Dictator Scorpion

Pandinus dictator

ScorpionintermediateVenom: MildCommunal OK

Venom note

Mild venom (bee-sting class); relies on its powerful pincers.

About

A giant forest scorpion — like the emperor but bigger, reaching up to 8 inches — and similarly docile, relying on its massive pincers rather than venom. Keep it warm (80-85°F) and humid (75-80%) with deep moist substrate to burrow, hides, and a water dish. Tolerates communal housing with space. Mild, bee-sting-class venom. Note: like the emperor, Pandinus are CITES-listed — buy captive-bred.

Taxonomy

FamilyScorpionidae

GenusPandinus

Native regionWest/Central Africa

TypeFossorial

Temperamentdocile, calm despite size

Size & growth

Adult sizeup to 8 inches

Length150.00–200.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature80–85 °F

Humidity75–80%

Enclosure

Adult size10-20 gal; deep substrate or rock stacks per type

Substratedeep moist coco/soil for burrowing; bark hides; water dish

Substrate depth3-6 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizecrickets, roaches

Adult cadence1 prey every 1-2 weeks

Times kept: 0