Should I get a Parabuthus villosus?

[Centicupid]

Hi everyone! I have been thinking of getting another scorpion, and I really like the species Parabuthus villosus. I already own a Pandinus imperator and Heterometrus longimanus. But since this species seems to be more aggressive and venemous, I'm not sure whether to get one. How dangerous is this species? How serious is its sting? I'd really like to have your opinions Thanks!!

 

[Venom]

While they are awesome scorpions, that would not be the best first buthid scorpion. P. villosus is the largest buthid on earth (and so carries huge amounts of venom), is dangerously venomous, and can spray its venom into your eyes. That's a BIG step up from emperor and forest scorpions! I'd recommend getting an intermediate-level buthid scorp before taking on this one.

A quick survey of Parabuthus spp. in southern Africa:

http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/arachnids/scorpions/stings_and_venoms.htm

 

[Scorpionluva]

I would say if you are safe and responsible with your other 2 scorpions - a parabuthus villosus would be a great addition to your collection
my first 2 scorps were an emperor and a giant hairy but I escalated to a parabuthus transvaalicus for my 3rd scorpion - that was 14 years ago and im still kickin LOL

easiest thing to do is treat all of your scorpions as if they are all potentially life threatening and you will be good to go !

 

[Centicupid]

While they are awesome scorpions, that would not be the best first buthid scorpion. P. villosus is the largest buthid on earth (and so carries huge amounts of venom), is dangerously venomous, and can spray its venom into your eyes. That's a BIG step up from emperor and forest scorpions! I'd recommend getting an intermediate-level buthid scorp before taking on this one.

A quick survey of Parabuthus spp. in southern Africa:

http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/arachnids/scorpions/stings_and_venoms.htm

I would say if you are safe and responsible with your other 2 scorpions - a parabuthus villosus would be a great addition to your collection
my first 2 scorps were an emperor and a giant hairy but I escalated to a parabuthus transvaalicus for my 3rd scorpion - that was 14 years ago and im still kickin LOL

easiest thing to do is treat all of your scorpions as if they are all potentially life threatening and you will be good to go !

I read the survey you sent me Venom, and it convinced me not to acquire one. I might not get stung, but if I did, then I don't think the hospitals here were I live would be prepared to manage something like that. It's just not worth the risk. Although Scorpionluva, it sure must be awesome to own such an amazing animal!

Thanks a lot to both of you for your answers!

 

[HUNGRYBEASTS]

my first scorpion are 3 A. australis.. hehe so go for it..

 

[gromgrom]

I would recommend something less hot, but with similar behaviors before making that jump. I'd also recommend trying a less hot semi-arid species so you are used to their wet/dry cycles they enjoy.

 

[BarkScorps]

Parabuthus sp. are very hot scorpions and also very aggressive.I personally could only recommend them to people who have dealt with other very dangerous species.If you get one then be very careful but it is better to just avoid them altogether.

 

[brolloks]

Last post was Jan 18, 2015, old thread

 

[Pipa]

I hope the keeper is still alive!

 

[Chris WT]

Did you ever get P. Villosus? OP?

 

[Najakeeper]

For anybody with decent common sense, P.villosus is an easy scorp to deal with. They are also amazing looking animals. Just be careful and stick to protocol.

Also, I know there's one species in the genus that can spray venom but I have never seen this one do that.

 

[Red Eunice]

I would recommend something less hot, but with similar behaviors before making that jump. I'd also recommend trying a less hot semi-arid species so you are used to their wet/dry cycles they enjoy.

So what "hot" species do you suggest I start with?

 

[Pipa]

I concur , I've never had any Parabuthus spray , but I've seen videos and pictures.

 

[Kayv]

One of my favorite species of scorps, or my favorite for that matter. Why wouldn't you want anything this awesome?

Use common sense and invest in good tongs.

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Eh... those are not exactly the best kind of scorpions for the unexperienced but IMO the venom potency is the only issue. They can't climb, and they aren't otherwordly escape masters like centipedes. Let's not even consider or talk about "handling", the chances for a serious keeper to end stung are very very low if caution and good tongs are always "turned on".

Those scorpions are nothing if compared with a badass P.nigriventer, at the end :-s

 

[Tleilaxu]

My third scorpion after two years was a Deathstalker....

 

[Jamey]

I have an adult orange P. Villosus. It's pretty laid back, beautiful scorpion. Very easy to manage, to keep. My Androctonus Bicolor is much more aggro, volatile. Common sense and respect for the creatures has kept me safe.