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Heterometrus spinifer

    • Heterometrus spinifer

    £25.00Price
    • Latin Name: Heterometrus spinifer
    • Common Name: Malaysian Forest Scorpion
    • Temperature: 24° - 30° 
    • Temperament: May pinch if bothered, rarely sting
    • Humidity: 80%
    • Adult size: Up to 6.5 inches
    • Communal: Not reccomended
    • Terrestrial: Rarely dig, prefer to use existing burrows
    • Substrate: Moisture retaining soil
    • Origin: Rainforests of Southeast Asia
     
     
    Heterometrus spinifer, commonly known as the Malaysian Forest Scorpion, is a very large, terrestrial scorpion species found in Southeast Asia. Known for its imposing size and glossy black appearance, it is one of the larger species in the Heterometrus genus. Despite its intimidating look, Heterometrus spinifer has a relatively mild venom and is often kept by many scorpion enthusiasts.

    • Identification and Description

      Size: Adult Heterometrus spinifer can grow to about 15 cm (6 inches) in length.

       

      Coloration: They have a shiny, dark black  exoskeleton, which can appear iridescent under certain lighting conditions.

       

      Body Structure:

       

      • Pincers (Pedipalps): The pincers are large, powerful,  used primarily for gripping and subduing prey.

      • Tail (Metasoma): The tail is relatively thick and segmented, with a dark red or yellowish telson.

      • Carapace: The head region features a smooth, glossy surface with granulated patterns along the sides.

    • Distribution and Habitat

      Geographic Range: Native to Southeast Asia, particularly found in countries such as:

      • Malaysia

      • Thailand

      • Indonesia

      • Singapore

       

       

      Habitat:

      Prefers tropical rainforests, where it can be found under logs, rocks, and within leaf litter. It thrives in humid environments with plenty of cover.

       

      Often located in the underbrush of dense forests, using its dark coloration for camouflage.

       

      This species is primarily terrestrial but can climb if needed

    • Behavior and Ecology

      Nocturnal Activity: 

      Heterometrus spinifer is nocturnal, coming out at night to hunt and explore. During the day, it hides in burrows, under rocks, or in other secluded spots to avoid predators and conserve moisture.

       

      Diet:

      They are carnivorous and primarily feed on insects like crickets, cockroaches, and other small invertebrates. They use their strong pincers to capture and crush prey before using their stinger if necessary.
       

      Venom:

      The venom of Heterometrus spinifer is relatively mild and is not considered dangerous to humans. A sting can cause pain, swelling, and redness but is generally no more severe than a bee sting, unless an allergic reaction occurs.

       

      Defense Mechanisms:

      When threatened, they display a defensive posture by raising their pincers and tail. However, they usually prefer to use their pincers over their sting for defense.

    • Care in Captivity

      Heterometrus spinifer is a popular choice for scorpion enthusiasts due to its impressive size and unwillingness to sting.

       

      Housing:

      A single adult can be comfortably housed in a terrarium of at least 10 gallons. The enclosure should have a deep tropical substrate that holds moisture for burrowing, along with hiding spots such as cork bark.

       

      Temperature:

      Ideal temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C.
       

      Humidity:

      High humidity (around 70-80%) is essential to mimic its natural tropical environment.

       

      Diet: Feeds well on a diet of crickets, mealworms, and other appropriately sized insects.

    • Interesting Facts

      The word "spinifer" roughly translates from latin to english as the word "prickly" or "thorn".

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