Emperor Scorpions - Babies 10/11

[JulesRolyCrab]

Wow, it's so cool to learn about these... Never thought I would be fascinated w/ scorpions.... And your cat is absolutely adorable. I had to do a double take on the photo, though, you don't know how much that scared me at first. Thought there was a giant scorpion hugging her. Whoops. Anyhow, beautiful animals and pictures.

[IBlab crab]

Can the babies venom be potent at this stage? When do the babies get some color? Really enjoy the pictures,thanks!

[wodesorel]

Eh, the gal who was going to take the two found someone offering something (no way they are emps) at a much reduced price. I want mine in good homes, but I'm not going to get scammed out what they're worth either. Excuses to keep them until spring as planned. I really should, so I can sex them first.

Their venom is never worse than a wasp sting at any size. The adults can store a lot though so it can be like getting hit by a hive if they latch on and keep going. I've only ever heard it happening to someone once, when a pregnant female - read nasty and over reactive - ran up their pant leg and got trapped. Adults pinch worse than a hermit crab before they're ever driven to bring out the stinger - on humans or prey. In lab studies they couldn't get adults to sting prey at all - only babies do. That's why they're so popular as pets, because accidents almost never happen with them, unlike the other species out there like the Asian Forests that have stronger venom and are quick to sting. The babies pack tiny little doses of venom, enough to take out a cricket or something small, but I don't think it would be much worse than a bad mosquito bite, if it even managed to pierce skin. (Unless you're allergic to bees.) I've never handled them before at any size, but my friend who owned a pet store would get the babies out and show people all the time and never once got stung.

They're starting to darken up now, but they stay translucent purple through at least one more molt. By their fourth instar (1i at birth, 2i while on mom's back, 3i in around two months, and then 4i around 6 months) they look like mini version of their parents. Every time they molt they turn white but within a day start to darken up and will be a little purpley/chocolatey for a week or so.

[wodesorel]

They are being so photogenic this time!!

[soilentgringa]

They are being so photogenic this time!!

Rawr! I am just like mommy! Rawr rawr!

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