Wood or Forest Scorpion
Wood Scorpion
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© Reiner Richter
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Cercophonius
- Species
- squama
- Family
- Bothriuridae
- Order
- Scorpiones
- Class
- Arachnida
- Subphylum
- Chelicerata
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- body length 25mm - 45mm
Identification
A thick-set scorpion that can be creamy yellow to orange brown with darker brown or light brown patterning. It can be found in forest habitats in litter and logs (sometimes in suburban gardens) across south western and eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania. At least 6 species of ‘wood or forest scorpion” occur in Australia.
Habitat
Lives in burrows under leaf litter and can even be found under bark on trees. Prefers habitats with high levels of moisture and usually spends much of the summer months in its burrow.
Distribution
A widespread south-western and eastern Australian species, found in south-eastern South Australia, Victoria, eastern NSW, the ACT and Tasmania. The only scorpion species found in Tasmania.
Feeding and diet
Feeds on small invertebrates.
Breeding behaviours
Females give birth to between 20 and 30 live young and she carries the young on her back for a period of two or more weeks. Can live for up to 3 years.
Danger to humans
The sting of the Forest or Wood Scorpion can cause inflammation and pain for several hours, and medical advice should be sought.
