Asian black scorpion (Heterometrus petersii)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Asian black scorpion (Heterometrus petersii) (origin: South-East Asia). Adult size around 9–13 cm total length (females more robustly built). Life expectancy 5–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Asian black scorpion: How big does the enclosure need to be?
40×30×30 cm for a single animal; from 60×40×30 cm floor area for a group, substrate 10–15 cm deep.
Asian black scorpion: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 21–24 °C.
Asian black scorpion: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Asian black scorpion: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–12 years.
Asian black scorpion: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 70–80 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 40×30×30 cm for a single animal; from 60×40×30 cm floor area for a group, substrate 10–15 cm deep
- Substrate
- Damp coco humus 10–15 cm, cork bark, a water dish
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- every 7–10 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 9–13 cm total length (females more robustly built)
- Life expectancy
- 5–12 years
- Origin
- South-East Asia
- Protection status
- Mildly venomous – the sting is comparable to a wasp sting
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is the least stressful option; kept alone, these animals lack nothing. Group housing is possible with plenty of space, but the animals remain territorial and defensive, and without a large enclosure, a hide for every animal and ample food the group eventually shrinks to one.
Notes
Like the emperor scorpion, a calm, burrowing forest scorpion and a good way in. It needs permanently damp, diggable substrate. Do not confuse it with desert species – dry conditions are lethal.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Asian giant forest scorpion (Heterometrus longimanus) – Beginner
- Asian forest scorpion (Heterometrus spinifer) – Intermediate
- Giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Brazilian yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus) – Expert
- Dictator scorpion (Pandinus dictator) – Intermediate
- Italian scorpion (Euscorpius italicus) – Beginner
- Flat rock scorpion (Hadogenes troglodytes) – Intermediate
- Yellow-legged burrowing scorpion (Opistophthalmus glabrifrons) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Asian black scorpion (Heterometrus petersii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×30×30 cm for a single animal; from 60×40×30 cm floor area for a group, substrate 10–15 cm deep), substrate (Damp coco humus 10–15 cm, cork bark, a water dish), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia DE, eu_annex.txt (VO (EU) 2026/1383, lokal), geckonia.eu, lizard-lounge.at, megazoo-nord.de
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).