If you’re considering adding a fattail scorpion to your exotic pet collection, you’ve come to the right place! As an exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience, I’m here to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fattail scorpions, including their types, anatomy and behavior, habitat and distribution, sting and toxicity, and care and maintenance.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Androctonus crassicauda |
| Native range | North Africa and the Middle East (including Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan) |
| Habitat | Desert, semi-desert, and grassland |
| Lifespan | 5-7 years (some individuals may live longer) |
| Size | Up to 4 inches in length |
| Diet | Carnivorous; primarily eats insects, spiders, and other small arthropods |
| Venom | Not typically life-threatening, but can be painful and cause discomfort |
The fattail scorpion, also known as the Androctonus australis, is a highly venomous species that belongs to the same family as the wood scorpion.
Types of Fattail Scorpion
Let’s start with an overview of fattail scorpion. Also known as the fat-tailed scorpion or Israeli yellow scorpion, the fattail scorpion is a medium-sized scorpion native to North Africa and the Middle East. They are called “fattail” because of their distinctive, thick, and somewhat bulbous tail, which is actually a reserve of fat and not venom. Fattail scorpions can be found in a variety of colors, including yellow, black, and Egyptian yellow.
Yellow Fattail Scorpion
As the name suggests, yellow fattail scorpions are yellow in color and are the most common type of fattail scorpion. They can range in shade from pale lemon yellow to deep, mustard yellow. Yellow fattail scorpions are native to North Africa and the Middle East and are found in countries such as Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.
Black Fattail Scorpion
Black fattail scorpions, as you might guess, are black in color. They are native to North Africa and the Middle East and are found in countries such as Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. Black fattail scorpions are not as common as yellow fattail scorpions and are typically more expensive to purchase as a pet. They are also a little more difficult to care for, as they are more sensitive to environmental changes and require a more precise diet.
Egyptian Yellow Fattail Scorpion
Egyptian yellow fattail scorpions are a type of yellow fattail scorpion that is native to Egypt. They are similar in appearance and care to regular yellow fattail scorpions but are considered to be a bit hardier and more adaptable. Egyptian yellow fattail scorpions are also a little more expensive to purchase as a pet, due to their rarity.
Now that you know about the different types of fattail scorpions, let’s move on to their scientific name.
The fattail scorpion, also known as the Androctonus australis, is a highly venomous species that can be found in the Middle East, including Israel, where the Israeli gold scorpion is also prevalent.
Fattail Scorpion Scientific Name
The scientific name for fattail scorpion is Androctonus crassicauda. This name is derived from the Greek words “andro” meaning “man,” “ctonos” meaning “killer,” and “ “crassus” meaning “thick” and “cauda” meaning “tail,” referring to the thick, fat-filled tail of the fattail scorpion. This scientific name is commonly abbreviated as A. crassicauda.
The fattail scorpion, also known as the Androctonus australis, is a highly venomous species that can be found in the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East, and is often mistaken for the sand scorpion.
Anatomy and Behavior
Physical Characteristics of Fattail Scorpion
Fattail scorpions have a characteristic appearance, with a medium-sized body and a thick, bulbous tail. They have eight legs, as is typical of scorpions, and a pair of pedipalps (pincers) used for grasping and holding prey. Fattail scorpions also have a pair of venomous stingers on the end of their tail, which they use to inject venom into their prey and predators. The venom of a fattail scorpion is powerful enough to kill small rodents and insects but is not typically life-threatening to humans.
Typical Behavior and Habits of Fattail Scorpion
Fattail scorpions are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are active at night and sleep during the day. They are solitary animals and do not form social bonds or live in colonies like some other scorpion species. Fattail scorpion are territorial and will defend their territory against intruders. They are also venomous predators, using their stingers and venom to capture and kill their prey.
Fattail scorpions are generally calm and docile creatures and are not prone to stinging humans unless they are threatened or provoked. However, it is important to handle fattail scorpions with caution and respect, as their venom can still be dangerous to humans. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling any scorpion, and seek medical attention if you are stung.
Habitat and Distribution
Native Region of Fattail Scorpion
Fattail scorpions are native to North Africa and the Middle East, including countries such as Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. They inhabit a variety of environments, including desert, semi-desert, and grassland. Fattail scorpions are well-adapted to survive in dry, arid conditions, and can go for long periods of time without access to water.
