Asian Forest Scorpion

Heterometrus spinifer 

Habitat & Distribution :  Forests of Southeast Asia

Diet : Insects

Size : 10-12 cm

Lifespan : 5-8 years

Description

The Asian forest scorpion is a large, robust, and glossy black or dark blue-black arachnid. They possess thick, smooth, and powerful pincers for capturing prey and a thick tail tipped with a reddish-brown stinger. 

Behavior

This species is nocturnal, it tends to hide under the shade of tree trunks or burrow in the ground during the day. When threatened, instead of stinging, it will first stab with its sharp pincers. Mother scorpions are often found "carrying" their small, white, shell-less offspring to protect them from predators. 

Reproduction

They reproduce sexually via a complex mating dance, where the male deposits a spermatophore for the female to pick up, often lasting several hours. They give birth to live young. 

Communication & Perception

Asian forest scorpions communicate primarily through physical, tactile, and chemical signals rather than sound, using specialized body parts to sense their environment and interact with others. 

Predator(s)

Centipedes, birds, rodents, & lizards