Asian Forest Scorpion (Heterometrus sp.) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

---

Behavior

• Generally docile but can deliver a mild sting if provoked.

• Nocturnal and burrowing; prefers hiding under substrate or logs during the day.

• Defensive posture: pincers raised, tail curled.

• Handles stress well in suitable enclosures but should not be handled frequently.

---

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20–30 liters for one adult; larger for pairs

• Substrate: 8–12 cm of moist coconut fiber, peat moss, or soil for burrowing

• Decor: Cork bark, rocks, hides, and foliage

• Humidity: 75–85% (maintain moist substrate without waterlogging)

• Temperature:

  • Day: 24–29°C

  • Night: 20–24°C

• Lighting: Low light preferred; no UVB required

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow essential to prevent mold

---

Compatibility

• Best housed singly to avoid cannibalism.
  

• Avoid predatory insects or aggressive arthropods in the same enclosure.

---

Diet

• Carnivorous: feeds on live prey

  • Crickets

  • Roaches

  • Mealworms / superworms

• Feed juveniles 2–3× per week; adults 1× per week

• Provide shallow water dish for hydration

• Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours

---

Care Tips

• Avoid handling; can sting.

• Maintain consistent humidity and monitor substrate moisture.

• Provide multiple hides to reduce stress.

• Spot-clean enclosure regularly.

• Ensure enclosure is escape-proof; scorpions are excellent climbers.

---

Breeding

• Gestation: 6–12 months depending on conditions

• Female carries young on her back until first molt (~2–3 weeks)

• Juveniles require higher humidity and small prey

---

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥20–30 L, burrowable substrate, hides

• 🌡️ Temp: Day 24–29°C / Night 20–24°C

• 💧 Humidity: 75–85%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (live insects)

• 🕒 Activity: Nocturnal, burrowing

• ⚠️ Stress: Avoid handling; provide hides