Preferred Habitat of Fattail Scorpion
In the wild, fattail scorpions can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky outcrops, burrows, and underground crevices. They prefer to live in areas with dry, warm conditions and plenty of hiding places. Fattail scorpions are not typically found in rainforests or other humid environments.
Fattail scorpions also need access to a source of UVB light, as they require UVB to properly metabolize calcium and maintain a healthy exoskeleton. A heat source, such as a basking lamp or heat pad, is also necessary to maintain the proper temperature range for fattail scorpions (typically between 75-85°F). It is important to monitor the temperature and humidity levels in your fattail scorpion’s enclosure to ensure that they are within the proper range. Too high or too low of temperatures and humidity levels can be harmful to your fattail scorpion’s health.
Sting and Toxicity
Potency of Fattail Scorpion Sting
Fattail scorpions have venomous stingers on the end of their tail, which they use to capture and kill their prey. The venom of a fattail scorpion is potent enough to kill small rodents and insects but is not typically life-threatening to humans. However, a fattail scorpion sting can still be painful and cause discomfort, and in some cases, allergic reactions or more severe symptoms may occur. It is important to seek medical attention if you are stung by a fattail scorpion, even if your symptoms are mild.
Symptoms and Treatment of Fattail Scorpion Sting
The symptoms of a fattail scorpion sting may include pain, swelling, and redness at the site of the sting, as well as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In severe cases, a fattail scorpion sting may cause difficulty breathing, muscle cramps, and abnormal heart rhythms. If you are stung by a fattail scorpion and experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Antivenom may be necessary in severe cases.
To treat a fattail scorpion sting, follow these steps:
- Wash the area of the sting with soap and water to remove any venom that may be on the skin.
- Apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling and pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help alleviate discomfort.
- If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or abnormal heart rhythms, seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms may indicate a severe allergic reaction or other serious complications.
It is important to seek medical attention if you are stung by a fattail scorpion, even if your symptoms are mild. Some people may be allergic to venom and may experience more severe symptoms.
Care and Maintenance
Housing and Enclosure for Fattail Scorpion
Fattail scorpions are relatively easy to care for but do have specific housing and enclosure requirements that must be met in order to keep them healthy and happy. Here are some tips for setting up a suitable enclosure for your fattail scorpion:
- Use a sturdy, escape-proof enclosure with a secure lid. Glass aquariums with mesh tops or plastic storage containers with vents can work well for fattail scorpions. The enclosure should be large enough for your fattail scorpion to comfortably move around, but not so large that it becomes difficult to maintain the proper temperature and humidity levels.
- Provide plenty of hiding places for your fattail scorpion. Fattail scorpions are solitary creatures and need a place to retreat to when they want to be alone. Cork bark, PVC pipe, and artificial caves or hide boxes can all work well as hiding places for fattail scorpions. Make sure to provide a hiding place on both the cool and warm sides of the enclosure to give your fattail scorpion a choice of temperature.
- Use a substrate to cover the floor of the enclosure. Fattail scorpions are burrowers and will appreciate a substrate that they can dig and burrow in. A mixture of sand and soil, or coconut coir, can work well as a substrate for fattail scorpion. Avoid using substrates that are too fine or too moist, as these can be harmful to your fattail scorpion’s health.
- Provide a source of UVB light. Fattail scorpions need UVB light to properly metabolize calcium and maintain a healthy exoskeleton. A UVB bulb or tube should be placed on the warm side of the enclosure and should be left on for 12-14 hours per day. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the placement and usage of the UVB light.
- Use a heat source to maintain the proper temperature range for fattail scorpion. A basking lamp or heat pad can be used to create a warm spot on one side of the enclosure, with the cooler side of the enclosure being around 10°F lower. Use a thermometer or thermostat to monitor the temperature and ensure that it stays within the proper range (typically between 75-85°F).
Diet and Feeding for Fattail Scorpion
Fattail scorpions are carnivorous and will primarily eat insects, spiders, and other small arthropods. They have been known to occasionally eat small rodents and lizards, but these should not be a regular part of their diet. To feed your fattail scorpion, offer a variety of live insects, such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms, once or twice a week. Dust the insects with a calcium supplement once or twice a week to ensure that your fattail scorpion is getting enough calcium. Avoid overfeeding your fattail scorpion, as they are prone to obesity.
