
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Gigantometrus swammerdami
One of the world's largest scorpions at 23cm and 56g. Indian in origin, it ranges from reddish brown to reddish black. Its venom is not strong and it crushes prey with its massive pincers; juveniles have a yellow telson.
Colour ranges from uniform reddish brown to reddish black, and juveniles are reddish with a yellow telson. There are 16 to 20 pectinal teeth. The pedipalp chelae are strongly lobiform and covered in large rounded granules, the carapace combines smooth discs with textured margins and rear, and the bulbous vesicle of the telson is longer than the aculeus itself. The venom is rarely lethal to humans, and the species is thought to have evolved to kill prey by crushing it with the pincers rather than by envenomation. It occurs around tropical rainforest and other moderately warm climates, and specimens are collected from inside degraded termite mounds, tree holes and abandoned rat or crab burrows in the bunds of agricultural fields. Males become active from April to July and emerge from their dens in that period.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Giant Forest Scorpion lives 5-8 years.
The Giant Forest Scorpion grows to Up to about 23cm in total length and 56g in weight.
Gigantometrus swammerdami is an Indian scorpionid and one of the largest scorpions in the world, reaching 23 cm in length and 56 g in weight.
Origin
India
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
Up to about 23cm in total length and 56g in weight
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Gigantometrus swammerdami (Simon, 1872)
Synonyms: Heterometrus swammerdami Simon, 1872
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Humidity
80%
Live insects such as crickets
The figures used for the former genus Heterometrus are a warm end around 30 C against a room-temperature end and humidity of 80% or more.
As a large species it needs ample floor area, substrate deep enough to burrow into and a sturdy hide. Fix the heat mat to the side of the enclosure.
Offer live prey such as crickets. It kills by crushing with its heavy pincers rather than by venom. Remove uneaten prey the next day.
The venom is said to be rarely lethal to humans, but species-level accounts of temperament are sparse, and the powerful pincers of so large an animal make handling inadvisable.
It is among the largest scorpions and grips hard. In the wild it shelters in termite mounds, tree holes and abandoned burrows, so always provide structures it can hide inside.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Giant Forest Scorpion is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Giant Forest Scorpion typically reaches Up to about 23cm in total length and 56g in weight as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Giant Forest Scorpion feeds on: Live insects such as crickets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Giant Forest Scorpion varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026