Heterometrus longimanus
Latin Name: Heterometrus longimanus
Family: Scorpionidae
Genus: Heterometrus
Species: Longimanus
Common Name: Borneo Forest Scorpion
Temperature: 23°- 30°
Temperament: May pinch if bothered
Humidity: 80%
Size: 10-15cm
Communal: Yes 4/5
Terrestrial/Fossorial
Substrate: Soil that holds moisture
Origin: Tropical Rainforests of Southeast Asia
Physical Description
Size:
Adults typically measure between 10 to 12 cm in length.
Color:
Predominantly black , with a glossy appearance, they are usually quite thin
Pincers:
They have very long chela, especially males on this species which are elongated.
Tail:
H. longimanus will have yellow/reddish telsons depending on their stage of instar.
Habitat
Geographic Range:
Found in tropical rainforests across Southeast Asia, including countries like Borneo, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Preferred Environment:They thrive in humid, forested areas with plenty of leaf litter, decaying wood, and other ground cover that provides shelter. They are commonly found hiding under rocks, logs, or within burrows.
Behavior & Venom
Burrowing:
They are proficient burrowers, often creating deep burrows where they can hide during the day
Toxicity:
The venom of H. longimanus is considered mild to moderate in potency and is not lethal to humans. A sting may cause pain, swelling, and discomfort, similar to a bee sting.
Medical Importance:
While not considered dangerous, some individuals may have allergic reactions to the venom, which could require medical attention.
Captive Care
H. longimanus is a popular species in the pet trade due to its impressive size and striking appearance. However, they require specific conditions to thrive in captivity:
Enclosure:
A terrarium with a secure lid to prevent escape. Provide a substrate of coco fiber or soil that can hold moisture to mimic their natural humid environment.
Classification
First described by German neturalist Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Herbst in 1800 under the name Scorpio longimanus. It was changed to Heterometrus longimanus following the establishment of the genus by Ferdinard Karsh in 1879.
Karsch introduced the genus Heterometrus as part of a taxonomic reorganization of scorpions within the family Scorpionidae. Many scorpions classified under the genus Scorpio were reassigned ti newly nestablished genera at this time.