Hadogenes granulatus

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This is a specific care sheet for Flat-rock scorpions (Hadogenes granulatus), for more in this genus see Category:Hadogenes.

[edit] Introduction

The common name for the Hadogenes genus is Flat-rock scorpion, and aptly describes this unique collective of African scorpions. They are distinctively flat with very long, incredibly thin metasomas. This enables them to live in the narrow spaces between rocks. The majority of the 16 species of this genus lives in South Africa and are very rarely exported. Two that range into Zimbabwe and Mozambique (H.granulatus and H. troglodytes) find their way into the pet trade occassionaly. Although some dealers offer specimens labeled as H. bicolor, a South African species, its identity is questionable.

[edit] Description

Hadogenes are large to very large, but not heavy bodied or massive like Pandinus or Heterometrus. The maximum recorded overall length of a male H. troglodytes is 8.3 inches or 21 cm. Their large, strong elongated pedipalps and flat pincers continue the flattened design and are well adapted for grabbing prey hiding in cracks and fissures. They also use their broad, flattened pedipalps surfaces as shields to block the entrance to their retreat.

At first sight, these scorpions are so flat that they appear to have been squashed. Flat-rock scorpions are seasonably available, although in short supply and relatively expensive.

[edit] Habitat

Hadogenes require dry cages with a carefully arranged and secure stack of rocks or slate providing several narrow tight-fitting hiding places. Because they are territorial, they should be kept singularly. Although they rarely drink, a shallow water container of fresh water should be provided.

[edit] Temperature

The temperature requirements for H. granulatus are between 25-30°C (77 - 86°F). A temperature gradient is important to allow your scorpion to regulate their body temperature as needed. The easiest way to provide the gradient is by using a heating mat designed for use under reptile tanks. This should be placed under no more than about 1/3 of the tank, so your pet can move from warmer to cooler temperatures if desired. Always verify that appropriate temperatures are being provided by using accurate thermometers in a few locations within the enclosure.

[edit] Humidity

H. granulatus requires a humidity of approximately 60%. To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your scorpion you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.

[edit] Behaviour

Many flat-rock scorpions are slow to run, docile and rarely sting. The toxicity of their venom ranks amongst the lowest of all scorpions, causing little if any reaction in humans. Although these attributes make them highly desirable to the novice keeper, they are more delicate than Emperor and Forest scorpions.

[edit] Feeding

Baby scorpions can be fed crushed pinhead crickets. Adults will eat crickets or other large insects.

[edit] Breeding

Female scorpions are often bulkier and have thinner pincers than the males. However, these differences are usually subtle. The pectines on the underside of scorpions can be inspected to give the you an idea of their scorpion’s gender. Place the scorpion in a clear plastic tub and hold it up to inspect the underside. Typically, males have longer combs on their pectines and females have shorter and often fewer combs on their pectines.

During courtship the male grasps the pincers of the female and begins a shaking action known as “juddering”. Then, after a short shoving match, the male deposits a spermatophore onto the substrate and positions the female over the packet of sperm. The female lowers her abdomen and picks up the spermatophore into her genital opening. The two separate and often beat a hasty retreat in opposite directions. Females will usually give birth to approximately 12 scorplings.

[edit] Ailments

Scorpions are generally quite hardy and adaptable if they are provided with the correct environment. A few signs that may indicate that your pet is not acting or feeling normal are a loss of appetite, acting listless or sluggish, having an overly swollen stomach, and missing or deformed limbs. Another problem can be an infestation of mites.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.