Red Claw Scorpion

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton

This scorpion has a dark, almost black body with striking red claws. The claws are large and elongated, and there are reddish bands on the back segments, giving it a distinctive appearance.1

Personality what they are like

This scorpion is generally not aggressive but can be defensive if provoked. It prefers to use its large claws for defence and may pinch hard. It is not considered medically important, but its sting is venomous and should be avoided.3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

This is a burrowing species that enjoys digging. It is not very active and spends much time hidden. Provide a deep substrate to allow natural burrowing behaviour.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep the enclosure clean and maintain a moist substrate in part of the tank with a drier area. Avoid handling to reduce stress. Use tongs for any necessary movements.3

Home where they are happiest

Provide a glass or plastic terrarium with a deep substrate of peat-free compost or cocopeat, at least 6-7 cm deep. Include hides under flat stones or bark and a shallow water dish. Temperature should be around 20-30°C, with humidity around 30-40% for this species. Keep singly as they are cannibalistic.13

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous, feeding on live insects such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, and other small invertebrates. Adults can be fed once a week.34

Company who they like around

This species is solitary and should be kept alone. They are cannibalistic and will attack other scorpions, even of the same species. They are not suitable for communal housing.34

The story where it all began

The Cave Clawed Scorpion was first described by Pocock in 1890. For a long time it was placed in the genus Pandinus, alongside the Emperor Scorpion, but in 2015 it was moved to the new genus Pandipalpus. It is native to parts of Africa, including Zambia and Tanzania. It is not listed in CITES Appendix II, unlike some related species. It has become available in the pet trade, particularly in Japan, where it is sold under the trade name 'Cave Claw Scorpion'. Its large claws and relatively mild venom make it an interesting species for experienced invertebrate keepers.3