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Gambian Scorpion
AdvancedPandinus gambiensis
A large scorpionid from West Africa with a robust dark body and massive pincers, closely related to the emperor scorpion. It is listed on CITES Appendix II, so international trade is regulated.
Difficulty
Advanced
Lifespan
6-9 years
Size
About 12-20cm total length (range for the genus Pandinus)
Diet
Live insects such as crickets
About
The Gambian scorpion (Pandinus gambiensis) is a large scorpionid found in West Africa, with records from Gambia, Senegal and Guinea. Members of Pandinus reach roughly 12-20 cm in total length and are dark to black, with massive pedipalp pincers and a comparatively thin metasoma ending in a small vesicle and sting. They carry a stridulatory organ formed by a rough patch on the pedipalp coxa and a scraper of bristles on the first leg, and rub the two together to produce a scratching sound. Most species of the genus live in humid tropical lowlands, in rainforest, gallery forest along rivers and woodland beside savannah, preferring soft soils. As in other Scorpionidae the venom is mild: stings cause local pain and no human fatalities are known. This species and the emperor scorpion (P. imperator) were placed on CITES Appendix II in 1995 because of overcollection for the pet trade, so international trade requires permits.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Gambian Scorpion
The Gambian Scorpion lives 6-9 years.
Size of the Gambian Scorpion
The Gambian Scorpion grows to About 12-20cm total length (range for the genus Pandinus).
Basic Info
Origin
West Africa (Gambia, Senegal, Guinea)
Lifespan
6-9 years
Size
About 12-20cm total length (range for the genus Pandinus)
Diet
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Pandinus gambiensis Pocock, 1899
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
CITES Appendix II
Listed on CITES Appendix II since 1995 because of overcollection for the pet trade; P. imperator was listed at the same time.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Pandinus gambiensis, Appendix II) / Wikipedia: Pandinus (conservation status)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Gambian Scorpion Listings
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