Dictator Scorpion

Looks how to spot one

exoskeleton

A robust, stocky scorpion with very large, rounded pincers and a thick tail that ends in a relatively small stinger. The exoskeleton is glossy and uniformly blackish-brown to jet black. Under ultraviolet light it glows a deep bluish-green, a trait shared with other scorpions.1

Personality what they are like

Dictator scorpions are generally shy and docile. They spend most of the day hidden in their burrow and only come out to hunt or mate. They rarely sting, preferring to use their powerful pincers for defence. Their venom is mild, comparable to a bee sting, and they are considered harmless to humans. Although they can tolerate handling, it is not recommended as it can stress the animal.345

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity. They are ambush predators that prefer to stay still and conserve energy. They do not need a large enclosure to roam.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming. The main care involves maintaining proper temperature (80-85°F / 27-29°C) and high humidity (around 80%). Use a heat mat or heat tape rather than a heat lamp, as scorpions dislike bright light. Provide a deep substrate (at least 6 inches / 15 cm) of soft, loamy or sandy-loam soil for burrowing, plus a few above-ground hides. A 10-gallon tank is sufficient for one or two individuals.34

Home where they are happiest

A warm, humid terrarium with a temperature of 80-85°F (27-29°C) and humidity around 80%. The substrate should be at least 6 inches deep to allow burrowing. Provide hiding places such as cork bark or half-logs. A 10-gallon tank is the minimum size. Note: This species is listed under CITES Appendix II, so legal restrictions on trade and ownership may apply in some countries.346

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous. They eat gut-loaded crickets, roaches, mealworms, waxworms, and superworms. Feed a few insects every other day, adjusting based on the individual's appetite.34

Company who they like around

Dictator scorpions are gregarious and can be housed communally with others of similar size, though multiple males together may cause conflict. They do not get lonely and can be kept alone without issue. They are not social animals like mammals and do not need companionship.34

The story where it all began

Originally described in 1888 by Reginald Innes Pocock as Scorpio dictator from a specimen collected on Bioko Island (then Fernando Po). It was later placed in the genus Pandinus alongside the Emperor Scorpion, but a taxonomic revision in 2020 by Prendini and Loria elevated the subgenus Pandinopsis to full genus rank, renaming it Pandinopsis dictator. It is one of the largest scorpions in the world and has been collected for the pet trade, leading to its listing under CITES Appendix II. It remains rare in captivity compared to the Emperor Scorpion.16

Recognised by the official bits

CITES

Listed in Appendix II, along with Pandinus imperator, due to concerns over collection for the pet trade.6