The Asian forest scorpion is a large, glossy-black tropical scorpion often confused with the emperor scorpion. It has mild venom but a strong pinch and a more defensive temperament, making it an intermediate-level arachnid.
ℹ️
Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
🩺 Need expert help with your asian forest scorpion?
Connect with a specialist near you or ask a licensed vet — never substitute online guidance for hands-on care in an emergency.
Large; 10-13 cm (4-5 in), glossy black with heavy pincers.
Lifespan
5–8 years
Social needs
solo
Native region
South and Southeast Asia (tropical forests)
Origin
Old World
Climate
🌴 Tropical
Family
Scorpionidae
Genus
Heterometrus
Part of the Scorpions
Scorpions are long-lived arachnids kept as hardy display invertebrates. Most are defensive, not for handling, and range from mild-venom desert species to potent old-world species suited only to experienced keepers.
From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
Photo coming soon
Minimum
Juvenile humid scorpion
5–10 gal (≈ 20 × 10 × 10 in)
Moisture-retentive substrate (coco-fibre / topsoil) 4 in deep, cork-bark hides, sphagnum moss patch, and a water dish kept full. Asian forest scorpions (Heterometrus spp.) are humid tropical species — keep substrate damp, leaf litter present, and humidity 70–80%.
Photo coming soon
Recommended
Adult humid forest enclosure
10–20 gal long, 70–80% RH
Deeper substrate (5–7 in) with multiple cork-bark hides and leaf litter. Mist one side every few days; keep cross-ventilation so the warm humid air doesn't go stagnant.
Photo coming soon
Ideal
Bioactive tropical vivarium
20 gal long+ bioactive
Bioactive tropical setup with springtails and tropical isopods, live plants, leaf litter, and a slight thermal gradient. Communal in some species when raised together and well fed.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
Photo coming soon
Egg
These invertebrates lay eggs — often in a guarded clutch, a silk sac (spiders), or a brood (carried by female isopods). The eggs are small and soft and develop without a true larval or pupal transformation.
Photo coming soon
Juvenile
Juveniles hatch as miniature versions of the adult and grow by molting their exoskeleton (or, in snails, by enlarging the shell). They gain size, segments, or leg pairs and gradually take on adult coloration with each molt.
Adult
Adults reach full size and reproductive maturity with the species' mature form and coloration. Many arachnids and myriapods continue to molt as adults, and sexes can differ in size or in specialized appendages.
Habitat & enclosure
Keep one per enclosure (some Heterometrus can be communal if raised together with ample space, but solo is safest). Provide a humid terrarium (around 30x30 cm for an adult) with deep substrate for burrowing, hides, and cork bark. Maintain warmth (24-28 C) and high humidity (70-80%) with a shallow water dish.
Substrate
Deep (10+ cm) moist coco fiber/soil mix that holds a burrow shape; keep one side damper, with a water dish for drinking.
Equipment & setup
Humid terrarium, deep burrowing substrate, cork-bark hides, shallow water dish, spray bottle, and a heat mat on the side in cool rooms. A UV/blacklight reveals their natural fluorescence at night.
Diet
A carnivore eating live insects — crickets, roaches, and the occasional mealworm — sized to the scorpion. Adults eat every few days to weekly. Always provide a shallow water dish. Remove uneaten prey, which can stress or injure a molting scorpion.
Behavior & temperament
Nocturnal, fossorial burrowers that hide by day and ambush prey at night. More defensive than emperor scorpions — quick to raise pincers and tail. Relies mainly on its powerful claws; the sting is mild (roughly bee-sting level) but individual reactions vary. Best treated as a look-don't-handle pet.
Health
Hardy if humidity is maintained; dehydration and molt failure follow from a too-dry enclosure. Provide deep moist substrate for safe molts and never disturb a molting or recently molted (soft) scorpion. Watch for mites/mold in stale, overly wet setups — ventilate adequately.
Tips, DIY & hacks
Avoid handling — use the strong pinch and defensive nature as a cue to observe rather than hold, and use a UV light to watch them glow. Keep humidity up with deep substrate; if attempting communal housing, provide extra space and hides and watch closely.
