Emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator) (origin: The West African rainforest (Ghana, Togo, Nigeria)). Adult size around approx. 15–20 cm (usually up to 18 cm in captivity) – one of the largest scorpions. Life expectancy approx. 6–8 years (extreme figures of up to ~15 years are quoted). The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Emperor scorpion: How big does the enclosure need to be?
40×40 cm of floor area (a single animal); a group from 60×40 cm, deep substrate for digging.
Emperor scorpion: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–28 °C (up to 30 °C), at night 22 °C.
Emperor scorpion: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB not essential (nocturnal); UVA/UVB is not needed but does no harm.
Emperor scorpion: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 6–8 years (extreme figures of up to ~15 years are quoted).
Emperor scorpion: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–28 °C (up to 30 °C)
- Night temperature
- 22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 70–80 %
- UVB
- UVB not essential (nocturnal); UVA/UVB is not needed but does no harm
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 40×40 cm of floor area (a single animal); a group from 60×40 cm, deep substrate for digging
- Substrate
- Coco humus or a soil and sand mix, 10–15 cm deep (diggable, damp)
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches, rarely a pinkie
- Feeding interval
- adults 1–2×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 15–20 cm (usually up to 18 cm in captivity) – one of the largest scorpions
- Life expectancy
- approx. 6–8 years (extreme figures of up to ~15 years are quoted)
- Origin
- The West African rainforest (Ghana, Togo, Nigeria)
- Protection status
- PROTECTED – CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B: proof of origin (evidence of captive breeding) is required when buying
- Brumation
- None (tropical)
- Cohabitation
- One of the few species that can be housed together: a pair or a small group is possible given enough space and hides – but NEVER two males together. A documented exception.
Notes
A classic beginner's animal: calm, with very mild venom (like a bee sting), and it defends itself with its powerful pincers rather than stinging. A humid, warm climate, with light daily misting. It fluoresces under black light. Watch for valid proof of origin (CITES).
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Related species
- Dictator scorpion (Pandinus dictator) – Intermediate
- Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion (Pandinus cavimanus) – Intermediate
- Giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Asian giant forest scorpion (Heterometrus longimanus) – Beginner
- Asian black scorpion (Heterometrus petersii) – Beginner
- Asian forest scorpion (Heterometrus spinifer) – Intermediate
- Brazilian yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus) – Expert
- Italian scorpion (Euscorpius italicus) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40 cm of floor area (a single animal); a group from 60×40 cm, deep substrate for digging), substrate (Coco humus or a soil and sand mix, 10–15 cm deep (diggable, damp)), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: einrichtungsbeispiele.de, exo-terra.com, kaiserskorpion.de, tropic-shop.de
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).