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Scorpio palmatus

Scorpio palmatus

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Latin Name: Scorpio palmatus
Common Name: Israeli Gold Scorpion
Temperature: 24° - 28°
Temperament: Very defensive, will pinch/sting if bothered
Humidity: 70%
Adult size: 3 inches
Communal: No
Fossorial: Like to dig, soil needs to hold a burrow
Substrate: Soil/sand or clay mixture
Origin: Middle east
 
Scorpio palmatus, commonly known as the Large-Clawed Scorpion, is a species of scorpion belonging to the family Scorpionidae. It is one of the most recognizable scorpions in its range due to its large, powerful pincers and distinctive appearance.
 
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  • Identification and Description

    Sexual Dimorphism:

    This species presents sexual diorphism, males will have a shorter fixed finger (top finger) than the females do, males will also appear to have a matt finish on their carapace where as females will have a more glossy appearance.

     

    Size:

    Scorpio palmatus is a medium-sized scorpion, typically measuring around 3 inches in length.

     

    Coloration:

    It generally has a yellowish to light brown body, which helps it blend into sandy and rocky environments. The color may vary slightly depending on the region.

     

    Pincers (Pedipalps):

    One of its most distinguishing features is its large, robust pincers, which are wider and more powerful compared to many other scorpions. These pincers are used for grasping prey and for defense.

     

    Tail (Telson):

    The tail is thick and segmented, ending in a curved yellowish stinger.

     

    Carapace and Body Texture:

    The exoskeleton has a smooth texture with some granulation, providing protection and reducing water loss, which is crucial in arid environments.

  • Distribution and Habitat

    Geographic Range:

    Scorpio palmatus is primarily found in the Middle East and parts of North Africa, including countries like Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

     

    Habitat:

    It thrives in semi-desert environments, particularly favoring sandy and rocky terrains, often found hiding in long elaborate burrows during the day to avoid the intense heat.

     

    Important:

    Although considered a desert species, S. palmatus enjoys basking in humid pockets, and often burrows deep underground in order to find a water source to regulate it's tempurature.

  • Behavior and Ecology

    Nocturnal Activity: 

    Scorpio palmatus is nocturnal, becoming active after sunset to hunt for food and avoid the harsh daytime temperatures.

     

    Diet:

    It feeds on a variety of small invertebrates in the wild, including insects, isopods, spiders & beetles. It rarely resorts to stinging and can usually use its strong pincers to capture and crush its prey.

     

    Venom:

    The venom of Scorpio palmatus is considered mild in terms of toxicity. While it is not usually dangerous to humans, a sting can cause pain, redness, and swelling, similar to a bee or wasp sting. In rare cases, sensitive individuals may experience more severe reactions.

     

    Defense Mechanisms:

    This scorpion displays very high levels of defensiveness, maybe to the point of aggressiveness. However due to their small size and low venom potency they have become a favorite among hobysists & a challenge for breeders.

  • Reproduction

    The reproductive process involves a complex courtship dance known as the “promenade à deux,” where the male and female lock pincers and perform a coordinated dance. This behavior leads to the male depositing a spermatophore, which the female picks up to fertilize her eggs.

     

    In Captivity, S. palmatus are notoriously difficult to breed, even after a successful courtship dance the female usually aborts before they are birthed. The female then eats the remains.

  • Interesting Facts

    Scorpio palmatus used to be named 'Scorpio maurus palmatus' until it's change in 2015.

  • Classification

    Originally described as a subspecies Scorpio maurus palmatus by Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg in 1828. For over a century, Scorpio maurus was considered a single species within multiple subspecies, but a study in 2015 by Talal et al, examined morphological, behavioral, and genetic data from various polulations in the eastern mediterranean region, revealing significant differences among the subspecies. This led to the elevation of Scorpio maurus palmatus to full species status as Scorpio palmatus.

  • Summary

    Latin Name: Scorpio palmatus

    Common Name: Israeli Gold Scorpion

    Temperature: 24° - 28°

    Temperament: Very defensive, will pinch/sting if bothered

    Humidity: 70%

    Adult size: 3 inches

    Communal: No

    Fossorial: Like to dig, soil needs to hold a burrow

    Substrate: Soil/sand or clay mixture

    Origin: Middle east

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