Asian forest scorpion (Heterometrus spinifer)
Photo: Jidnesh Doshi / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Arachnid · Scorpion

Asian forest scorpion care guide

Heterometrus spinifer

Beginner

The asian forest scorpion is a beginner-level scorpion from SE Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam). Adults reach Length 10–12 cm and live 5–8 years in captivity. Keep alone (more aggressive).

  • Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 24–30°C
  • Humidity 70–80%

How much does a asian forest scorpion cost in Canada?

Animal$30–70Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$170–320Enclosure $40–80 · equipment $60–150 · bioactive supplies ≈ $80
Yearly upkeep$50–100Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$250–490All prices CAD, estimates

Asian forest scorpion quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
Length 10–12 cm
Lifespan
5–8 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
SE Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam)
Minimum enclosure
45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
70–80%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
Bioactive style
Tropical invertebrate

Asian forest scorpion enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical invertebrate bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix12 cm

Keep the soil evenly moist and dig-friendly; a cork slab pressed onto the soil gives a ready-made scrape.

Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 70–80%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a asian forest scorpion eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–3 appropriately sized insects every 7–10 days; remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.

Handling, temperament & health

More defensive than the emperor and pinches hard; use tongs rather than hands.

Health watch: Watch for dehydration, mites and mould; good ventilation and a shallow water dish prevent most problems.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Visual check.

Weekly

  • Feed; remove leftovers.
  • Mist one side and keep the water dish full.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter.

Yearly

  • Refresh the top soil if it compacts.

Recommended for a asian forest scorpion bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).

Asian forest scorpion FAQ

Is the asian forest scorpion good for beginners?

Yes – the asian forest scorpion is a good choice for beginners. More defensive than the emperor and pinches hard; use tongs rather than hands.

What size enclosure does a asian forest scorpion need?

At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a asian forest scorpion cost in Canada?

Typically $30–70 CAD to buy, about $170–320 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $50–100 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a asian forest scorpion need?

Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 70–80%.

What does a asian forest scorpion eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–3 appropriately sized insects every 7–10 days; remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.

Similar species

Browse all 1,000 species →

This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.