Scorpion (Emperor)

Pandinus imperator

The Emperor Scorpion is a blueish-gray scorpion that is found in central Africa. They are tied for the largest (heaviest) scorpion in the world with the Giant Forest Scorpion, both are only an eighth of a pound. The Forest Scorpion is longer by a couple inches, though. The Emperor Scorpion has four segments to its body, each with two legs attached, which makes for six walking legs and two pincers. Though they generally eat insects, they can catch small lizards or rodents. They use the pincers to tear apart their prey and then inject it with venom to liquidize it and make the food easier to eat. They are also skilled at digging burrows to hide in or hunt for prey. Their lifespan is thought to be about eight years. Unlike other scorpions, they are known to live in family groups (usually the mother and offspring), making them comparably social to other species.

Scorpions create a lot of fear in people, which can be justified. They do have sharp pincers and tail with venom, but they are not aggressive animals. Emperor Scorpions especially are known for being okay with handling and generally good pets. They will not attack something bigger than them unless threatened, so acting calmly and respectfully towards the animal will result in a pleasant interaction on both ends.