Pandinus cavimanus
From WikiPets
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This is a specific care sheet for Tanzanian Redclaw Scorpions (Pandinus cavimanus), for more in this genus see Category:Pandinus.
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Also known as the "Tanzanian Redclaw," the Red Claw Scorpion is among the most popular scorpions kept by hobbyists today.
The Red Claw Scorpion is more aggressive than the popular Emperor Scorpion, and for this reason they are generally not recommended for beginners. The Red Claw Scorpion is described as relatively easy to care for, and is usually not difficult to obtain. Most humans do not suffer excessively by the Red Claw Scorpion's mild sting. Those who have been stung compare it to a bee sting. Though they are fairly safe, they should still be treated with respect and can be dangerous. Even an adult who has been stung several times could develop hypersensitivity to their sting. Children and those allergic to their sting could face fatal consequences if stung. For this reason, they should always be handled with respect and care.
Scorpion Information (for a more detailed Scorpion care review see Scorpion Care Sheet  | |
| Regions Found: | African tropical rainforest, mainly Tanzania |
| Class: | Primarily terrestrial |
| Longevity: | 5-8 years in captivity and 3-7 years in the wild. |
| Adult Scorpion Size: | 4 - 5 inches |
| Temperament: | more aggressive than the benchmark Emperor scorpion |
| Claws: | Strong pedipalps |
| Sting Potency: | Not lethal to humans - known to be slightly stronger than a bee sting |
| Pandinus cavimanus Housing Requirements | |
| Scorpion Housing: | Minimum 10 gallon glass tank with several inches of substrate |
| Temperature range: | 21.1-29.4°C (70-85°F) |
| Humidity range: | 75-80% |
| Special Requirements: | There are no special requirements. |
| Pandinus cavimanus Breeding | |
| Breeding Difficulty: | Medium |
| Birth Size: | unknown |
| Danger to Male: | possible mating disputes |
| Recommended Pet Supplies for Pandinus cavimanus | |
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Contents |
[edit] Habitat
[edit] Enclosure
The Red Claw Scorpion's natural habitat is the humid floor of the African tropical rainforest. Their captive environments should mimic their natural habitat. For housing, use a 10-gallon tank filled with several inches of moist soil. Placing rocks in the tank is recommended because the Red Claw Scorpion loves to hide.
[edit] Temperature
The temperature requirements for Pandinus cavimanus are 21-29°C (70-85°F).
To achieve these conditions, a range of appliances are available. Specially designed heating pads for this purpose are available on the market and help to maintain consistent ambient air temperatures within the enclosure. Temperatures should be closely monitored and inspected at regular intervals, the most efficient way to do this is too have multiple thermometers located around the enclosure at different heights and locations. For example, having one at substrate level and then a further one at the highest point your scorpion has access too.
[edit] Humidity
P. cavimanus requires a humidity of between 75-80% to replicate its natural tropical habitat.
To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your Red Claw scorpion you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.
[edit] Feeding
In the wild, they eat insects, frogs, small mice and other small animals. Contrary to popular belief the Red Claw does not use its sting to capture prey unless the prey is considered a threat. Rather they use their claws, this is why they have such powerful pincers and only a mild sting, because rather than poison by stinger they can crush their prey with their claws. Captive Red Claw Scorpions can be fed small anoles, roaches, crickets, or pinky mice.
[edit] Breeding
Breeding Red Claw Scorpions may be more difficult than breeding some other species. This is due to the fact that if a pair does not find the other suitable for mating they may fight to the death.
