Scorpions Vs Tarantulas

[PIter]

After looking at the mainpage of this forum, I noticed that tarantulas have tons more threads and a notable larger group of readers. This leads me to conclude that tarantulas are more popular then scorpions. As a scorpion fan I cant seem to figure out why, I love tarantulas but I can't see why anyone would rather keep a tarantula insted of a scorpion. Why tarantulas insted of scorps?


Btw, posts I've already read are marked as having new post even if there are no new posts. :?

 

[woijchik89]

I was also wondering why. I think they are just as much scorp lovers as they are taratula lovers. Most the people on arachnoboards collect "T"s and scorpions. However if they prefer "t"s over scorps, they're in denial.

 

[PIter]

I was also wondering why. I think they are just as much scorp lovers as they are taratula lovers. Most the people on arachnoboards collect "T"s and scorpions. However if they prefer "t"s over scorps, they're in denial.

That was harsh , but most have gone mainly down one road collecting most of either scorpions or tarantulas.

 

[woijchik89]

That was harsh , but most have gone mainly down one road collecting most of either scorpions or tarantulas.

I beg the differ.

I think most people collect and or want to collect both.

Maybe I'll make a poll later.

~Ben

 

[Highlander]

Though I have never kept a tarantula(in fact my emp is my first invert pet)I think they are neat but I think scorps are cooler.

 

[Wade]

To answer this question, we have to look at the factors that draw people to these animals in the first place, and then figure out how many species from each group that fit the bill.

Size - The large size of many tarantula and scorpion species is what initially attracts many people to the hobby in the first place. Tarantulas, on average, are bigger. I'm going to be charitable and define 3" as "large". Nearly all of the 90 or so tarantula species that are regularly available to hobbyists exceed 3" in legspan, but how many scorpions exceed that in total length? I can think of only 4 or 5 genera that have scorpions this size. Raise the size to 6" and and there's only a handful of scorpion species that measure up, but still plenty of tarantulas to choose from.

Color- There are tarantulas in literally every color of the rainbow...red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple...while scorpions tend to come from a more subdued palet of black, yellow, brown and tan. When other colors are present, they tend to be very subdued. Of course, a blacklight can even the score a bit

Docility - This is probably the least important of the three, but newbies are often most attracted to species they can handle. Again, more tarantulas to choose from, while most scorpions are too small, fiesty, or potentially "hot" to really be good choices for handeling.

The bottom line is there are more tarantulas that are likley to capture the hobbyist's eye than scorpions, subsequently greater popularity. This has it's advantages, however. Scorpion keepers are more apt to be specialists and subsequently I've noticed a pretty high level of knowledge being demonstrated by the average poster on the scorpion forum, because the ratio of newbies to advanced keepers is lower than on the tarantula forum.

On a side note, I'd like to add that some of the most popular scorpions can hold their own against any INDIVIDUAL species of tarantula. For example, I'd be willing to be that the emperor scorpion (easily the most commonly kept scorpion) is nearly, if not more, popular than the Chilean rose tarantula (the most commonly kept tarantula).



Wade

 

[Fergrim]

Man, scorpion owners are an elite group. People who prefer T's are just used to being newbs.

 

[G. Carnell]

T's are very beautiful, they are totally different in their own special way, you cant compare scorps and spiders, i want a tarantula one day, but i dont think i can care for it properly (and dont really want one yet )
when i can say, "wow tarantulas are fascinating" i also scream "I BLOODY LOVE SCORPIONS"

 

[Brian S]

Wade I have to agree with what you said. I keep both Ts and scorps but I lean more toward scorps as being my favorite. Both are fascinating in their own way.

 

[Fergrim]

Yeah, I admit... I've been considering getting myself a big T. but not until I finish getting my scorpion must haves

 

[PIter]

How venomous is the most venomous t, inn mg/kg.

 

[Brian S]

Not as venoumous as the most venomous scorp

 

[Fergrim]

Although T fangs are more physically damaging then a scorp tail? Or so I've been told

 

[Wade]

Not much research has been done on t's venom regarding toxicity, there's no LD 50 chart or anything because there's never been verifiable recorded deaths (just a few dubous stories). Some resarch has been done into using the venom for medical puposes,however.

That's a factor I overlooked, there are quite a few records of people dying from scorpion stings, but virtually none from tarantula bites. Probably makes people feel a little safer with tarantulas.

Wade

 

[Wade]

Although T fangs are more physically damaging then a scorp tail? Or so I've been told

I would assume so, since the fangs should be able to penatrate deeper than the stinger. Plus, there's two of 'em.

