[Discussion] Androctonus spp.

by GS Wed Jan 23, 2013 4:32 pm

This thread is meant for Androtonus lovers to share information, pictures, videos and basically any related documentation which will be helpful for those interested in keeping these magnificent "FAT-tail" Scorpions.

As you already know, do exercise extreme caution during the keeping of these specimens (be it feeding or during tank maintenance etc). Personally, i "double tank" all of them for added security as they are highly venomous.

Important note:
I do NOT recommend handling of medically significant species such as Andoctonus spp as there is a possibility of underestimating their agility, speed and spontaneous response of these scorpions when they are under perceived threats (e.g. without warning, they can be intimidated by presence of human contact and strike defensively or run away from your handling which may caught you unprepared with a nasty sting)

Please be fully aware that there are always risks in handling, which includes the possibility of suffering a from serious envenomation which may be lethal to the handler and in certain scenarios, it can even lead to DEATH.
Everyone has be accountable for their own actions.

Androctonus = "man-killer"

While performing tank maintenance (e.g. clearing left-over prey parts on the substrate) , ALWAYS be aware of their exact location, using appropriate tools such as a pair of 12" tongs will definitely put you in safer grounds as compared to lending a "helpful hand" for the scorpion to practice her stinging skills.

When vigilance and respect for the scorpion has been practiced by the keeper, It is possible that this species can be kept safely in captivity.

Regards,
GS

Androctonus australis "hector"

Click here to view:

Androctonus australis "tunisia"

Click here to view:

Androctonus australis

Click here to view:

Androctonus amourexi

Click here to view:

Androctonus baluchicus

Click here to view:

Androctonus bicolor:

Click here to view:

Androctonus crassicauda

Click here to view:

Androctonus mauretanicus

Click here to view:

More Androctonus sp to be uploaded.. pic sorting in process.

Husbandry / Caresheets:

[ASA] Desert Scorpions' Caresheet

Mating Guide:

[HOW TO] Guide to Mating Scorpions]

More updates will come soon for this thread and please feel free to post your collection/comments or your enquires for discussion here.

If you like scorpions with the most impressive FAT tails, this is the thread for you Wink

Regards,
GS

by ahxean Wed Feb 20, 2013 12:00 pm

May I know WHEN and HOW to sex Androctonus Bicolor & Androctonus Mauretanicus?
What instar for them to reach maturity?
Thanks. Smile

by GS Wed Feb 20, 2013 1:10 pm

Hi mate,

Both of the above-mentioned species above can be sexed as early as 2.instar.

[Discussion] Androctonus spp. Androctonus_bicolor_2i_exo_by_GSscorpions82

[Discussion] Androctonus spp. Androctonus_bicolor_2i_exo_by_GSscorpions82

The highly effective way to sex them is via a pectine tooth count.

Androctonus bicolor male: 23 to 29 teeth
Androctonus bicolor female: 19 to 24 teeth

Androctonus mauritanicus male: 25 to 30
Androctonus mauritanicus female: 20 to 24

There's some physical traits in adults specimens but for those, pictures will speak louder than words.

I'll post them up shortly to share.

Let us know if you have further queries.

Regards,
GS

by ahxean Wed Feb 20, 2013 3:52 pm

Thank you so much! Very Happy

7 instar is the max for those species? Mature at 7 instar also?

by yames Wed Feb 20, 2013 11:25 pm

Yes at 7i they are full grown and will not molt again. They are ready to breed at that point too.

And well done on showing a specimen with 23 teeth just to make sure we all know it's either a male or female by tooth count... tongue

by GS Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:59 pm

yames wrote:Yes at 7i they are full grown and will not molt again. They are ready to breed at that point too.

+1

by Catfish Fri Mar 29, 2013 3:32 pm

Hello, i have a question
I've had this A.Mauretanicus for few months and i have never seen something like this on her. It's on one side of her. Maybe she's pregnant or just too much food?
[Discussion] Androctonus spp. D689c8be9c2570f5a9d38d845810b231601

[Discussion] Androctonus spp. D689c8be9c2570f5a9d38d845810b231601

by GS Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:23 pm

Hi mate,

Firstly, to put your mind at ease. I would say it's not something to worry about. If you didn't specify for us to notice her side, I would have gone straight into saying "that's a gorgeous specimen!" (not that it's not, right now)

But, it might be good if you can take some closer shots of both her sides as comparison.

