SCORPIO MAURUS / Israeli Gold Scorpion
Family: Scorpionidae
Common name(s): Israeli Gold Scorpion, Egyptian Gold Scorpion
Location: Israel, Egypt
Size: 5 - 8cm
Faunarium: small size for one adult specimen
Substrate: Desert sand mixed with coco-fibre (3:1)
Temperature: 29°C +
Humidity: 40% - 65%
Toxicity: Moderate venom, comparable to a hornet (2 out of 5)
Keeper level: intermediate, advanced
Food...
Adults will eat small or medium crickets; small locusts (hoppers) and other small to medium feeders.
Overview...
They are very strong for their size.
They are typically feisty scorpions.
They are difficult to keep in captivity (short lifespan).
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Personal Observations...
This species rarely ventures out of it's burrow. And
although it will dig tunnel networks, it is nowhere near as active a digger
as some other scorpion species (e.g. Hadrurus). It's primary defence is it's
large powerful pedipalps, however it will not hesitate to use it's sting in defence.
That said, I've not observed it using it's sting to subdue prey.
Although considered a desert species, in my opinion a water dish must be supplied at all times for this species. I have observed my specimen spend long durations drinking directly from the water dish. I increased humidity a touch as a result.
There are reports that this scorpion will bang it's metasoma ('tail') on the ground when
threatened, however I have not (yet) observed this behaviour from my specimen, even when provoked. It
simply grabs at the annoyance with it's (powerful) pincers and attempts to envenomate.
Finally, in my opinion, I think due to more challenging husbandry, a shorter lifespan and the pain associated with the venom of this aggressive little scorpion means that only intermediate and more advanced members in the hobby should keep this species.
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