ASf lifespan

[CRX]

I got my AFS almost 4 years ago, in July 2021. I've tracked his progress with pictures, im in process of making a collage, and in that time he has molted several times, but not appreciably changed size. He's about 1.5x the size now that I got him as a 2i. I read multiple places the AFS lifespan is 7-8 years maximum. What am I to take this to mean? Do they start molting much faster in their later years, or is this going to be a record breaking scorpion?

 

[Andrew Clayton]

I got my AFS almost 4 years ago, in July 2021. I've tracked his progress with pictures, im in process of making a collage, and in that time he has molted several times, but not appreciably changed size. He's about 1.5x the size now that I got him as a 2i. I read multiple places the AFS lifespan is 7-8 years maximum. What am I to take this to mean? Do they start molting much faster in their later years, or is this going to be a record breaking scorpion?

I got Heterometrus Spinifer in the past as an adult, no clue how old it was but it lived in my care without moulting for nearly 3 years. Eventually just passed away.

 

[Smotzer]

Do they start molting much faster in their later years,

As a general no, they will molt more frequently when they are younger compared to when they are older. I don't think Ive ever heard of a case of any animal increasing frequency of molting as they age.

 

[darkness975]

The frequency slows down with age.

 

[Brewser]

I Concur

 

[adam james]

How many times has he molted since you got him (at 2i)? When you say 'several' , i assume you mean at least 3 or greater. That would put him at 5i now which should be quite difference in size compared to 2i. But also means he has 2 molts left plus a few years on the end if all goes well. That adds up to about 8 years.