Indian Giant Forest Scorpion

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton

The body is covered by a tough, segmented exoskeleton. The carapace (upper shell) is smooth on top but textured at the edges and rear. The large, lobe-shaped pincers (chela) are covered in rounded bumps. The telson (stinger and venom sac) is bulbous, with the venom container longer than the stinger itself.5

Personality what they are like

More aggressive and quicker than the similar emperor scorpion. It readily adopts a defensive posture and uses its powerful pincers to protect itself. It is not suitable for frequent handling and may sting if provoked, though its venom is not considered dangerous to humans.146

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal; requires hiding places and a dark retreat during the day. Does not need exercise but benefits from a spacious enclosure with floor space to explore.64

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming. The enclosure must be kept clean, with regular removal of uneaten food and waste. A shallow water dish should be cleaned and refilled daily. During moulting, the scorpion must be left completely undisturbed as it is very vulnerable.16

Home where they are happiest

A minimum 6-gallon (approx. 23-litre) glass tank for a single adult, with a secure lid. Floor space is more important than height. Provide 10-15 cm of moist substrate (coconut fibre, potting soil, sand or vermiculite) for burrowing. Maintain temperature 24-32°C (75-90°F) with a gradient, and humidity 60-85%. Use a heat mat or cable on one side. Include hiding places such as cork bark, flower pots or caves. A shallow water dish is essential. Not suitable for cohabitation unless all individuals are well fed to prevent cannibalism.461

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous; feed live insects such as crickets, locusts, mealworms, cockroaches and grasshoppers. Large adults may occasionally take small rodents. Offer food once every few days; older scorpions eat less often. Always provide fresh water daily.146

Company who they like around

Generally solitary and can be aggressive toward others. Keeping in groups is possible only if all individuals are well fed and the enclosure is large enough, otherwise cannibalism may occur. Not a social animal; does not require companionship.14

The story where it all began

The Indian Giant Forest Scorpion has been known to science since 1872, when it was first described by Simon under the name Heterometrus swammerdami. It was later reclassified into the genus Gigantometrus. During World War II, a specimen found in Krishnarajapuram, India, set the Guinness World Record as the largest arachnid ever recorded. In the pet trade, it is sometimes confused with the emperor scorpion but is recognised for its larger size and more defensive temperament. Its venom is mild because it relies on its powerful pincers to subdue prey.537

Recognised by the official bits

Guinness World Records

Largest present-day arachnid on record; a specimen measured 29.2 cm (11.49 in) overall length.3