Description
Thai Forest Scorpion
(Heterometrus spinifer)
A Thai forest scorpion is a large, tropical, terrestrial arachnid that lives for about 5 to 8 years and grows up to 5 to 6 inches in length and is fairly straight forward to keep.
Enclosure and Housing
- Tank Size: A minimum 10-gallon glass terrarium or horizontal enclosure (roughly 20″ x 10″ x 12″) is required for a single adult. Always use a heavy, escape-proof locking lid.
- Substrate: Provide 4 to 6 inches of deep, moisture-retaining substrate such as coconut coir, peat moss, or a tropical forest mix.
- Hides & Decor: Add cork bark pieces, flat rocks, and leaf litter so the scorpion can dig and feel secure.
Temperature and Humidity
- Temperature: Maintain an ambient room or warm-side temperature of 72°F to 85°F (22°F to 30°C) . If supplemental heat is needed, place a low-wattage heat mat on the side of the tank (never the bottom) with a thermostat.
- Humidity: Keep humidity high at 70% to 80% . Mist the enclosure or moisten a corner of the substrate regularly, and keep a shallow water dish filled at all times to prevent dehydration.
- Lighting: Specialized UVB lighting is not required; a normal day/night cycle via ambient room light is fine.
Diet and Feeding
- Food: Feed live prey such as crickets, locusts, dubia roaches, or mealworms.
- Frequency: Juveniles eat more frequently, while sub-adults and adults typically need large insects about 1 to 2 times a week . Remove uneaten prey promptly to prevent stressing the scorpion.
