The emperor scorpion - Pandinus imperator

The emperor scorpion, scientifically known as Pandinus imperator, is a fascinating species of scorpion native to the rainforests and savannahs of West Africa. It is known for its impressive size and is one of the largest scorpions in the world. The lifespan of the emperor scorpion is approx. 6-8 years. It has a black body, but like most other scorpion species, it lights up in pastel green or blue hues under ultraviolet light.

The emperor scorpion is a highly sought after species in the pet trade as it is one of the easier scorpions to handle. This has led to concerns about overharvesting, and the human impact on the species' survival in the wild. To address this issue, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has implemented safeguards to protect the emperor scorpion.

This specific Emperor Scorpion is from an older (1849) French book on natural history.