Heterometrus laoticus “Giant Emperor Scorpion”

Heterometrus laoticus “Giant Emperor Scorpion” is a very sociable scorpion. They hardly ever sting with their venomous sting. The sting is comparable to a bee sting, which is why keeping them is allowed in every federal state in Germany. In case of danger or when feeding, they use their pincers and pinch or hold the offered food animal. For this reason Heterometrus laoticus “Giant Emperor Scorpion” is also very suitable for newcomers.

A terrarium with lighting from above or a heating mat on the side provides the necessary temperature. A humidity of between 70 and 80 % provides the tropical climate in which this scorpion species feels comfortable. For an adult animal, a terrarium size of 30 × 30 × 30 cm is recommended.

They like to seek out hiding places such as cork tubes, hollows under roots or stones during the day. The animals also like to dig and optimise their hiding place again and again. Therefore, you should mix some loamy sand into the forest humus. We recommend the ratio 3 parts forest humus to 1 part sand. At dusk and during the night, the animal will emerge and look for food and absorb liquid from the water bowl.

Spectacularly, this scorpion species glows under a black light lamp! The exoskeleton contains molecules that are excited by black light. In response, they emit visible light and the scorpion glows.

 

Heterometrus laoticus “Giant Emperor Scorpion” can also be kept in groups. Pay attention to the food supply and the social structure of the group. Not all animals are suitable for keeping in groups and you should observe a lot, especially at the beginning, and intervene if necessary. For a group of 5 adult animals, a terrarium size of 60 × 45 × 45 cm is recommended.

Unfortunately, these animals are often offered deep-fried at Thai markets. This is not a dare, but a gag at the expense of a living creature. Yet the keeping of the animals is so interesting and exciting.

 

 

Instar 1 = mother’s back

Instar 2 = first moult, young animals leave the back

Instar 3 = second moult

Instar 4 = third moult