As for the pregnancy question, it will help if you can provide some background info of her e.g. has she been paired up with male by you? is she wild-caught?

The following guide documents some "behavior/ symptoms" that a gravid mom would most likely exhibit:

[HOW TO] Tell if your Scorpion is Gravid

Btw, welcome to the forum and feel free to post further queries Smile

by Catfish Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:56 pm

Thanks,
She is wild caught and i haven't paired her yet. She also made herself a burrow under her hide very close to heating mat
Her other side seems normal
Pics that i made now:
Short distance:
[Discussion] Androctonus spp. 386229f37cd76ff21f45fbeb1f2c5c2e332

[Discussion] Androctonus spp. 386229f37cd76ff21f45fbeb1f2c5c2e332

Longer distance:
[Discussion] Androctonus spp. 567d686df2bd2cd58411cfd6cdc09ce7216

by yames Fri Mar 29, 2013 7:31 pm

It's tough for me to see super clearly but it looks like the side that dents in is more abnormal for a scorpion. Chubby sides is usually not a worry. So this indented side. Is that a black spot on the dent? Maybe a an old injury with mycosis? Perhaps it's a sting wound from mating in the wild.

In either case as long as she's eating once a week. You are providing a shallow water dish once a month in case she needs some water and otherwise hiding during the day and climbing the glass at night. You have a gorgeous well kept scorpion. And to be honest taking good care of scorpions is %98 waiting and %2 waiting some more. Laughing

by Catfish Fri Mar 29, 2013 7:42 pm

Thank you very much for all the help guys
There's no problem with her eating and doing other things.

by yames Fri Mar 29, 2013 7:45 pm

Not a problem. We actually love it when new members jump right in and ask questions. We raise scorpions here... That's 20 min of feeding a week and 24 hrs a day of thinking about that next feeding for the rest of the week.

by GS Sat Mar 30, 2013 5:56 pm

Yames has summed it up well.

Keep us updated if it's possible, she's a beauty Smile

by Catfish Sat Mar 30, 2013 9:36 pm

Alright, ill try to post some updates later Smile

, i'm planning on mating her if i can find a male

by GS Sun Mar 31, 2013 3:22 am

You're more than welcome to share here Smile

Yep, it's always nice to have a backup plan for an extra male around.

by Catfish Thu May 02, 2013 8:05 pm

Hey guys,
Got another question. I'm getting a pair of a.a. tunisia probably tomorrow, just wanted to ask what level of humidity should i keep?
Cause i've read that a.a.'s can get mycosis very easily, found that they should be kept completely dry, some say that there should be 20% humidity, or 50% humidity. I'm confused. Gonna post some pics when i get them Smile

by GS Sun May 05, 2013 3:23 am

Hi mate,

Congrats on your new addition Smile

Yes, A.australis are one of the mycosis-prone species.

Try not to get to caught up with readings from the hydrometer, as long it does not go beyond 60%, it should be fine.

I'll highly recommend to keep 6.instar and above specimens in "bone-dry" substrate and only offer a small water dish (filled with pebbles) probably once every 14 days.

Unrestricted (but secured) ventilation is another crucial factor to prevent mycosis from happening.

Feel free to share your pics Smile

by Catfish Mon May 06, 2013 12:20 pm

Thanks, i'm getting a pair of sub-adults

by GS Tue May 07, 2013 1:27 pm

Sweet. Remember to share your joy with us Smile

by ahxean Mon May 13, 2013 8:33 pm

Somebody said that female Androctonus species can reach 8 instar, is it true?

by GS Tue May 14, 2013 1:50 am

It's possible Smile

by **DolbyR** Sat Jun 22, 2013 12:55 pm

"Snack time"
[Discussion] Androctonus spp. DSC_0056

Androctonus bicolor 6i female

by GS Sat Jun 22, 2013 1:24 pm

Nicely fed. Looks like she's on the way to 7.instar after a few more meals + rest. thumbs up

by **DolbyR** Sat Jun 22, 2013 2:14 pm

Oh, she's a funny one... this is actually her first meal after a "rest" of about 2 months. Guess she decided she could bulk up some more before her final molt Smile

by yames Sat Jun 22, 2013 7:33 pm

That's interesting. I noticed that in 2 of my 2i bicolor. They stopped eating and looked fairly pre molt for 7 days then took a meal and molted 2 days later.

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