Can beginners keep a Vietnamese Forest Scorpion?

This species is classified as suited for intermediate keepers. It's better suited to those with some basic knowledge of humidity management and handling, so first-time scorpion keepers may want to consider starting with an easier species.

Is it safe to keep multiple individuals together?

While sometimes described as gregarious, cannibalism is also known to occur. Because individuals can attack each other aggressively, keeping multiple scorpions together requires precautions such as providing plenty of hiding spots.

Is its venom dangerous?

The venom is considered mild. However, given its large size and strong pincers, it's best to avoid handling with bare hands and to approach it calmly without provoking it.

How large does it grow?

It's a large scorpion that can reach up to about 12cm in total length. It's reassuring to prepare an enclosure with enough space in advance to accommodate this growth.

Is it subject to any legal regulation?

The Vietnamese Forest Scorpion is not subject to CITES. There are no special legal procedures required when bringing one home.

Vietnamese Forest Scorpion

The Vietnamese Forest Scorpion is a large, black scorpion native to the humid, peaty lowlands of Vietnam and Laos. Reaching up to 12cm in total length, its glossy black body and substantial build give it an imposing presence that appeals to invertebrate keepers. Though sometimes described as gregarious, with multiple individuals occasionally kept together, it can also turn on its own kind, so cannibalism risk is a real consideration. When threatened, it can react aggressively even toward conspecifics, though its venom is considered mild. Classified as suited for intermediate keepers, this species fits those already comfortable with the humidity management scorpion care requires.

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Vietnamese Forest Scorpion key facts

Care level: Intermediate
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Size: Up to 12cm 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 and give each animal a hide. Fix the heat mat to the side of the enclosure; on the base it can overheat a scorpion that burrows down.
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: The venom is paralytic but weak and no human deaths are known; a sting causes local pain and swelling for hours to days. Captured animals resist fiercely.
Notes: Although communal, cannibalism occurs. When keeping several together allow ample hides and floor space, and never let food run short.

TraitsScorpionExotic invertebrateSoutheast AsiaLarge species

About Vietnamese Forest Scorpion

A large black scorpion native to the peaty lowlands of Vietnam and Laos, reaching up to 12cm. Suited for intermediate keepers — learn its traits and care basics.

7 things to know before welcoming a Vietnamese Forest Scorpion

1Requires high humidity
To replicate the humid, peaty habitat of its native range, use substrate that retains moisture well and keep it consistently damp. Excessive dryness can affect the scorpion's condition, so regular misting to maintain humidity is important.
2Solitary housing is the safer default
While sometimes described as gregarious, cannibalism is also known to occur in this species. Individuals can attack each other aggressively, so anyone considering keeping multiple scorpions together should understand the risk and provide ample hiding spots as a precaution.
3Mild venom, but caution still matters
Although the venom is considered mild, its large size means the pincers can deliver a strong grip, so handling with bare hands is best avoided. It may display defensive or aggressive behavior when disturbed, so approach maintenance calmly.
4Provide shelter for hiding
This species prefers to shelter in dark, sheltered spots, so placing multiple hides such as driftwood or cork bark in the enclosure helps it settle in. If keeping more than one individual, provide more hiding spots than the number of scorpions.
5Needs an appropriately sized enclosure
As it can reach up to 12cm in total length, it's best to provide an enclosure with enough space to accommodate its growth. Also ensure enough substrate depth to support its burrowing behavior.
6Best suited to keepers with some experience
This species is classified as suited for intermediate keepers, making it a good fit for those already familiar with basic scorpion husbandry, including humidity and temperature control and safe handling. First-time scorpion keepers may want to gain experience with an easier species first.
7Set up housing before bringing one home
Preparing a humidity-retentive enclosure, moisture-holding substrate, hides, and temperature control equipment in advance means you can offer a settled environment as soon as the scorpion arrives. It's also worth deciding beforehand whether to keep it solitary or with others.

Frequently asked questions about Vietnamese Forest Scorpion

Q.Can beginners keep a Vietnamese Forest Scorpion?: A.This species is classified as suited for intermediate keepers. It's better suited to those with some basic knowledge of humidity management and handling, so first-time scorpion keepers may want to consider starting with an easier species.
Q.Is it safe to keep multiple individuals together?: A.While sometimes described as gregarious, cannibalism is also known to occur. Because individuals can attack each other aggressively, keeping multiple scorpions together requires precautions such as providing plenty of hiding spots.
Q.Is its venom dangerous?: A.The venom is considered mild. However, given its large size and strong pincers, it's best to avoid handling with bare hands and to approach it calmly without provoking it.
Q.How large does it grow?: A.It's a large scorpion that can reach up to about 12cm in total length. It's reassuring to prepare an enclosure with enough space in advance to accommodate this growth.
Q.Is it subject to any legal regulation?: A.The Vietnamese Forest Scorpion is not subject to CITES. There are no special legal procedures required when bringing one home.