Black Hairy Thick-tail Scorpion

Parabuthus villosus

ScorpionadvancedVenom: Medically significant

Medically significant venom

MEDICALLY SIGNIFICANT — potent venom, potentially dangerous; can SPRAY venom (eye protection). Antivenom limited. Expert keepers only; seek medical care if stung.

About

The largest buthid in the world (~7 inches) and a genuinely dangerous animal — potent, medically significant venom and the ability to SPRAY it defensively, so eye protection is a must and handling is out of the question. Diurnal and bold for a scorpion. Arid setup: deep dry substrate to burrow, a hide, low humidity. Expert keepers only, housed individually, with a sting protocol in place.

Taxonomy

FamilyButhidae

GenusParabuthus

Native regionNamibia, South Africa

TypeFossorial

Temperamentbold, fast; can spray venom

Size & growth

Adult sizeup to 7 inches

Length120.00–180.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature77–90 °F

Humidity30–40%

Enclosure

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

Substratedeep dry sand/soil it can burrow into; hide

Substrate depth3-6 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizecrickets, roaches

Adult cadence1 prey every 1-2 weeks

Times kept: 0