I took the plunge and picked up this emperor. No shots on the hand yet, but maybe someday. The enclosure isn't ideal. The temperature and humidity are though. With a little more wall height I'd be content. Ostensibly it was for my daughter's birthday. A double! I'm tickled and she's over the moon!

Congrats clocker and a Happy Birthday to your daughter! We've got one too. Used to be two but you know, things happen. I would either make sure that lid stays tight or find something a tad taller. The can get pretty tall when they want to. Good luck with it!

I agree with you Patrick. It came to us in a much taller, but far too small container. I figured that floor space was more important in the short term, so this was the compromise. I had a chance to see him stretched out doing the glass dance and am under no illusions about his length.

I'm scouting for an enclosure for him, but can't justify the room for a ten gallon aquarium. Improvisational theatre is no doubt on the way.

Congrats and wish your daughter a happy birthday from me! Nice gift dad!

The container is actually not that bad right now. They need more floor space than anything, and youll like the fact that they cant glass climb as that becomes annoying hearing clicking and clacking all night long. If you want to allow it to burrow, then youll want a taller cage of course. If you want to see it all the time, just keep it on shallow, dampened peat with some hides (just like you are doing). These things are notorious for gorging themselves on crickets and then fasting for months at a time, so dont be alarmed if it does that, its normal. I may suggest getting a top that latches or locks though, as these are pretty strong and can easily lift a unlatched lid. I keep mine in one of those long and short Kritter Keepers. I have two in there and one other in a seperate cage (the cage is too small for all 3). Youll fall in love with her in no time and pretty soon youll want more and more. Welcome to the "other side" of invertebrate keeping.

Vaejovis confuscus and Hottentotta hottentotta, both second instars are calling to me... Thanks for the info and confirmation.
Cheers! Ian

It's about time you've moved over to the darkside! nice scorp. Stay away from hot scorps until you are totally and absolutely onto these things for sure. Glad to see you are expanding your arachnid collection.