What genus contains the emperor scorpion?

The genus containing the emperor scorpion is Pandinus.

The emperor scorpion is scientifically named Pandinus imperator: Pandinus is the genus and imperator is the species name. The genus belongs to the scorpion family Scorpionidae and is native to tropical Africa, especially humid forests, riverine woodland, and savanna habitats. Its members are large, dark scorpions with powerful pincers and relatively mild venom.

The name is sometimes confused because emperor scorpions resemble species in the related Southeast Asian genus Heterometrus. They are also occasionally sold under the invalid trade name “Pandinus africanus.” Taxonomy has changed over time: several former Pandinus subgenera were elevated to separate genera in 2015, leaving Pandinus with a smaller recognized species list.

Pandinus imperator is popular in captivity because it is large, relatively docile, and often relies on its pincers rather than its sting. Like many scorpions, it fluoresces blue-green under ultraviolet light.