There are approximately 1,500 different scorpion species in the world, and they roam terrains as diverse as rain forests and deserts. But when it comes to choosing one as a pet you choices are rather more limited, and the most likely species that you will find in your local pet store are: Gold Scorpions, African Burrowing Scorpions, Bark Scorpions, Asian Forest Scorpions, Flat Rock Scorpions, Emperor Scorpions and Giant Hairy Scorpions.

There are approximately 1,500 different scorpion species in the world, and they roam terrains as diverse as rain forests and deserts. But when it comes to choosing one as a pet you choices are rather more limited, and the most likely species that you will find in your local pet store are: Gold Scorpions, African Burrowing Scorpions, Bark Scorpions, Asian Forest Scorpions, Flat Rock Scorpions, Emperor Scorpions and Giant Hairy Scorpions.

Hadrurus arizonensis, known as the Giant Hairy Scorpion is a good choice, and is a common one for first time scorpion owners. The Heterometrus swammerdami is at the other end of the scale - a nine inch, extremely rare scorpion, that you are highly unlikely to find available as pet. Far more likely that you will come across the Emperor Scorpion at your local pet store (the species is also known as Pandinus imperator).

There is a checklist that you will want to go through when you buy a scorpion. First make sure that it is not too placid, then check its limbs: pectines, sting, legs, and pincers. This is important for all types of scorpion, especially those that are slightly rarer, such as Heterometrus longimanus (Asian Forest Scorpion) and Heterometrus spinifer (Malaysian Forest Scorpion).

A scorpion makes a great pet, but there are many aspects to looking after them that require careful research before buying one. An example of this is the vivarium - what substrate with you use? what lighting is needed? what heat lamps are suitable? Beyond this you also need to understand the life stages your scorpion will go through, the molting process and just what they like to eat and drink.

Of the scorpions that are dangerous to many the most beautiful is the Tityus Cambridgei, or Cambridge's tityus, which is a brownish green, and native to tropical banana plantations. You are not likely to ever have one as a pet, but they are well worth researching. Another scorpion that is dangerous to man is the burrowing thick-tailed scorpion, Parabuthus truculentus. It grows to nearly six inches and is a yellowish, brown color - watch out when walking in the sand of the Ruwenzori river as that is where you will find it burrowing.

So there you have it. Explore the world of scorpions and enjoy.