Cercophonius squama | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
Class: | Arachnida |
Order: | Scorpiones |
Family: | Bothriuridae |
Genus: | Cercophonius |
Species: | C. squama
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Binomial name | |
Cercophonius squama (Gervais, 1844)
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Cercophonius squama, commonly known as the forest scorpion or wood scorpion, is a scorpion native to south-eastern Australia. It is typically around 25–40 mm (0.98–1.57 in) long.[1] Its colour consists of different shades of brown.
Description
[edit]The body is creamy yellow to orange-brown with dark brown variegations.[2] The legs are yellow with some dark brown pigment.[2]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c5/Cercophonius_squama_as_seen_near_the_ACT.jpg/220px-Cercophonius_squama_as_seen_near_the_ACT.jpg)
Cercophonius squama is found in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and Tasmania. It is the only scorpion found in Tasmania.[3]
Behaviour
[edit]They have been proven to be slightly defensive, nocturnal—like most scorpions—and sedentary, meaning that it is highly unlikely for them to migrate when there are extreme environmental changes. Accustomed to a wetter climate, these scorpions can dig shallower or deeper burrows, depending on the situation, to avoid environmental extremes for several months.[4]
Breeding
[edit]Insemination occurs before winter and birth typically occurs during summer.[3] Females give birth to 20-30 live young over a period of several hours.[3] The young are white and soft-bodied at birth.[3] Females have been observed selectively eating some of the young but the trigger is not known.[3] It takes approximately two weeks for the exoskeleton to completely form for newborns.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "Southern or Wood Scorpion Cercophonius squama". Museum Victoria. Archived from the original on 23 April 2017. Retrieved 11 October 2008.
- ^ a b Clinical Toxinology Resources - Cercophonius squama, University of Adelaide
- ^ a b c d e f Abraham Miller - Cryptically beautiful: surprising observations of the scorpion Cercophonius squama
- ^ Margules, C. R.; Milkovits, G. A.; Smith, G. T. (1994). "Contrasting Effects of Habitat Fragmentation on the Scorpion Cercophonius Squama and an Amphipod". Ecology. 75 (7): 2033–2042. doi:10.2307/1941608. ISSN 0012-9658.