Why is my male scorpion pregnant? 🫣

[bradleyriot]

Hello everyone!!

Long time reader, first time poster…
Admittedly, I’m brand new to this hobby.
BUT… I am in LOVE with my scorpion.

I recently purchased this Black Fat Tail (Androctonus Bicolor) from a reptile convention just south of Los Angeles. I purchased “him” from a reputable dealer and brought him home to live with me in my art studio. I named him: “GUILLERMO”

Guillermo and I have been hanging while I make art from home and I’ve built his terrarium up with a few different hides… I always love when he goes in the skull!
He’s a happy little camper who loves to eat, dig, climb… All the things.
We’re both STOKED to have each other.

A few months into our fun little relationship and I noticed that Guillermo has been looking PLUMP. Like… Kind of scary plump… Like… “Hey! What’s wrong with Guillermo?” plump.

So… I’m reading the forums and I learn that scorpions can get constipated! I’m thinking, “Oh no… He can’t poop. He’s going to die.”
A week goes by… I skip a feed session, but it’s not getting any better. Reading forums… Reading more forums… Reading ALL the forums… aaaaaand…
Holy crap!
Guillermo might be “GUILLERMA”…?

As you can see in the most recent pictures, there looks to be embryos in his/her belly!
Imagine my surprise…

FEEDING + WATER:
I usually feed two large crickets every couple of weeks. I keep the dish full with non-chlorinated water. As needed, I spray (again, with non-chlorinated water) whichever side he/she/they is not hiding in, thus providing an appropriate (low) amount of humidity.

PLEASE:
1. Help sex him… her… them?
2. Give me the best advice to get “them” what they need for the situation.

Thank you in advance!
-Bradley Riot

SOCIALS:
@ BradleyRiot
@ LACRIMESBAND

 

[Joey Spijkers]

Yup, I can clearly see embryos, so she is 100% gravid and therefore, 100% female

 

[CRX]

Your scorpion isn't male

 

[darkness975]

Female

 

[bradleyriot]

Yup, I can clearly see embryos, so she is 100% gravid and therefore, 100% female

I was a LITTLE bit afraid of that…
Thank you for confirming though!!
Now I have to figure out what to do with a bunch of teeny babies when they come!
-B

Your scorpion isn't male

”FEMALE” seems to be the overall vote!
Any advice on keeping her comfy?
Thanks!
-B

Female

Thank you for the vote!!
-B

 

[Outpost31Survivor]

Female

Most Buthidae can be sexed this way.

 

[CRX]

And like Joey said, you can clearly see embryos in a couple of the pics. She is extremely pregnant and you need to prepare for dealing with a bunch of baby hots.

Remember these can kill people.

”FEMALE” seems to be the overall vote!
Any advice on keeping her comfy?
Thanks!
-B

I never kept these, but theres plenty of info on here and if you have any questions we're always happy to help

 

[The Snark]

@bradleyriot Guillermo, Spanish origin meaning will or determination and helm, protect, defend. Germanic roots from Willem, William et al. Feminine form: Guillermina.
Thus Guillermina, determined or resolute protector. Keep in mind if you get up close and personal with her telson that you named her and enjoy your new family.

 

[fcat]

I need more info...

Is it Guillermo, the Spanish pronunciation

Or Guillermo, the Portuguese pronunciation

@CRX "Baby hots" I love this

 

[Brewser]

Identified Guillermo as She

 

[Veno Manus]

Just one thing I noticed here that no one else pointed out, hence this being a Buthidae gene and can cause a packing punch on its venom, I'd recomend that you lower the ability for it to climb on the screen. These can be very surprisingly strong and can squeeze through some unexpected places. The last thing you want to have is a cleaning day and you lift the lid and next thing you know your at the hospital. Take that step and just re evaluate the habitat to for preventable accidents. That's just my food for thought. Seems like you care about her which is good but a pregnant scorpion falling from any height can cause issues down the line. For any scorpion that is. Good luck on the brood!!

 

[Joey Spijkers]

Just one thing I noticed here that no one else pointed out, hence this being a Buthidae gene and can cause a packing punch on its venom, I'd recomend that you lower the ability for it to climb on the screen. These can be very surprisingly strong and can squeeze through some unexpected places. The last thing you want to have is a cleaning day and you lift the lid and next thing you know your at the hospital. Take that step and just re evaluate the habitat to for preventable accidents. That's just my food for thought. Seems like you care about her which is good but a pregnant scorpion falling from any height can cause issues down the line. For any scorpion that is. Good luck on the brood!!

Agreed, wanted to comment on that picture too, but seems I forgot. Both for the keeper and for the scorpion not very safe.

 

[bradleyriot]

And like Joey said, you can clearly see embryos in a couple of the pics. She is extremely pregnant and you need to prepare for dealing with a bunch of baby hots.

Remember these can kill people.


I never kept these, but theres plenty of info on here and if you have any questions we're always happy to help

Thanks CRX!
I am 100% aware of her (and …lol… the baby hots’) lethal factor!! I’m not looking to endanger anyone or anything.
My partner and I continue to agree that we don’t want “anything bad to happen.”
Working on a habitat reconfiguration, as well as a plan to re-home the lil babes whenever that time comes.

Cheers!
-B

@bradleyriot Guillermo, Spanish origin meaning will or determination and helm, protect, defend. Germanic roots from Willem, William et al. Feminine form: Guillermina.
Thus Guillermina, determined or resolute protector. Keep in mind if you get up close and personal with her telson that you named her and enjoy your new family.

The Snark!!

I must’ve gravitated toward that name for a reason; great concept and point!! I’ll make sure not to get in her way.
Also… I love “Guillermina”… She’s my tiny warrior-mama!

Cheers!
-B

I need more info...

Is it Guillermo, the Spanish pronunciation

Or Guillermo, the Portuguese pronunciation

@CRX "Baby hots" I love this

FCAT,

It’s the Spanish pronunciation!
We’ve been having fun exercising our accents around the house.

Cheers!
-B