Handling and Interaction with Fattail Scorpion
Fattail scorpions are generally calm and docile creatures and are not prone to stinging humans unless they are threatened or provoked. However, it is still important to handle fattail scorpions with caution and respect and to wash your hands thoroughly after handling any scorpion.
It is important to remember that fattail scorpions are solitary creatures and do not require or desire a lot of interaction. They should not be handled excessively and should be left to their own devices most of the time. It is fine to gently interact with your fattail scorpion a few times a week, but do not overdo it. They are fascinating creatures to watch and observe and can make a unique and interesting addition to your exotic pet collection.
My Private Notes
As an exotic pet enthusiast with over a decade of experience, I’ve had the opportunity to keep a number of different species of the scorpion as pets, including fattail scorpion. Here are a few personal notes and tips that I’ve learned from my experiences with fattail scorpion:
- Fattail scorpions are sensitive to humidity: Fattail scorpions are native to dry, arid environments and are sensitive to high humidity. It is important to maintain a low humidity level in their enclosure (around 30-40%) to prevent respiratory issues and other health problems. Using a substrate that drains well, such as a mixture of sand and soil, can help to keep the humidity levels in check.
- Fattail scorpions are prone to obesity: Fattail scorpions are known to be prone to obesity, and it is important to avoid overfeeding them. Offer a varied diet of live insects, but be mindful of portion sizes and avoid offering more food than your fattail scorpion can eat in one sitting. Regularly weighing your fattail scorpion can help you to monitor their weight and ensure that they are not becoming overweight.
- Fattail scorpions may need extra calcium: Fattail scorpions, like all scorpions, require a sufficient amount of calcium to maintain a healthy exoskeleton. Dusting their insects with a calcium supplement once or twice a week can help to ensure that they are getting enough calcium. It may also be helpful to provide a calcium supplement in the form of a cuttlebone or other calcium source for your fattail scorpion to lick on if needed.
- Fattail scorpions are nocturnal: Fattail scorpions are nocturnal creatures and will be most active at night. They may seem inactive or sluggish during the day, but this is normal behavior. It is important to respect their natural circadian rhythms and not disturb them during the day.
I hope these personal notes and tips are helpful for anyone considering keeping a fattail scorpion as a pet. As with any exotic pet, it is important to do your research and understand the specific care requirements of fattail scorpion before bringing one into your home.
People Also Ask
Can fattail scorpion be kept with other pets?
Fattail scorpion are solitary creatures and should not be kept with other scorpion or pets. They are territorial and may become aggressive towards other animals in their enclosure. It is best to house fattail scorpion separately from any other pets to prevent conflicts and ensure their well-being.
How do I know if my fattail scorpion is healthy?
A healthy fattail scorpion should be active and alert, with a smooth and well-developed exoskeleton. They should have a healthy appetite and be regularly feeding on a diet of live insects. Signs of a healthy fattail scorpion may include: a smooth, well-developed exoskeleton; clear, bright eyes; regular feeding on a diet of live insects; active and alert behavior.
What should I do if my fattail scorpion escapes from its enclosure?
If your fattail scorpion escapes from its enclosure, it is important to take immediate action to locate and recapture them. Fattail scorpion are venomous and can sting if they feel threatened, so it is important to handle them with caution. If you are unable to locate your fattail scorpion, or if you are not comfortable handling them, it is important to seek the assistance of a professional exotic pet care specialist. In the meantime, be sure to secure any potential hiding places or escape routes in your home to prevent your fattail scorpion from escaping again in the future.
Conclusion
Fattail scorpions can make interesting and unusual pets for those who are willing to properly care for them. They are generally calm and docile but do have specific housing and care requirements that must be met in order to keep them healthy and happy. It is important to research and understand the needs of fattail scorpions before considering them as a pet, and to be prepared to provide them with a suitable enclosure, diet, and care. If you are willing to put in the time and effort to properly care for a fattail scorpion, they can make a unique and fascinating addition to your exotic pet collection.