Asian giant forest scorpion (Heterometrus longimanus)

Short answers

Asian giant forest scorpion: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×30×30 cm for a single animal, from 60×40 cm floor area for a group; substrate 10–15 cm deep for digging.

Asian giant forest scorpion: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–29 °C, a drop to about 20 °C at night is possible, at night 22–24 °C.

Asian giant forest scorpion: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal); avoid bright light.

Asian giant forest scorpion: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 6–8 years.

Asian giant forest scorpion: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–29 °C, a drop to about 20 °C at night is possible

Night temperature

22–24 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–80 %

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal); avoid bright light

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×30 cm for a single animal, from 60×40 cm floor area for a group; substrate 10–15 cm deep for digging

Substrate

A damp coco or forest soil mix, 10–15 cm deep (diggable); a cork tube or hide, a shallow water dish

Feeding

Food

Live insects: house crickets, crickets, roaches, locusts

Feeding interval

Adults ~1×/week; juveniles 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

~10–12 cm total length

Life expectancy

approx. 6–8 years

Origin

South-East Asia (rainforest)

Protection status

No CITES; may be kept freely.

Brumation

None (tropical).

Cohabitation

Keeping it singly is the safest option and just as appropriate for the species. A small group of animals of equal size is possible but carries risk: juveniles usually get along well, while adults – especially females – often become territorial. If you try it, you need a large enclosure from about 60×40 cm floor space for a group, a separate hide for every animal and regular feeding; introduce all animals at the same time and check on them after every moult. With too little space or food one animal will eat another, and females carrying young on their back must be kept alone.

Notes

It needs a humid, warm climate (not waterlogged, and well ventilated). The taxonomy of the Heterometrus species is inconsistent (trade names are often imprecise). Low in venom, but with powerful pincers and defensive – do not touch it.

Do you keep this species?

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Look for Asian giant forest scorpion (Heterometrus longimanus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Asian black scorpion (Heterometrus petersii) – 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Asian giant forest scorpion (Heterometrus longimanus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×30 cm for a single animal, from 60×40 cm floor area for a group; substrate 10–15 cm deep for digging), substrate (A damp coco or forest soil mix, 10–15 cm deep (diggable); a cork tube or hide, a shallow water dish), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.