Transvaal Thick-Tail

Parabuthus transvaalicus

ScorpionadvancedVenom: Medically significant

Medically significant venom

Highly venomous, with the added behavioral note that Parabuthus can SPRAY venom from the telson when threatened. Eye protection is mandatory during enclosure maintenance.

About

Transvaal Thick-Tail — large for the buthid family and uniquely able to spray venom defensively (up to ~1 m). The spray itself is mostly an eye/mucous-membrane hazard rather than a skin one, but a sting from this species is medically significant. Hot keepers only, with eye protection during maintenance.

Taxonomy

FamilyButhidae

GenusParabuthus

Native regionSouthern Africa (South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe)

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdefensive

Size & growth

Adult size4-5 inches

Length100.00–130.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature78–90 °F

Humidity30–50%

Enclosure

Juvenile size6x6x6"

Adult size12x12x10"

SubstrateSand + clay, mostly dry

Substrate depth3-4 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeCrickets, roaches

Juvenile cadenceTwice per week

Adult cadenceOnce per week

Times kept: 0