Emperor scorpion

The emperor scorpion is a big, glossy-black scorpion that calls the rainforests and savannas of West Africa home. Under UV light, its dark shell lights up in surprising shades of blue or green. Though it looks fierce, this scorpion is often kept as a pet and is protected to keep wild populations safe.

• One of the world's largest scorpion species.
• Lives for six to eight years in the wild.
• Its exoskeleton glows under ultraviolet light.