Javan Blue Forest Scorpion

Javan Blue Forest Scorpion key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

4-6 years

Size

12-15cm in total length

Temperature

Humidity

80%

Diet

Live insects such as crickets

Temperature & Humidity

Create a gradient with a warm end around 30 C and the other end at room temperature. Aim for 80% or more humidity by limiting ventilation and misting daily.

Enclosure

Use deep coco fibre or peat with stone or cork hides and a shallow water dish they cannot drown in. Fix the heat mat to the side.

Diet & Feeding

Offer live prey such as crickets once a week, one or two per scorpion, and remove any that are still uneaten the next day.

Temperament & Venom

Stings cause moderate to severe pain and the species is classed as harmful. No further systemic effects are reported, but handling should be avoided.

Notes

It resembles related species and is often traded under the old name Heterometrus cyaneus. A different name does not change the husbandry.

About Javan Blue Forest Scorpion

Meet the Javan Blue Forest Scorpion, a striking 12-15cm species with a metallic blue sheen, best suited to intermediate keepers. Key features, care points, and FAQs inside.

7 things to know before welcoming a Javan Blue Forest Scorpion

1. 1Best Suited to Intermediate Keepers

   The Javan Blue Forest Scorpion is generally recommended for intermediate keepers. Some prior experience with invertebrate care, along with a good understanding of humidity and temperature management, will help you keep it successfully. First-time keepers may want to start with an easier species before taking this one on.

2. 2Its Sting Causes Real Pain

   A sting from this species can cause moderate to severe pain, so it is treated as a species requiring careful handling. Avoid direct handling and use tongs or similar tools when adjusting the enclosure or cleaning. Extra caution is warranted for anyone with allergies or in households with young children.

3. 3Nocturnal, Hides by Day

   This scorpion spends daylight hours hidden inside its shelter or burrowed in the substrate, becoming active after dark. Not seeing it during the day is completely normal behavior, not a sign of illness. If you want to observe it, checking quietly at night is your best bet.

4. 4Needs High Humidity

   As a species native to tropical forest habitats, it does best in an enclosure that maintains relatively high humidity. Balance the substrate's moisture retention and ventilation, and mist regularly to prevent it from drying out. At the same time, avoid excess moisture, which can lead to mold.

5. 5Rough, Textured Body Surface

   Its most striking feature is the coarse, granular texture covering its body, which makes the metallic blue sheen stand out even more depending on the light. Right after molting, its color and texture may temporarily look different before settling back to normal. Watching how its body surface changes is part of the enjoyment of keeping this species.

6. 6Handle Gently Around Molting

   Scorpions become very soft and vulnerable right after molting. When you notice signs that a molt is approaching, hold off on rearranging the enclosure or feeding, and simply let it be. Avoid touching it until its exoskeleton has fully hardened again after the molt.

7. 7Prepare Equipment Before Bringing One Home

   Set up the enclosure, substrate, shelter, and a thermo-hygrometer before bringing your scorpion home. Since it grows to 12-15 cm in length, choose an enclosure sized so it won't feel cramped once fully grown. It's also a good idea to confirm how you'll source feeder insects in advance.

Frequently asked questions about Javan Blue Forest Scorpion

Q.How painful is a sting from this scorpion?

A.Its sting is generally described as causing moderate to severe pain, and it's treated as a species with a notable sting. Reactions vary by individual, so if you're stung, monitor your symptoms closely and consult a medical professional if you have any concerns.

Q.Can beginners keep this species?

A.This scorpion is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers, so prior experience with invertebrates or similar small animals is helpful. If you're not yet comfortable with humidity and temperature management or handling a species with a notable sting, it may be better to start with an easier species first.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.As an adult, this is a large scorpion that reaches about 12 to 15 cm in total length. It's a good idea to set up a spacious enclosure from the start that accounts for its full-grown size.

Q.Is it normal not to see it during the day?

A.Yes, since it's nocturnal, staying hidden in its shelter or substrate during daylight hours is completely normal behavior. Not seeing it doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong, so there's no need for excessive worry.

Q.What should I feed it?

A.Insects such as crickets are commonly used as feeders. Adjust the size of the prey to match the scorpion's size, and remove any uneaten food promptly to keep the enclosure clean.

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