Animal Fact Sheets back Emperor Scorpion Pandinus imperator Classification and Range Emperor scorpions belong to the class of arthropods Arachnida, in the order Scorpiones. They are further classified into the family Scorpionidae. The genus Pandinus has about 24 species. Habitat Emperor scorpions are found in the hot, humid rainforest, nestled in their own burrows, which they dig in the soil. Emperors also dig under rocks, logs or tree roots.
Scorpions grow and shed their entire exoskeleton several times before they are full grown.
As adults, emperor scorpions are difficult to distinguish from a distance, since males and females act and look similar. Males can be smaller or narrower, and spend a majority of their time looking for females with which to mate. Emperors are glossy black, but can be dark brown to green. The stinger and claws can also be red-colored. Five to 8 years old in captivity.