Laos Forest Scorpion

Looks how to spot one

exoskeleton

The body is covered by a hard, matt black exoskeleton. The carapace and tergites are smooth without granulation. Under direct light, the scorpion can show a greenish or blue-maroon sheen. The legs are usually dark brown, and the tail (telson) is dark brown to black.34

Personality what they are like

This scorpion is generally not very aggressive and prefers to use its claws for defence rather than its stinger. However, wild-caught adults can be very defensive and quick to sting. Captive-bred young are often docile. They are nocturnal and may hide during the day. Handling is not recommended because they are venomous and can be skittish.32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

These scorpions are nocturnal and become active at dusk. They need a terrarium with a deep substrate of at least 10-20 cm so they can burrow. Provide hiding places under bark, roots, or leaves. A water dish should always be available. They do not need special lighting, but a day/night cycle is beneficial.27

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep the enclosure clean by spot cleaning daily and doing a full clean every 4 weeks. Maintain high humidity (80-95%) by misting daily and using a moisture-retaining substrate like peat or soil mixed with sand. Provide a shallow water dish. Avoid handling; use tools or a small container for moving the scorpion.72

Home where they are happiest

A glass terrarium of at least 30x30x30 cm is suitable for one adult. Use a deep substrate of peat, soil, or coconut fibre mixed with sand, at least 10-20 cm deep for burrowing. Maintain a temperature of 24-30°C and humidity of 80-95%. Provide hiding spots and a water dish. Do not use under-tank heating as the scorpion may burrow to escape heat.72

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous. Feed on live insects such as crickets, locusts, cockroaches, and mealworms. Prey should be smaller than the scorpion. Offer food once every 1-2 weeks for adults, more often for young. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.52

Company who they like around

This species can be kept communally, but there is always a risk of cannibalism, especially when hungry or during moulting. It is safer to keep them singly, or in groups only if the enclosure is large and food is plentiful. Gravid females may be more aggressive. Always provide plenty of hiding places.82

The story where it all began

The Laos Forest Scorpion is a species of scorpion native to the tropical forests of Vietnam and Laos. It has been kept in the pet trade for many years and is appreciated for its large size and relatively calm nature. It is often recommended as a good beginner species for those interested in keeping scorpions, though its venomous sting means it should be treated with respect.16

Recognised by the official bits

Wikipedia

Found in peaty areas of Vietnam and Laos, can reach 12 cm.1

Geoscorps

Native to Southeast Asia, large and robust, considered a good beginner species.6