Heterometrus laoticus or Vietnam forest scorpion, is a scorpion species found in peaty areas of Vietnam and Laos. They can reach lengths of 12 cm. They are a communal species, but cannibalism has been known to occur, and if caught, they can be extremely violent even towards their own kind. Rather than being a lethal toxin, the giant scorpion's venom is paralytic. The venom is distilled into medicines against various kinds of microorganisms.