Scorpion Carapace - Heterometrus - 18 cm - 13 cm - 3 cm - 1

This is a Laotian stink bug (Heteroglossus latiflorus).

Sex: Male.

Origin: Southeast Asia.

Display Format: Mounted specimen.

Morphological Characteristics: Significantly enlarged and robust chelicerae; medium body size; smooth, glossy, dark brown body surface.

General Characteristics: Body divided into two parts (cephalothorax and abdomen), with 8 walking legs. Possesses a pair of large chelicerae (used for predation and defense) and a stinger at the end of the tail (its venom is weakly toxic to humans, causing only mild local redness and swelling).

Habits

Adult: Nocturnal, prefers cool, humid habitats (e.g., tropical rainforests); feeds on small insects (e.g., crickets, cockroaches); usually solitary except during mating season.

Larva Stage: Laotian stink bugs are ovoviviparous; after hatching, the larvae climb onto the mother's back and molt 6-7 times before reaching maturity. The entire life cycle is approximately 2-3 years.