Introduction

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Family: Scorpionidae
Common name: emperor scorpion

This is clearly the most common scorpion sold in the pet trade and a favorite of both beginners and some experts alike. Most people are impressed with its enormous size and "evil" appearance, but docile reputation for handling. Although the emperor scorpion has a reputation for being able to be handled, I personally don't recommend handling. Though they are not generally aggressive, stings do occur and are typically described as similar in effect to a bee sting. The venom of P. imperator is not normally considered medically important, but if you are allergic to the venom, any sting can be life threatening. If you don't know whether or not you are allergic to its venom, don't find out the hard way. They are also rumored to give a nasty pinch with the strong pedipalp chela (pincers) with sufficient force to draw blood.

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