Apistobuthus pterygocercus

[Terrena Laxamentum]

Does anyone have a care sheet for this species? I couldn't really find too much info on them.

 

[Outpost31Survivor]

Does anyone have a care sheet for this species? I couldn't really find too much info on them.

They are rare in the hobby and from what I personally gathered they are difficult in captivity.

 

[Terrena Laxamentum]

They are rare in the hobby and from what I personally gathered they are difficult in captivity.

So I've heard, is there any info out there on how to keep them alive?

 

[Outpost31Survivor]

So I've heard, is there any info out there on how to keep them alive?

Only that they are ultra-psammophiles.

 

[Terrena Laxamentum]

Only that they are ultra-psammophiles.

So very loose sand with little to no obstruction and high ventilation?

 

[Outpost31Survivor]

So very loose sand with little to no obstruction and high ventilation?

It should be provided a hide but yes this species is a real genuine dune scorpion adapted to life in the dunes and their loose shifting sands.

 

[Terrena Laxamentum]

Sounds good. So as far as the ventilation goes, is great ventilation enough, or should I consider a potential method for actual air current to pass through the enclosure? And the hide, something flatter and less obstructive to air flow?

 

[Outpost31Survivor]

Sounds good. So as far as the ventilation goes, is great ventilation enough, or should I consider a potential method for actual air current to pass through the enclosure? And the hide, something flatter and less obstructive to air flow?

With any arid or semi-arid scorpion you need to provide great amount of ventilation otherwise you can trap too much moisture, humidity, and stagnant air leading to a dangerous mycosis infection. The hide just needs to be something a scorpion can burrow or build a scrape beneath I recommend a piece of cork bark due to its lightweight.

 

[Terrena Laxamentum]

Ok sounds good, thanks a bunch!

 

[Richard McJimsey]

This species has proven very difficult to keep in captivity over the years, I wish you the best of luck. I would suggest researching the climate and biogeography of where this species is found (sand dunes of the Rub' al Khali) to maximize your success.

You may also find useful information in this paper (a different species, but contains relevant information on pterygocerus):

Navidpour, Sh & Lowe, Graeme. (2009). Revised diagnosis and redescription of Apistobuthus susanae (Scorpiones, Buthidae). Journal of Arachnology. 37. 45-59. 10.1636/H08-44.1.