The Giant Forest Scorpion (Heterometrus spinifer) belongs to the family Scorpionidae. It has distribution in Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
Feeding Heterometrus spinifer
Like all scorpions, Heterometrus spinifer accepts whatever insect it can capture. Dubia, cinerea, lateralis, crickets or mealworms are all accepted with the same enthusiasm. The younger specimens can be fed on young beetles or small crickets, while the adult specimens will prefer larger beetles over crickets.
Some species of cockroaches have the habit of hiding in the substrate, this is not a problem for H. spinifer, as they will dig up cockroaches very easily.
It is recommended to feed the chicks twice a week and the adults once a week. Some adults will refuse food for short periods of time.Features Heterometrus spinifer
Growing about 13cm (total length) in adulthood, these relatively large black scorpions have an impressive appearance. Their behavior varies from specimen to specimen, but in most cases this species adopts defensive behavior.
H. spinifer will use its powerful pliers to defend itself and capture prey. The needle is rarely used when defending or immobilizing prey, but if the prey is too large or cornered, they will not hesitate to use it.
Heterometrus spinifer is a common scorpion, easily bred in groups. Males may adopt more aggressive behavior towards other males resulting in small fights between them. These occur quite rarely, usually when several males try to use the same hiding place.
Some breeders also kept 6 adult specimens together without any problems. Even when females carry Cubs on their backs, they will not cause problems and will tolerate each other.
These scorpions come from the tropical forests and savannahs of Asia, so they need humidity(80%) and temperature (30C/day and 20C/night) high in the terrarium. An adult specimen can be kept in a terrarium measuring 50x30x30cm, and if you have an adult pair, at least 60x40x30cm. This species needs more space horizontally than vertically.
As a substrate you can use coconut fiber, about 10cm would be enough, because it retains moisture very well. Heterometrus spinifer loves to dig galleries in the natural environment and should be given the opportunity to do so in captivity. Another very important thing that should not be missing from the terrarium is a vessel with fresh water. If you have a communal setup try to arrange a hiding place for each copy. This species is nocturnal, so they do not like bright light and need a place to retreat to feel safe during the day. Hiding places can be arranged from tree bark or stones, make sure that they are placed well and do not fall on scorpions.
If necessary, you can arrange a false bottom in the terrarium to maintain high humidity longer. To begin with, lay on the bottom of the terrarium a consistent layer of gravel or clay balls that you fill with water up to half. Over gravel or clay balls lay the substrate. Check the water level Weekly and top up, if it has evaporated, to the desired level.
This species is relatively easy to sex. First, males are slimmer and generally slightly smaller than females.
If you have a single specimen, look on the ventral side, between the pectins, at the genital operculum. In males it is Oval in shape and in females it is shaped like a heart. Since the number of lamellae that make up pectins is the same in males and females, their counting cannot be used to determine the sex of the specimen. The most accurate method of sexation is by analyzing the genital operculum.
Reproduction Heterometrus spinifer
These scorpions are relatively easy to breed, make sure the female and male are sexually mature and well fed. After imprechere the female will attack the male, kill him and eat (especially in the case of WC specimens). The chance of a male being killed in captive-bred specimens is very small.
Gestation lasts quite a long time, between 9 and 11 months, depending very much on the conditions of captivity.
Heterometrus spinifer gives birth to an average of 15 Cubs. They are quite easy to grow, the secret lies in maintaining high temperature and humidity. Make sure they always have a bowl of fresh water from which they can drink. Puppies can also be raised in groups without any problems.
