Introduction to the Breeding Methods of the East Asian Scorpion "Shenlong No. 1"
The East Asian scorpion "Shenlong No. 1" is a new breed developed through hybrid vigor. Its advantages are large body size, high venom yield, short growth cycle, high litter rate, and high reproduction rate, and it has improved immunity to the original diseases and pests and adaptability to the growth environment, which facilitates feeding management.
I. Characteristics: The features of this breed are similar to other East Asian scorpions. The trunk (from the anterior abdomen to the cephalothorax) is flat and elongated oval, and the posterior abdomen is tail-shaped. The entire body resembles a pipa shape, and the whole body surface is a highly chitinized hard skin. The body is brown, the ventral surface and appendages are lighter in color, the claws are yellow, and the tail is slightly yellow, moist and glossy. The female scorpion's pedipalps are slender, with no obvious protrusion on the inner edge of the base; the male scorpion's movable finger is thicker and shorter, with an obvious protrusion at the base.
Its notable feature is its large body size. Body length can reach 7.0-8.5 cm, with some reaching 9.0 cm, body width about 1.5 cm, and body weight 2.2-2.8 g (pregnant scorpions).
II. Characteristics
1. The physiological characteristics of this scorpion breed are similar to other scorpions, with the habit of hiding by day and coming out at night; it likes moisture but fears dampness; it likes darkness and fears strong light stimulation; it likes living in groups; it is quiet and not active; and it has the habit of recognizing its nest and group. Most scorpions settle together in fixed nests. Generally, in large group nests with both large and small individuals, male and female scorpions can get along peacefully, and mutual killing rarely occurs. Because of constant-temperature rearing, scorpions do not have the habit of hibernation.
2. Generally, scorpions can survive from 40°C to minus 5°C. Temperature is closely related to the growth, development and reproduction of scorpions. Constant-temperature rearing basically changes the growth time and reproductive cycle of wild scorpions. At 35-38°C, 2 young are born per minute, with no interval, the feeding interval is 2-3 days, and the time required for molting is 4.5-5 hours; daily activity is 4.5-5 hours. At 30-35°C, 2 young are born per minute, with an interval of 10 minutes, the feeding interval is 3-4 days, the time required for molting is 70-90 minutes, and daily activity is 4 hours. At 28-30°C, 1 young is born every 2 minutes, the feeding interval is 4-5 days, the time required for molting is 130-180 minutes, and daily activity is 3.5 hours. When the temperature is below 28°C, the littering time is long or no young are born; the feeding interval is long or they do not eat; the molting time is long or they do not molt; and the daily activity time is short or they do not move.
3. Under relatively constant temperature and humidity (28-35°C, 40%-60%), the growth cycle of this breed is 8-10 months; the number of eggs laid each time is 25-85; and it gives birth 2-3 times per year. The survival rate of young scorpions is 80%, and the survival rate of adult scorpions is 95%.
III. Key Points of Feeding and Management
(1) Construction of scorpion pools. The pool is 1.5 m long, 1.0 m wide and 0.5 m high. Glass 16.5 cm high is attached to the inner wall of the pool to prevent scorpions from escaping. (2) Stocking density and male-to-female ratio. Each square meter can house 600 breeding scorpions, 1,000 middle-aged scorpions, and about 10,000 scorpions of instars 2-3. (3) The male-to-female ratio for artificial rearing is 3:1. (4) Relatively constant temperature and humidity. (5) The main feed is yellow mealworms. (6) Pay attention to special feeding and management for pregnant scorpions, mother scorpions before and after giving birth, and young scorpions.