Madagascan Black Scorpion

Grosphus grandidieri

ScorpionintermediateVenom: Mild

Venom note

Buthid but not medically important — localized pain and redness; a large scorpion whose sting still hurts.

About

A large Malagasy buthid (now also placed in the genus Teruelius) and an active hunter rather than an ambusher. From drier southern Madagascar but adaptable — keep moderately moist with hides and water always available, feeding every couple of weeks. Despite being a buthid it isn't medically important (localized pain and redness only), though a sting from a scorpion this size still hurts; house individually and don't handle.

Taxonomy

FamilyButhidae

GenusGrosphus

Native regionSouthern Madagascar (drier regions)

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentactive hunter; defensive

Size & growth

Adult sizeup to ~5 inches

Length100.00–130.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature75–82 °F

Humidity55–70%

Enclosure

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

Substratecoco/soil with hides; moderately moist but tolerant of drying; water dish

Substrate depth3-4 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizecrickets, roaches

Adult cadence1 prey every 1-2 weeks

Times kept: 0