Environmental Caution:

When a damp environment has too little air circulation, this can lead to an anaerobic environment. Where the typical aerobic bacteria helps keep certain types of waste from building up, they are instead replaced by anaerobic bacteria whose waste is more likely to be toxic and harmful. This is often accompanied by a strong swampy smell. 

To guard against anaerobic environments, it is important to monitor and control moisture in the environment as well as air quality. One way to maximize both is to have plentiful live plants as the byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen and water. Springtails can help keep the substrate aerated and break down waste so that the beneficial bacteria can more easily turn it into plant food.

Defining Characteristics:

• Similar to other Asian Forest Scorpions of the genus Heterometrus
• Large, jet black, and often fairly docile
• Like many species of scorpions with large claws, Heterometus laoticus lacks powerful venom.

Name: Heterometrus laoticus is commonly known as the Laotian Black Forest Scorpion The word Heterometrus has Greek origins that mean "other," "unlike," and "mother". This may be due to a long-standing theory that members of this genus can reproduce asexually, without fertilization. 

Recommended Enclosure Size and Set Up: Heterometrus laoticus is a tropical, terrestrial species, meaning this animal will spend a lot of time underground and may need additional substrate to burrow. The surface area of the enclosure should be no less than 2 times the spider's diagonal leg span in one direction and 3 times the diagonal leg span in the other. 

The enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 2 inches of substrate for scorplings and 4+ inches for adults. Arachnid BioBedding is our top pick for substrate, as it was developed specifically with the needs of inverts in mind! ABG Mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, as well.

They will benefit from a variety of terrarium furniture as well to climb on and foliage to hide behind. Live plants can be beneficial to air quality.

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature of 75° is ideal. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 or spiking above 85 degrees should be avoided. A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a humid environment, so the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 55 and 70% . This can be achieved by making sure the substrate is always at least lightly moistened. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to maintain this environment.

The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed at least lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up, but do not spray your spider directly. A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments .  

Size: At the time of sale, this animal will be at least 2 inches. Females can grow to be up to 5 inches, and typically the males are a bit smaller.

Age: For this species, the average lifespan is 5 to 8 years, when provided an adequate environment. They are currently approximately 6 to 12 months old. 

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating 2 to 4 - 1/2 inch crickets. There are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms as size is appropriate. Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the scorpion's body is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.

Sexing: Due to age, Heterometrus laoticus sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed. 

Color/Pattern: As babies, this species can be brown. As adults, they are a uniform shiny black with smooth, elongated pincers.

Social Behavior: Heterometrus laoticus can be a sociable animal. However, there needs to be a balance between members of this species for them to live together. They should all be close to the same size. There should also be a ratio of not less than two females per male. If any member of the group does not accept another, death will eventually follow. That being said, it is safest to keep this species alone.

Scorpion venom is not like tarantula venom—scorpion venom can provoke anaphylactic shock in those that are allergic to it. People who are allergic to bee venom are likely also allergic to scorpion venom.

Natural Range: Heterometrus laoticus can be found in the wild in Laos.

History in the Hobby: This species has been in the hobby for decades. For most of that time, they were known as Heterometyrus petersi

 Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards.com

• TarantulaForum.com

• TheTarantulaCollective.com

Still not sure if Heterometrus laoticus from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!