First Scorpion H. Trilineatus

So I am prepared to get flamed.

Why are people so against new scorpion owners against people getting hot scorpions?

I have read that you shouldn't get a hot scorpion unless you have had years experience dealing with less venomous scorpions before taking the plunge and getting a more venomous scorp.

The only way I see this being an issue is possibly being to young or irresponsible and or not taking the time to research the species and know the risks that come with it.

I am getting a H. Trilineatus. I have done a ton of research and understand the risks and the do's and don'ts with this species.

It will be housed in a 5 gallon tank with a lockable lid. This scorpion will not be handled ever. Any work or maintenance I must do in the tank will be done with long tongs. I mean everything. I will respect the power/toxicity of it and it will never be underestimated.

Thoughts?

Hi Viceroy

While extremely fascinating, scorpions can be very unpredictable and potentially dangerous creatures.

It may take just a fraction of a second of distraction for a simple feeding session or photoshoot to turn into a nightmare.

Of course, we are not against keeping "hots" but it is a common recommendation for a keeper to have some experience before jumping into keeping medically significant species. Ideally, a scorpion-keeper should progress gradually. This is how most people do it.

You would not recommend a person that had recently gotten theiir driving license to jump into a 300hp sports car either, would you?

This doesn't mean that a newcomer to the hobby, which has opted to start with a medically significant spp. will instantly get stung. It is all up to the keeper.

Experience is not something I would measure in years or months. It depends on a lot of factors. You could keep an emp for 5 years, just throwing it food once a week and controlling the humidity, but you would still have less experience than Mr. Z who was kept X number of spp. and rehoused them several times within a one month period.

Age has nothing to do with it, responsibility on the other hand, does. And you are right, research is one of the main keys to be successful and stay safe in this hobby.

The most important thing is that you feel ready. If you have to ask somebody else, if they think you are ready to keep a more "powerful" scorpion, then most probably you are not.

As for your plans, for enclosure and thongs, it all sounds good to me. Just remember not to fear the scorpions, but to respect them.

On a side note, with respect to the rest of the community, please take a couple of minutes and post a self-intro at the Introduction section.