I think I'm having problems with my Emps...

Eminator

Arachnopeon
Joined
Nov 13, 2009
Messages
11
Hope someone can advise. Two of my emps have been very lethargic as of late, including one that was always a fairly good eater. Both are exhibiting the same behavior. Seem shaky and 'disoriented', not eating (I feed crickets). One died yesterday, the only odd thing that I observed physically is that there was a white patch by his stinger. Neither burrowed.

I keep them in 10 gal tanks (1 per) on coco coir (4 inches, try to keep moist) with little caves and a water dish. Room temperature is 68. Any thoughts, suggestions, helpful pointers would be appreciated. Thanks!
 

Obelisk

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Jun 15, 2009
Messages
337
The temperature is too low. Try raising it up to around 85 deg F. You can use a red light bulb (60 watts should be enough). Some people might suggest using a heat mat on the side of the enclosure, though that method has never worked for me personally.
 

Nomadinexile

Arachnoking
Old Timer
Joined
Apr 8, 2009
Messages
2,674
There is some seasonal variation in their natural habitat. 68* shouldn't be too low. It would slow down their movement and eating habits a bit though. You could allow that for a few months, then warm it up starting in spring.

The white stuff was probably feces. The death should be unrelated to conditions you are keeping them in. Was it an adult?

Even if it wasn't, they do pass on sometimes. Sometimes it's keeper error, sometimes it's parasites, sometimes we have no idea why. I don't think your temps did it though.
 

Nomadinexile

Arachnoking
Old Timer
Joined
Apr 8, 2009
Messages
2,674
After looking at the climate data below, I am sure that your temp should be fine as a low. In fact, I think it is a perfect low temp for winter for your P.i.
Day time temps should go up to around 85*. You could increase both 10* in summer for optimal conditions. You can put your heating pad or element on a cheap mechanical timer you can buy at home depot for around $10 if I remember correctly. I had mine on one for a while. Before that I would plug in every morning, and unplug around 10pm. Just try not to forget!

And make sure to check your temps carefully when first starting to heat. If your heat is too strong, you could go well over the temp you are trying to achieve! Good luck!


This seems to be a good caresheet.

http://www.pandinusimperator.nl/EN/story_EN.htm

These scorpions come from humid and warm tropical forests and savannas of western Africa, therefore, keep them in a humid (80 %) and warm (30 *C/86 *F during the day; 20 *C/ 68 *F during the night) environment. Keep one adult specimen in an enclosure of about 50x30x30 cm (20x12x12 inches). If housing an adult pair, the enclosure should be at least 60x40x30 cm (24x16x12 inches). Floor space is more important than height.

Interesting little page.

http://www.arkive.org/emperorscorpion/pandinusimperator/#text=RangeHabitat

And other with a map showing distribution, though I am unsure of its accuracy.

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/3780628...k-Scorpion-Kingdom-Animalia-Phylum-Arthropoda

Go to this page and click on the cities, to see averages for cities in Cote d' ivoire (Ivory Coast) I see lows ranging from 65* to 75* in the winter. This is the heart of P. imperator range.

http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/ivory-coast/

Nigeria
http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/nigeria/

Benin
http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/ivory-coast/

Burkina faso
http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/burkina-faso/

Mali
http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/mali/
 

Eminator

Arachnopeon
Joined
Nov 13, 2009
Messages
11
Thanks for the replies! 1 is an adult and the one that died was a juvenile. I'll look at raising the temperature.
 

dairy

Arachnoknight
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 13, 2007
Messages
295
The temperature is too low.
I kept Emps from 4i to 6i at a fairly constant 60 degrees for nearly a year with no problems. Over the course of the year the temps may have varied ~5 degrees but thats it. They barely grew in that time but there were no health issues and they fed well.
 
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