Heterometrus Species Identification

[coelacanthhh]

Hi everyone!

I just recently made my account but have been lurking on Aracnoboards for some time now. With my first post I am adding to the infamous, "What species of Heterometrus is this?" pool.

I have attached a few pictures of two scorpions that I received from a shop without proper identification. I know that one is a male and the other is a female and I have labeled the photos as such. I have read some guides and I believe that I have narrowed it down, but I wanted to get some second opinions.

Thank you all!

 

[Outpost31Survivor]

Heterometrus silenus a very common Asian forest scorpion imported exclusively from Vietnam. Usually sells between $20-$25.

 

[coelacanthhh]

That's what I believed the male is. Do you believe that the female is silenus as well?

 

[Outpost31Survivor]

That's what I believed the male is. Do you believe that the female is silenus as well?

It looks like you might be correct on the sexes. The chela of Heterometrus silenus is sexually dimorphic.

 

[coelacanthhh]

It looks like you might be correct on the sexes. The chela of Heterometrus silenus is sexually dimorphic.

View attachment 454046

Oh wow, now that is something I didn't know yet. That is very interesting. Well, if they both are silenus then I will be attempting to pair them. That was the original plan.

 

[Outpost31Survivor]

Oh wow, now that is something I didn't know yet. That is very interesting. Well, if they both are silenus then I will be attempting to pair them. That was the original plan.

Yes H. silenus males have a enlarged tooth on the movable finger of the chela. Your pics are a difficult angle to 100% sure but check for that tooth and that will be your male. They are the only species of Heterometrus that feature this very visible sexually dimorphism.

 

[coelacanthhh]

Yes H. silenus males have a enlarged tooth on the movable finger of the chela. Your pics are a difficult angle to 100% sure but check for that tooth and that will be your male. They are the only species of Heterometrus that feature this very visible sexually dimorphism.

Ya, unfortunately the male photos aren't the best for identifying. He was out that day so I took a few just to have them. He is in a very large bin and doesn't venture out and about too much. I had gotten the female at a separate time. She was in the small container still so it was easier to photograph her.

 

[Joey Spijkers]

Agreed on H. silenus.
Make sure they are both adult before attempting to pair them. The female might have one more molt in her, but it's always hard to tell from a picture.

 

[coelacanthhh]

Agreed on H. silenus.
Make sure they are both adult before attempting to pair them. The female might have one more molt in her, but it's always hard to tell from a picture.

Yes, I have been waiting. I also think that the female is one molt away. She is about that much smaller than the male. She is in her own enclosure for the time being.