Transvaal thick-tailed scorpion (Parabuthus transvaalicus)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Transvaal thick-tailed scorpion (Parabuthus transvaalicus) (origin: Southern Africa). Adult size around 9–12 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Transvaal thick-tailed scorpion: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×20×20 cm.
Transvaal thick-tailed scorpion: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–24 °C.
Transvaal thick-tailed scorpion: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Transvaal thick-tailed scorpion: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Transvaal thick-tailed scorpion: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 40–50 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×20×20 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam they can dig in, stone slabs
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- adults every 7–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 9–12 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Southern Africa
- Protection status
- A DANGEROUS ANIMAL – highly venomous and able to spray venom. Keeping it requires a permit or notification, varying by German state
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Solitary and cannibalistic: two animals in one enclosure regularly end up as one, even at equal size and with good feeding. For breeding, the male is introduced under observation and separated again immediately.
Notes
It can spray venom up to a metre – eye protection is essential, including at feeding. A sting of high medical significance.
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Related species
- 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
- Dictator scorpion (Pandinus dictator) – Intermediate
- Italian scorpion (Euscorpius italicus) – Beginner
- Flat rock scorpion (Hadogenes troglodytes) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Transvaal thick-tailed scorpion (Parabuthus transvaalicus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×20×20 cm), substrate (Sand-loam they can dig in, stone slabs), 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: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parabuthus_transvaalicus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parabuthus_transvaalicus
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).