The Flat Rock Scorpion, also known as the African Flat Rock Scorpion, makes a wonderful pet for beginner scorpion owners or a pet for an advanced collector. This species is quite unique and its no surprise that they are among the most common scorpions kept by collectors today.

Flat Rock Scorpions are not overly aggressive when left alone and will rarely sting, though they often pinch. They should not be handled for any reason. Potential owners should also note that all Scorpions are venomous. Even though their sting will not affect most people, children and those allergic to a particular scorpion's venom may face fatal consequences when stung. In the wild, Flat Rock Scorpions can be found in Southern Africa under rocks, and in cracks of rocks. In the wild, fully mature Flat Rock Scorpions will dine on normal spider food, such as mice, insects and crickets. In captivity they do quite well on diet of pinky mice, crickets, and other large insects.

The Flat Rock Scorpion could be one of the lengthiest Scorpions in the world. When these critters are fully mature they measure five and a half to eight and a half inches in length. Males can be distinguished from females by their longer tails. The tail of the female also tends to be much thinner than that of the male. As their name might imply, the Flat Rock Scorpion has a long, broad flat body. They have narrow and elongated pinchers.

As is the case with all scorpions the Flat Rock Scorpion should be kept with care. While their venom is not known for its toxicity, it could be fatal for those with allergies. For this reason handling is not recommended.

The humidity and temperature requirements for the Flat Rock Scorpion is 60% humidity and 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This species requires a water dish in its enclosure at all times because they will drink from the bowl.

In general, the Fat Rock Scorpion is a hearty species and not difficult to keep. They should be enclosed in a two and a half to five gallon tank. For substrate, use three to five inches of sand, peat moss, or wood chips along with cork bark, or flat rocks. It is important for these critters to have a place to hide, just like in the wild. The Flat Rock Scorpion is generally more active after dusk.

Males initiate breeding by facing the female and holding her in that position. This behavior is often described as 'kissing' the female. They will then deposit a sack of sperm on the ground moving her so that it comes in contact with her genitals. Flat Rock Scorpions are livebearers. The gestation period for them is about 18 months. Litter sizes are about 30, and because they are born one at a time, the process of birth can take several days. The neonates do not resemble their parents at all. Instead they resemble maggots with their fleshy white bodies. In this stage they must remain with their mother, if separated they will usually die from dehydration. They typically ride on their mother's backs at this age.

Several weeks after birth each young Scorpion should be placed in its own individual container to prevent larger, healthier scorpions from monopolizing food. "Sandwich boxes" measuring 111 x 111 x 39 mm make good containers. Ventilate well, and stack boxes to prevent them from escaping. Place a seashell in the container as a hiding place. You will only need to feed the young once a month - a cricket will do fine. Baby Flat Rock Scorpions will eat pinhead crickets that have been crushed or had their legs removed. It is easier for babies to catch prey this way, sort of like wearing training wheels!