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Heterometrus madraspatensis more commonly known as the Madras Forest scorpion. As this is a particularly rare species amongst enthusiasts, information on how best to provide for these fascinating creatures is disappointingly sparse. If you have any knowledge or experience with this species please take the time to contribute to this page.
| Scorpion Information (for a more detailed Scorpion care review see Scorpion Care Sheet | |
| Regions Found: | Southern Asia primarily Madras, India |
| Class: | |
| Longevity: | |
| Adult Scorpion Size: | |
| Temperament: | unknown |
| Claws: | Strong pedipalps |
| Sting Potency: | Not lethal to humans – comparitive to a hornet sting |
| Heterometrus madraspatensis Housing Requirements | |
| Scorpion Housing: | Minimum 6 gallon glass tank with 3 inches of substrate |
| Temperature range: | |
| Humidity range: | |
| Special Requirements: | |
| Heterometrus madraspatensis Breeding | |
| Breeding Difficulty: | |
| Birth Size: | |
| Danger to Male: | |
| Heterometrus madraspatensis Diet | |
| A scorpions diet should consist mainly of livefood insects such as crickets, locust, butter worms, meal worms, superworms, houseflies and cockroaches. | |
| Recommended Pet Supplies for Heterometrus madraspatensis | |
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Description
A large stocky scorpion, dark coloured body with lighter coloured legs.
Ailments
Scorpions are generally quite hardy and adaptable if they are provided with the correct environment. A few signs that may indicate that your pet is not acting or feeling normal are a loss of appetite, acting listless or sluggish, having an overly swollen stomach, and missing or deformed limbs. Another problem can be an infestation of mites.
Molting
One of the most common reasons for the death in scorpions is the moult. The scorpion has a tough outer covering, a cuticle, that forms a rigid exoskeleton. All scorpions must shed their old exoskeleton and secrete a new one in order to grow, this is called the moult. Scorpions will moult from 6 to 10 times during their lifetime. This moulting process takes a lot of energy and they are very vulnerable for a couple of days after the moult until their new skin hardens. For about 24 hours prior to moulting it is not unusual for a scorpion to get quite sluggish. A difficult moult can result in lost or deformed limbs, or death. This is thought to be related to humidity levels. There can be either too much humidity or too little, depending on the species. In captivity a lot of immature scorpions die during the moulting process.
Other problems
Though many scorpions can go for long periods of time without eating, overfeeding can cause an overly swollen stomach as well as the loss of appetite, and even death. The stomach can be slightly swollen from regular eating, and this is not a problem. Another problem can be an infestation of mites. Uneaten food can attract mites, which are very dangerous and stressful to scorpions. Be sure to remove old food.