Several scorpions belong to the genus “Heterometrus” known by the name “Asian forest scorpion”. Scorpions are peculiar pets, but they may also be fascinating and rewarding. They are Malaysian native, nocturnal, and terrestrial invertebrates. They like to reside on the floor of tropical forests, where they conceal themselves behind branches and fallen leaves and within animal burrows. Asian forest scorpions are large, hefty scorpions with massive, glossy, smooth pincers, and blue-black bodies. They flash a mild green-blue when subjected to a blacklight!
The size, mild venom, and general hardiness of Asian forest scorpions make them a typical beginner-level scorpion. They typically live more than 8 years if given proper care. Caretakers have to do a lot of crucial care requirements for them to meet, including nutrition, enclosure size, and more!
An Overview of Asian Forest Scorpion:
| Scientific Name | Heterometrus longimanus |
| Common Name | Asian Forest Scorpion |
| Species | Heterometrus spp. |
| Order | Scorpiones |
| Type | Terrestrial |
| Habitat | They are found on the forest floor, under logs, and other debris. Terrestrial, yet capable of some burrowing. |
| Range | Tropical rain forest of Southeast Asia (India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines |
| Social Structure | Solitary and independent |
| Size | 4.0” to 4.8” |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Activity Cycle | Nocturnal |
| Lifespan | 7-8 years |
| Diet | In wild: Spiders and insectsIn captivity: Crickets and cockroaches |
| Predators | Other scorpions |
| Natural Defenses | Painful Sting |
| Venom | Low potency usually not hazardous to people unless they have an allergy. |
| Experience Level | Novice or intermediate |
Background:
Heterometrus longimanus was first described by Herbst in 1800.
Appearance of an Asian Forest Scorpion:
Color ranges from dark brown to black. All parts of this scorpion are black, except for the reddish brown telson (the stinger-bearing tip of the tail). It features an enlarged pair of pedipalps that resemble pinchers, as do other arachnids, and 8 legs that are linked to the cephalothorax. In comparison to females, males have longer tails and bigger pinchers.
Reproduction:
Males lead females back and forth while courtship by using their pincers. The male then drags the female over a package of spermatozoa that was deposited on the ground. She takes the organ-containing capsule on her belly. Before they undergo their first molt, young animals ride their mothers’ backs. The Asian forest scorpion carries its babies on its back in a way similar to a human mother carrying a child strapped to her back. They eventually become independent and live alone.
Feeding Requirements:
They eat live insects for their diet. The core of the live food must be protein-rich and generally simple to digest. Although locusts and black crickets can also be utilized, brown crickets have been shown to be the most preferred. These species don’t need any supplements.
Feeding Frequency:
As large insectivores, Asian forest scorpions must consume a wide range of insects in order to maintain proper nutrition. Every 1-2 weeks, provide three crickets, mealworms, or a Dubai roach of comparable size. Never give juvenile scorpions prey that is between half and three-quarters its length. After 24 hours, leftover prey must be taken away.
Water Requirements:
Obviously, there should always be a small, shallow water bowl available for drinking. The water should be shallow enough for the scorpion to possibly drown. The water dish should be changed every day, and once a week it should be cleaned with an invertebrate-safe disinfectant.
Behavior and Temperament:
They are aggressive compared to the emperor scorpion. Due to their aggression, we recommended housing them alone. When Asian scorpions sense danger, they will act defensively and guard themselves with their pincers. Their venom is not particularly potent.
Housing Requirements of Asian Forest Scorpion:
The “glass tank” is a suitable habitat for Asian forest scorpions. This is because glass is excellent at letting heat escape, keeping the cage cold enough. Other enclosures are considerably too good at holding heat, including wooden vivariums.
For an Asian forest scorpion, the minimum tank size is often no less than 20″Length x 10″Weight × 12″Height, or a 10-gallon terrarium. But as long as the area is effectively utilized, larger is preferable. They require a large area sufficient for them to move about since the Asian forest scorpion will grow to be around 4.0 to 4.5 inches. The lid of the cage needs to be tight-fitting and secure to prevent your scorpion from escaping.
Heating or Temperature:
The ideal air temperature for them is between 70 °F to 75 °F. The simplest method for that is to attach a heat mat to one side of the glass cage. To maintain a steady temperature, this heat mat is thermostatically regulated.
The glass is slightly warmed on one side, creating a small temperature fluctuation within the cage that the scorpion might utilize to either heat up or cool down. Install a digital probe thermometer to monitor the temperatures within the cage.
Humidity Level:
In general, Asian forest scorpions need high humidity levels, which range from 70% to 80% during the day and greater at night. You may do this by moistening the substrate, but be careful to avoid making it soaked or swampy.
Simply add water until the area is moist although not swampy. Most caretakers, though, prefer to just mist the cage with water 1-2 times each day. Make use of a digital probe hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in the cage.
