Emperor Scorpion

The emperor scorpion is one of the largest scorpion species in the world, native to the rainforests and savannas of West Africa, with adults capable of reaching over twenty centimetres in length and a glossy black or dark green body that gives it an imposing appearance. Despite its size and menacing look, its venom is relatively mild compared with many smaller scorpion species, causing pain and swelling similar to a bee sting rather than serious systemic effects in most healthy adults, and it relies more on its large, powerful pincers than its sting to subdue prey such as insects, other invertebrates and occasionally small vertebrates. Emperor scorpions are largely nocturnal, sheltering by day in burrows or under logs and rocks in humid forest habitat, and they are unusual among scorpions for giving birth to live young that ride on the mother's back for a period of protection after birth. The species has become popular in the exotic pet trade due to its large size, relatively mild venom and long lifespan, which can exceed eight years in captivity, though wild populations have been affected by both habitat loss and collection for that trade.