Frequently Asked Questions

Simple Questions and Answers

Introduction
FAQs

Introduction

Here I have composed some issues raised by visitors to this site. The answers relate mainly to European scorpions but may also apply to other species.

Frequently Asked Questions…

Q. I have found something which I think is a scorpion - how can I tell?
A. A scorpion has pincers (claws) at the front of its body, which makes it look like a miniature lobster. It also has a long narrow tail with a sting at the tip. See Photographs to see what a scorpion really looks like. Some common Insects are occasionally mistaken for scorpions.

Q. Can I collect European scorpions from the wild in the UK?
A. Yes. As it is not considered an indigenous species, the Environment Agency has informed me that current wildlife conservation regulations do not restrict collection of "non-native species" from general areas in the wild, e.g. open grassland, moors, etc. However, you should check if the collection area is a designated nature reserve, as you are not permitted to take any species from such a protected site. Seek permission from the land-owner before collecting, to avoid issues relating to trespass.

Q. Can I keep European scorpions in the same tank?
A. Yes, providing there is plenty of space for them to hide under rocks, etc. If they become overcrowded this may lead to cannibalism.

Q. Should I isolate pregnant females when they give birth?
A. Yes, definitely. Baby scorpions will quickly become a tasty meal for other adult scorpions. Not only that, but a pregnant female will aggressively protect her offspring and may attack other adult scorpions that venture too close. It is wise to isolate a pregnant female as soon as you suspect that she is about to give birth, rather than disturb her after she has delivered.

Q. Is it safe to handle a dead European scorpion?
A. Ultimately all venomous scorpions pose a potential threat, so my advice is avoid handling even a dead one. If the sting is intact then it may still deliver venom if it were accidentally brushed against. Some people have experienced accidental stings from dead bees and wasps in the same way.

Q. How can I determine the sex of a European scorpion?
A. As a general guideline, males have a notch in their pincers and sometimes have larger pincers. Females tend to have fatter bodies and do not have a notch in their pincers. See Diagram. Unfortunately, these characteristics are only obvious in adult specimens.
A more accurate method is to look at the pectines (comb-like apendages) on the underside of the body - in males these are longer with more "bristles". As European scorpions are so small it can be difficult to even see these organs clearly with the naked eye.

Q. What is the gestation period for European scorpions?
A. Estimated at around 11 to 12 months (for Euscorpius flavicaudis) in the wild.
[I have yet to determine this myself]

Q. Can live European scorpions be sent through the UK postal system?
A. Strictly speaking - NO!
The Royal Mail may permit transportation under certain conditions, as with some insects. Check with your nearest main Royal Mail centre or ask at a post office for the telephone number of the Royal Mail Customer Helpline. Alternativley, use a specialist transport carrier company.

Q. How is the size of a scorpion measured?
A. From the tip of the head to the tip of the tail (excluding the sting).
Some people include the sting when measuring the overall length; this is subject to debate. The pincers, however, should not be included.

Q. Where can I buy European Scorpions in the UK?
A. I have not yet found a retail source in the UK that sells them.

Q. Where can I find/collect European Scorpions in the UK?
A. The only known surviving colony is at Sheerness Dockyards on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.
However, this is a restricted area due to the presence of H.M. Customs & Excise and special permission is required to gain access to the site, so access is limited.