There are approximately 1,500 different scorpion species in the world, and they roam terrains as diverse as rain forests and deserts. But when it comes to choosing one as a pet you choices are rather more limited, and the most likely species that you will find in your local pet store are: Gold Scorpions, African Burrowing Scorpions, Bark Scorpions, Asian Forest Scorpions, Flat Rock Scorpions, Emperor Scorpions and Giant Hairy Scorpions.

The largest scorpions species is Heterometrus swammerdami, which can grow to a whopping nine inches. However, it is not going to be available as a pet so you won’t have to worry about how to handle a scorpion of this nature. The Giant Hairy Scorpion, Hadrurus arizonensis, is far more likely to be the available choice, or the stunning black Pandinus imperator, which is commonly known as the Emperor Scorpion.

Recently the Asian Forest Scorpion, Heterometrus longimanus, and the Malaysian Forest Scorpion, Heterometrus spinifer, are becoming more readily available. Whichever scorpion you decide to go for in the end you should check that it is not one of the rare species that is harmful to humans. Before purchasing you will need to check the scorpion’s sting, legs, pincers, and pectines (its feelers) to make sure they are all in tact. You should check all the major limbs to ensure that they are in tact.

Things that you need to consider after selecting your scorpion species its vivarium, substrate, heating, decor and lighting requirements. Also, what are the food and water needs in your pet scorpion’s diet? You must learn about the scorpion’s habits, such as the molting process, how to handle them, and how to treat scorpion venom if you are bitten. A scorpion makes a very interesting pet, but you should research carefully prior to purchase.

Of the scorpions that are dangerous to many the most beautiful is the Tityus Cambridgei, or Cambridge’s tityus, which is a brownish green, and native to tropical banana plantations. You are not likely to ever have one as a pet, but they are well worth researching. Another scorpion that is dangerous to man is the burrowing thick-tailed scorpion, Parabuthus truculentus. It grows to nearly six inches and is a yellowish, brown color - watch out when walking in the sand of the Ruwenzori river as that is where you will find it burrowing.

Whichever scorpion species you choose as a pet be ready to enjoy a fascinating new addition to the family.

The scorpion species is certainly diverse. For more information look at http://hubpages.com/hub/Scorpion-Species. Having a scorpion as a pet is great, but you must study its natural habitat. Enjoy that scorpion pet.

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