Asian Forest Scorpion

Looks how to spot one

Hard, glossy exoskeleton

Large, heavily built scorpions with broad claws. Most are uniformly dark brown or black, often with a greenish or grey-green shine, and some species have lighter-coloured legs, claws or tail tip.12

Personality what they are like

A nocturnal scorpion that spends the day in its burrow. Wikipedia describes the genus as generally docile, while H. spinifer is noted as more nervous and quick to raise its big claws; it prefers using its pincers over its tail. Best kept as a look-don't-touch pet.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Active at night, digging and hiding under logs and leaf litter by day.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Mist the substrate surface every day or two without soaking it, and feed at night. Avoid handling; use soft-tipped forceps if it must be moved.3

Home where they are happiest

Kept much like the emperor scorpion: a warm, humid terrarium with about 6-7 cm of peat-free compost topped with bark chips, plenty of hides, and a heat mat under one third of the floor giving about 25 C.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insects such as crickets, cockroaches and locusts.23

Company who they like around

Unlike most scorpions, these can usually be kept in pairs or small groups if given enough space and hides.13

The story where it all began

Ehrenberg first named Heterometrus in 1828, and it became a full genus in 1879. The genus includes some of the largest living scorpions, and its size and relatively mild venom have made several species common in the pet trade.12

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)

Genus Heterometrus, named by Ehrenberg in 1828 and raised to genus rank by Karsch in 1879; nine species as of 2024. H. spinifer, H. laoticus and H. longimanus are the ones most often kept.1