Rough Thick-tailed Scorpion

Parabuthus raudus

ScorpionadvancedVenom: Medically significant

Medically significant venom

MEDICALLY SIGNIFICANT — a Parabuthus 'thick-tail', a genus with recorded human fatalities; venom is strong and a sting can have serious consequences. Can also SPRAY venom when heavily provoked (eye protection advised). Expert keepers only, no handling.

About

A large southern-African thick-tail — a robust, sandy-colored buthid that packs shallow burrows into firm desert substrate and shelters among roots and stones. Keep it hot (up to 95°F) and dry (25-45%) with a sand/clay mix it can tunnel into; it needs very little water. This is a hot species: venom is strong, a sting can have serious consequences, and when heavily provoked it can spray venom, so eye protection and long forceps are a must. Experienced keepers only, escape-proof housing, and absolutely no handling.

Taxonomy

FamilyButhidae

GenusParabuthus

Native regionSouthern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, South Africa)

TypeFossorial

Temperamentdefensive; can stridulate and spray venom when provoked

Size & growth

Adult size3-5 inches

Length80.00–120.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature77–95 °F

Humidity25–45%

Enclosure

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

Substratedry sand/clay mix it can pack into shallow burrows; roots, bark and stones for hides; light water only

Substrate depth3-6 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizecrickets, roaches

Adult cadence1 prey every 1-2 weeks

Times kept: 0