Asian Persuasion

A misunderstood and overlooked invertebrate species in a keepers’ repertoire is the Asian Forest Scorpion. It’s slender body, large pincers, spindly legs and foreboding stinger has the potential to put any pet keeper off. However, there can be light in their dark form as they can be the very low maintenance pet that you would grow to love.

Heterometrus Longimanus - Asian Forest Scorpion in it's natural habitat

Background

The Heterometrus genus belongs to the family Scorpionidae. Found throughout Asia in tropical ecosystems that are rife with dense undergrowth. There are a total of 8 species of Heterometrus scorpion with slight variation of colour, size and granulation that can live up to around 5 - 8 years. Made up of a dark-coloured hard exo-skeleton, similar to a crab or lobster, with Chelicerae (jaws); claws (Pedipalps); 8 legs; Metasoma (tail); Vesicle (venom store) and Aculeus (stinger). A wound from their Acuelus can be compared to a bee sting and is not dangerous unless the recipient is allergic.

Home sweet home

To house a 4 – 8 inches adult scorpion, a minimum tank of 10 gallons or 45cm on each side is required. This species is terrestrial but are still able to climb if given the chance so it is worth noting when setting up their habitat. However, note that any large drops in their arboreal adventures may cause them damage and possibly death. Glass vivarium’s work well in maintaining humidity and heat. A bespoke top-cover, made out of plastic with many breathing holes, would be ideal for locking in both. Nevertheless, the tank has to be escape-proof as these little guys are experts in prison breakouts. Equally as important is water-proofing as these invertebrates live in humidity rich environments (70-80%) so the tank should be tightly sealed.

Lay of the Land

Coco fibre and sphagnum moss work well together as a burrowing substrate and will lock in moisture. It should be the same length of the scorpion in height or above. Using hides such as hollow logs or open containers, dug into the soil, allow the scorpion to feel safe and promote humid/warm conditions. Other additions to include at this point are live plants that can thrive in a closed environment and a clean-up crew (springtails or woodlice) to transform organic waste materials into nutrients for plants to feed on.     

It would be worth looking into providing a false bottom to allow a natural water cycle to occur. Any sort of small stones or clay balls can be used as the bottom layer and then a mesh layer (window screen or plastic grating) placed on top. In total, these two layers should be 1-2 inches in order for it to work. Added excess water will trickle down through the layers of soil into the drainage layer, evaporate and rise up to a glass/plastic top to form condensation. Thereafter, precipitation occurs and so little spraying or adding of water is required if made correctly.

Heating

Using a heat meat on the side of your tank will provide ambient temperatures. It is imperative that a mat is not stuck to the bottom of the tank as this could overheat the scorpion as it burrows down towards it. Heating lamps can be utilised above and displays their home brightly also. However, a night-time heating lamp will be required too if temps drop low enough. Day-time temperatures can be as high as 30°C on the warm side and 25°C on the cool side. Night time temps can drop to between 18-21°C on the cool side and 25°C on the warm.

Diet

These nocturnal and carnivorous beauties have a temperament of being very active and aggressive when ambushing prey. It is rare to see them use their stinger to attack so they rather use their Pedipalps instead to grab and then feast with their Chelicerae. Everything from Crickets to Meal- Worms are on the menu and should be gut-loaded to add extra nutrition. Any decomposition can be tidied by a clean-up crew. Feeding them 1 or twice a week with a few Crickets or Mealworms should be enough to tide them over and so adds to the ease of care.

Conclusion

Given the less than around-the-clock care for these critters, there should be ample favouritism to choose a scorpion to take care of. These are definitely showcase species but can be handled if care is taken. They should be provide enough energy to capture the excitement of any keeper.