Description
Scientific Name: Heterometrus spinifer
Scorpions of the Malaysian Forest Heterometrus spinifer is resilient, peaceful, and simple to maintain. The Malaysian Forest Scorpion is a sizable, black species of scorpion that resembles the Emperor Scorpion in appearance. It has a black exoskeleton covered in glossy granules. A mature adult is roughly 6″ (16 cm) in height. Their usual lifespan is between 7 and 8 years, and they achieve sexual maturity at around 4 years in the wild (but it can be closer to 1 year in captivity).
Habitat
Initially, the Buthus genus included the Heterometrus genus as a subgenus. Later, it was classified as a separate genus by F. Karsch in 1879, and F. Kovank recently reaffirmed this classification in 2004. Malaysian Forest Scorpions are widespread throughout Southeast Asia, but are most commonly imported from Thailand. Another name for the Asian Forest Scorpion is the Malaysian Forest Scorpion.
Behavior
The nocturnal species is Heterometrus spinifer. Their busiest time begins around sundown and ends before morning during the night. Additionally, they are very timid and would prefer to hide inside the cage among the logs, stones, leaves, or other objects.
The scorpions are dormant. So, don’t anticipate that these scorpions will hang out in the open or explore their surroundings for a long period. Sometimes they can remain hidden for weeks. Keep your worries in check. Particularly when they have just been introduced to a new enclosure, this is typical. The pre-molt condition also causes them to become a little more lethargic.
In comparison to other species in the genus Heterometrus, Heterometrus spinifer is a little bit more aggressive. But the majority of their responses are defensive. As a result, they can be handled quite safely and without incident if they are not provoked.
As Pet
Housing
Humidity is beneficial to the Malaysian Forest Scorpion. Depending on the quantity of scorpions, they can be kept in a terrarium that is 2 1/2 to 15 gallons in size. A 3″-deep layer of cypress mulch on top of a substrate of moist sand and peat moss. Moreover, offer a large, shallow water dish. The cage for the Malaysian Forest Scorpion should include a sheet of cork bark or some other type of shelter.
Temperature and humidity requirements:
This species enjoys warm, humid weather. Keep the enclosure’s temperature between 75 and 90 °F and its humidity between 75 and 80%.
Cage Care
Cleaning up any uneaten prey the day after feeding your scorpion is a good practice to develop because decomposing organic matter frequently draws mites, fungi, mold, and other potentially dangerous critters into the cage. If your pet has just recently molted, get rid of any uneaten prey right away. While their exoskeletons are still soft, newly molted scorpions are susceptible.
Food and Feeding
This scorpion consumes huge insects like locusts, crickets, and even tiny mice as food. Large scorpions should be fed a varied diet that includes adult crickets, grasshoppers, Tenebrio larvae, and only seldom (once or twice a month) feedings of mice. This variety will keep them healthy because it more closely resembles the diet of this scorpion nature.
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