Rainforest Scorpion
The Rainforest Scorpion Liocheles waigiensis is a predatory arachnid whose ancestry can be traced back over 400 million years using the fossil record. The QLD variety, pictured, is small and extremely shy so stumbling across one is always a treat.
Like all scorpions, this one is venomous, however the sting is probably no worse than that of a wasp and there have been no reports of people dying from scorpion envenomation in Au that I am aware of?
A fairly reliable guide to judging the potential toxicity of scorpion stings is to note the relative size of the pincers chelate pedipalps to the size of the tail and sting. In general, if the pincers are large and robust and the tail/sting slender or proportionally small, it is usually of little threat to people.
This is because that species of scorpion relies principally on its strong pincers to overwhelm it's prey and for defence, reducing the need for having highly toxic venom.
Conversely, should the animal have delicate pincers and a large or fat tail/sting - some prudence would be wise, as the sting and venom are by necessity the scorpions primary weapons for defence and may be extremely dangerous to humans.
There are, however, always exceptions to this rule and the best advice when dealing with venomous animals is to be mindful of your own and the animal's welfare by looking but not touching.
If you're lucky you will see your quarry glowing luminescent green (no-one knows why they glow this way), but it could be to attract mates or, and this is my theory, to lure prey insects that can see the U.V spectrum, and are in turn attracted by the light source.
Be aware though that the human eye is not designed to stare into U.V light so use your scone and don't shine it directly into peoples faces or use for extended periods. Once you've found your scorpion use a soft red light to continue to observe them as this won't bother the animal, and it won't damage your eyes.
Globally scorpions have become a hit in the pet trade and Australia is no exception, there may be laws and restrictions re: their collection/husbandry here so check out your relevant state or territories guidelines before you dash out and snaffle one to put in a jam jar next to your bed ...
Yes, I know it's ridiculous that you need to purchase a permit to keep a scorpion when anyone can freely own a cat ... but what can ya do?.
Till next time, take care
Like all scorpions, this one is venomous, however the sting is probably no worse than that of a wasp and there have been no reports of people dying from scorpion envenomation in Au that I am aware of?
A fairly reliable guide to judging the potential toxicity of scorpion stings is to note the relative size of the pincers chelate pedipalps to the size of the tail and sting. In general, if the pincers are large and robust and the tail/sting slender or proportionally small, it is usually of little threat to people.
This is because that species of scorpion relies principally on its strong pincers to overwhelm it's prey and for defence, reducing the need for having highly toxic venom.
Conversely, should the animal have delicate pincers and a large or fat tail/sting - some prudence would be wise, as the sting and venom are by necessity the scorpions primary weapons for defence and may be extremely dangerous to humans.
There are, however, always exceptions to this rule and the best advice when dealing with venomous animals is to be mindful of your own and the animal's welfare by looking but not touching.
By far, the simplest method of finding scorpions is to get hold of a U.V torch and go for a wander in likely scorpion habitat.
If you're lucky you will see your quarry glowing luminescent green (no-one knows why they glow this way), but it could be to attract mates or, and this is my theory, to lure prey insects that can see the U.V spectrum, and are in turn attracted by the light source.
Be aware though that the human eye is not designed to stare into U.V light so use your scone and don't shine it directly into peoples faces or use for extended periods. Once you've found your scorpion use a soft red light to continue to observe them as this won't bother the animal, and it won't damage your eyes.
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(Liocheles waigiensis) |
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Bottle top indicates scale |
Globally scorpions have become a hit in the pet trade and Australia is no exception, there may be laws and restrictions re: their collection/husbandry here so check out your relevant state or territories guidelines before you dash out and snaffle one to put in a jam jar next to your bed ...
Yes, I know it's ridiculous that you need to purchase a permit to keep a scorpion when anyone can freely own a cat ... but what can ya do?.
Till next time, take care
Courting scorpions dance, in fact there is even a name for it; the 'promenade à deux' (A Walk For Two), - look it up on u tube. This complex behaviour is no doubt a reflection of the fact that both males and females are heavily armed and armoured - scorpions are also quite willing to eat each other, so some form of sexual communication regarding intent is a must.
In some species the male will actually sting the female rendering her immobile while he has his wicked way via the transfer of a spermatophore after which he abandons the recovering female leaving her in sole charge of the offspring.
In some species the male will actually sting the female rendering her immobile while he has his wicked way via the transfer of a spermatophore after which he abandons the recovering female leaving her in sole charge of the offspring.
Comments
Nice, informative blog.
D
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