Eight species are known, many of which are quite similar in appearance:[7] Members of Heterometrus are generally large-sized scorpions (100–200 mm or about 4-8 in total length).

The scorpions are heavily built with especially powerful and globose pedipalp pionkes, broad mesosomal tergites and a proportionally slender and thin metasoma.

[6] The sting causes local pain, inflammation, oedema, swelling, and redness of the skin, lasting for hours to a few days.

Plant extracts known in the traditional Thai medicine as natural scorpion venom antidotes are effective as symptomatic treatment of H. laoticus stings.

Due to their impressive size, low toxicity, and docile behavior, species of Heterometrus are popular pet scorpions.