Here is a little information regarding the suitability of differnt scorpion species.

Pandinus sp.
· Pandinus imperator - Emperor - large, docile, a good beginners species.
· Pandinus cavimanus (Tanzanian Redclaw) - slightly smaller than an emperor and more aggressive so not as easy as emperors, but still good for beginners .
· They originate from the rainforest, and are an easy species to get hold of.

Heterometrus sp.
· Heterometrus spinifer - Thai Black
· Heterometrus javanensis - Javanese Jungle Scorpion
· large rainforest species, however can be hard to find
· can stings (like a wasp), however okay for beginners
· both species can be kept in groups

Hadrurus sp. (Desert Hairy Scorpion)
· Hadrurus hirsutus
· Hadrurus arizonensis
· A desert species
· Fairly painful sting
· Quite aggressive
· Not a species for beginners

Bothriurus bonnariensis (Chilean Chocolate)
· A little more aggressive
· More painful sting
· Not a species for beginners

Species best avoided:
· Androctonus sp. - potentially deadly
· Vaejovis sp. – extremely painful
· Centuroides sp. - potentially deadly.
· Scorpio maurus - fairly dangerous, but sometimes young Androctonus australis (very venomous, so potentially deadly) can be misidentified and sold as S. maurus, both of which are not suitable for beginners.