Wade

 

[G. Carnell]

also when u have a scorp, you need to look out for both claws and the sting, u cant keep them all at bay :O get clawed or stung

 

[Fergrim]

Everyone I've talked to who hasn't had experience with scorpions has assumed that they are all very deadly. And for some reason, for every person that's seen my emperor.. They've asked if it's had its venom/stinger removed..? Odd question.

When I was deciding between a scorpion and tarantula.. it was initially the bad assness of the scorpion that won me over A little research and I was hooked!

 

[woijchik89]

To answer this question, we have to look at the factors that draw people to these animals in the first place, and then figure out how many species from each group that fit the bill.

Size - The large size of many tarantula and scorpion species is what initially attracts many people to the hobby in the first place. Tarantulas, on average, are bigger. I'm going to be charitable and define 3" as "large". Nearly all of the 90 or so tarantula species that are regularly available to hobbyists exceed 3" in legspan, but how many scorpions exceed that in total length? I can think of only 4 or 5 genera that have scorpions this size. Raise the size to 6" and and there's only a handful of scorpion species that measure up, but still plenty of tarantulas to choose from.

Color- There are tarantulas in literally every color of the rainbow...red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple...while scorpions tend to come from a more subdued palet of black, yellow, brown and tan. When other colors are present, they tend to be very subdued. Of course, a blacklight can even the score a bit

Docility - This is probably the least important of the three, but newbies are often most attracted to species they can handle. Again, more tarantulas to choose from, while most scorpions are too small, fiesty, or potentially "hot" to really be good choices for handeling.

The bottom line is there are more tarantulas that are likley to capture the hobbyist's eye than scorpions, subsequently greater popularity. This has it's advantages, however. Scorpion keepers are more apt to be specialists and subsequently I've noticed a pretty high level of knowledge being demonstrated by the average poster on the scorpion forum, because the ratio of newbies to advanced keepers is lower than on the tarantula forum.

On a side note, I'd like to add that some of the most popular scorpions can hold their own against any INDIVIDUAL species of tarantula. For example, I'd be willing to be that the emperor scorpion (easily the most commonly kept scorpion) is nearly, if not more, popular than the Chilean rose tarantula (the most commonly kept tarantula).



Wade

Good piont Wade, these are the exact reasons I want to get a "T"

However scorpions can be cool in their own way, ways that "T" probally can't compare.

Size, I agree most Tarantula's In general are HUGE when most scorpions are not. however, small can be a good thing. It can be less expensive to keep for the owners. Size can also deal with..........

Quantity. Alot of scorpions live in groups, And when alot of them happen to be small, owners can buy more. And it's cooler to see 20-30 scorps in one tank getting along, I believe that alot of "T" can't stand having another T in the cage too(cept of course if its the opposite sex ) I like seeing pictures of lots of scorps in one terrium getting along. And the living expenses are still the same if you were to get one scorp. And in Carpe scorpio's words, "Scorps are like potato chips, you can't only have one."

Color, It's true T's can come in all colors but scorps can too, like there's all diffrent species of bark scorpions that are all unique and colorful! But due to bark scorpions are smaller species, they're colors can sometimes take a second look to notice. But then again, if a buyer wants a colorful species, for example a G. Oramenal, they're gonna hava to have a pretty big wallet. While bark scorps remian colorful, don't have such a big gap in price change.

Doctallity, I agree it IS the least important. This really depends on the buyer example a mother buying her son a pet, or a 19 yr old wanting a bad@$$ pet to impress his girlfreind with. I think most scorpion owners are attracted to the more aggresive species.

Expence, don't deny it, most all newbies won't even look at a "T' after seeing the price. Meaning all they see in pet stores are the boring browns. With a reasonable price tag. Then they take a look to the left (or right depending where you live) To the emporer scorpion, a much more interesting pet, plus the same cost as the T.

In conclusion T's are probally a little more popular now but in a few years or so, scorpions will rule the petstores, prices of T's will drop, and I'll get myself a Gooti Ornamental. LOL

~Ben

P.S. sorry about the spelling I'm in a hurry and don't have time to edit.

 

[alex]

Tarantulas are easier to find (in pet shops), in my area.

 

[carpe scorpio]

I had a tarantula for two days once, I traded it for a scorpion. I thought it might be interesting to keep one, but the fact that it was always on the glass, didn't appeal to me. Scolopendra gigantea was another story, awsome creatures.