/material used for the enclosure) with a bit of water every 3 weeks so they can have the opportunity to drink. With humid species, they will drink from the substrate or side of the enclosure if necessary. Water bowls, if anything, are just an extra risk.

 

 

 

 

Extra information -

 

Ultra-Violet Light/Radiation - 

Avoid using UV torches/blacklights on your scorpions. Only ever use them to find your scorpion in the event of having to open the enclosure, or to take some quick photos. This is due to ultra-violet radiation being detrimental to a scorpions health. 

A scorpion's exoskeleton will fuse to it's body, resulting in the scorpion struggling to move or dying during moult. 

Suitable Products:

Click on the images to direct you to the products.

Exo Terra 30cm x 30cm x 30cm Glass Enclosure

Soil-Based Substrate

Misters

Cork Bark Flats

Heating Equipment

Accessories

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Helping your scorpions thrive.

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