Substrate:
Asian forest scorpions must always have access to at least two inches of the substrate so they can burrow or dig. We’ve found that a soil mixture known as spider life makes the optimum substrate for these scorpions.
Peat moss, Eco-earth, or potting soil should be utilized and be 3 to 4 inches deep. Put at least 4 inches of substrate because Asian forest scorpions are recognized to burrow. Properly clean the tank and replace the substrate every other month.
Tank Decoration:
An empty cage can result in a stressed scorpion, and it’s also unappealing to look at. You must provide the scorpion with a minimum of two places to hide. But you should also think about including other decorations, like
- artificial ornaments
- small logs and branches
- live or artificial plants
- cork flats
For a more realistic appearance, the scorpions’ tank can be decorated with artificial plants.
Small natural wood decorations look great and give the scorpion more places to perch. Trailing plants are excellent in hiding electricity wires and other equipment while also giving juvenile scorpions a place to hide. Make sure everything is installed correctly to prevent your pet from accidentally falling on top of it!
Handling:
It’s recommended to avoid handling scorpions in general. Because although their venom is often mild, Asian forest scorpions are very defensive and more prone to sting or pinch. In general, it’s preferable to maintain this species as a display pet instead of one that will be handled frequently.
Life Expectancy:
On most occasions, Asian forest scorpions are not kept as temporary pets. In captivity, these scorpions may survive for up to 8 years. Provide the best everyday care you can to increase their longevity. This involves maintaining a clean cage, feeding the pets proper nutrition, and getting them checked by a vet as needed.
It’s crucial to handle your scorpion frequently so you can see whether there are any wounds. But whenever you can, you should also watch how your scorpion reacts. This might be challenging for nocturnal species. However, behavioral changes are generally the first indication that anything is wrong with your scorpion.
Poisonous Pets:
Although these scorpions are poisonous, the venom in their sting, is quite mild as mentioned above. So even though you could feel the sting if your pet scorpion stings you while being handled, it should not actually damage you. Redness, mild tenderness, or swelling are some of the signs of a sting. However, a scorpion sting from an Asian forest will not be lethal.
The main situation where a sting might be harmful is if the victim is allergic to the animal that stung them. However, these scorpions often sting you less often than they pinch you.
Suitable as Pets?
Asian forest scorpions may make excellent pets if given the proper care. They would not, however, fit in every house. For the well-being and health of your scorpion, a proper terrarium setting is essential. Your scorpion might overheat if you don’t provide a secure substrate for burrowing, and if you give it the wrong dish, it could drown.
These scorpions are active at night. Thus, nighttime will be when they are most active. They typically don’t make a lot of noise as pets, so you won’t be bothered as they move around. However, they won’t work for those who want a companion animal they can spend the entire day with.
They will also require a diet rich in protein, mostly composed of insects. Not many pet keepers are comfortable giving their animals live insects, but if you are, an Asian forest scorpion can be the best choice for you.
Fun Facts:
- Asian forest scorpions are more violent compared to other scorpion species but have less harmful venom.
- In the globe, there are almost 2,000 different species of scorpions. Even though all possess venom, only 25 species are harmful to humans.
- Asian forest scorpions depend on touch because they can’t sight very well. Their pectines and pincers have stiff hairs that they use to feel their surroundings.
- The hyaline membrane, a very thin but highly sensitive coating on a component of the scorpion’s exoskeleton named the cuticle, causes all scorpions to glow under UV light.
FAQs:
Do Asian forest scorpions require UVB?They don’t, though. Although, if you want to add live plants as a component of the decor, you will require 6500K lighting to maintain their health. It is also preferable to create a day/night cycle.
Are scorpions suitable as pets?Scorpions, particularly emperor scorpions, are becoming more and more common as pets. The species is often difficult to handle, yet they are quiet, clean, and simple to maintain. Additionally, scorpions are peaceful creatures.
How long can Asian Forest Scorpions survive without eating?Scorpions may go up to a year without eating because of the massive quantity of food they ingest, the incredibly efficient way their bodies absorb nutrients, and their ability to suppress their metabolism. There are advantages to scorpion metabolism that are not present in other animal species.
Do Asian forest scorpions glow?Asian Forest Scorpions are nocturnal animals that inhabit the forest floor in Southeast Asia’s tropical rainforests. In contrast to humans, scorpions can see UV light and fluoresce in it, giving them the appearance of lighting beneath a black light.
Conclusion:
Asian forest scorpions are common beginner scorpions because of their general hardiness, mild venom, and size. They are not for everyone, but in a suitable home, they may make an excellent pet. They may be more territorial and aggressive than other scorpion species. However, with constant, gentle handling, they will normally get more used to your handling and less likely to sting or pinch.
About The Author
Azwa is a talented writer who recently joined our team. Azwa does a thorough investigation and gathers reliable data before writing about your pets and their care instructions so that you have all the knowledge you want. She works as a dietitian and has an incredible understanding of reptiles.
