Black rock scorpion

Black rock scorpions are common throughout southern Australia and are found under rocks and logs. They explore their surroundings through the night in search of food, a mate or a new place to live. These scorpions do live communally under granite boulders but this can sometimes end in cannibalism.

These scorpions don't grow too large compared to other species from the same genus (Urodacus elongatus) maxing out at around 40mm. Their claws are adapted pedipalps with the purpose of eating and hunting. like most other scorpions, they have two big eyes in the centre of their head and another two, much smaller eyes on each side of their head just behind their chelicerae.

Black rock scorpions hold their eggs inside for up to 5 months while the eggs incubate. After this, the eggs hatch and the young climb on top of the mother for a week or so for their first moult then they disperse.