Origin and geographical distribution
Death stalker scorpion originates from dry deserts and scrub lands in Northern Africa and the Middle East. Basically it lives in various countries such as Israel, Kuwait, Algeria, Chad, Sudan, Somalia, Pakistan, Qatar, Syria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Yemen, Iran, Lebanon, Oman, Libya, Ethiopia, Niger, Iraq, Jordan, Tunisia and Mali.
Overview
The death stalker Scorpion is also known as Israeli desert Scorpion and Omdurman Scorpion, Arabian Deathstalker Scorpion, Egyptian Scorpion, Yellow Scorpion, Israeli Yellow Scorpion and Five-keeled Gold Scorpion. Some general confusion tend to arise with other scorpions of the same family thus the death stalker scorpions are normally referred by their scientific name; Leiturus Quinquestriatus, which simply translated means ‘five-striped smooth-tail’.
The L. quinquestriatus grows to an average length of 9-11.5 cm approximately (3.5-4.5) inches. It features lean pedipalps and a long thin tail. Compared to other scorpions, the L. quinquestriatus is lightly built.
The death stalker scorpions are very small in size and normally feature a reddish or tan coloration with tiny weak pincers. The pincer and stinger tips tend to be darker, sometimes nearly pitch black. The size helps distinguish between the male and the female where the former is larger to accommodate reproductive roles.
Still on point, the pincer’s size help distinguish the potency of the scorpion’s venom. Large, dominant pincers do not possess powerful toxins, whereas the small weak pincers have strong toxins. This is simply because of the fact that the weak pincers will not be able to ward off potential attackers before they are attacked, thus the strong poison subdues the prey.
Diet
The death stalker scorpion, like any other scorpion, feeds on large insects, an occasional pinkie mouse, earthworms, mealworms, crickets, flies and moths. Sorpletts on the other hand should be fed with small insects such as pinhead crickets. Death Stalker Scorpion requires enough supply of water, thus you should provide water in a shallow dish and change it regularly with clean water.
Toxin
The death stalker scorpion is the second most dangerous scorpion in the world. The venom of this scorpion causes potential threat to human life. As it may cause serious injuries to an otherwise healthy adult person, it can kill elderly people, children, other pets and people who have allergies and other special health conditions such as heart conditions.
The venom of the death stalker scorpion contains neurotoxins that include Scyllatoxin, type 1, 2, 3 agitoxins, chlorotoxin and charybdotoxin. On a more positive note, it is purported that the peptide chlorotoxin, shows some potential to treat brain tumors for human beings, while other constituents of the venom can aid insulin regulation in the body, thus can be used to treat diabetes. The neurotoxin can cause convulsions, coma, fever, blood pressure, heart and respiratory failure which ultimately cause death.
Handling
The Death Stalker ScorpionIt is only too clear that the death stalker scorpion is not for any arachnid keeper, it requires someone with a vast experience in handling scorpions as they tend to be also very aggressive. One should think carefully before acquiring one as a pet.
Since it is a dangerous animal, some jurisdictions may require it’s keepers to acquire a license or an insurance policy as it obviously pose a potential threat to neighbors. The death stalker scorpion requires extra precautionary measures to be taken, especially to ensure that they do not escape from their enclosures.
If not handled properly, death stalker scorpions can kill a lot of people. Even keepers with long years of experience have been hurt, and even killed by this species because of improper handling. It is therefore mandatory to have an escape proof enclosure.
It is very important that potential keepers learn of the risks involved in having such an animal. The potency of the venom and a nervous and aggressive temperament are some of the risks that you should be prepared for with a death stalker scorpion. The secret of keeping this species is to never underestimate the power of its venom, always taking precautions at all times.
A lot of hobbyists acquire the death stalker scorpion because of its aggressive nature, saying they want an aggressive species. Be advised that even though it is extremely toxic, it is not the most aggressive species. The hobbyists end up releasing the animal into a non-native region when it turns out not to meet their expectations. Beware that it is a dangerous animal, very dangerous to cause death, thus should only be released in areas where it cannot harm any human being or animal.
Reproduction
The death stalker scorpion is an ovoviviparous species, which means that the female keep eggs internally, and develops them for a year or so, then gives birth to up to 30 young ones. Typically, before the young ones reach adulthood, they need to molt from 7-10 times. In the wild, the average life span of a L. quinquestriatus is around 5 years.
Housing
It is obvious that such a deadly species should be handled and housed very sparingly and only by experienced arachnid keepers. In light to this, house the death stalker scorpions in escape proof enclosures. Conversely, Deaths talker scorpions tend to burrow, thus, you should provide substrate of either potting soil, peat moss, sand or a combination of all three, of at least 3-5 inches. Another thing to keep in mind is that the floor space of the animal’s enclosure is more important than the height; therefore, you can house an individual death stalker scorpion in a 2.5-5 gallon enclosure. The optimal temperature and humidity should be 75-85 degrees F and 45-50 degrees consecutively.
Conclusion
Regardless of the intrinsic danger in having such a dangerous animal as a pet, the pet trade market is always flooded with death stalker scorpions. The different color mutations that are bright and attractive and its hardy nature make it a favorite among hobbyists. The basic rule to remember is that it is not ideal for an average pet keeper. Basically, you should be ready to always be on toes when you have such a species as your pet.
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