Black rock scorpion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black rock scorpion |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: |
Scorpionidae
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| Subfamily: |
Urodacinae
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| Genus: |
Urodacus
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| Species: |
U. manicatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Urodacus manicatus (Thorell, 1876)
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| Synonyms | |
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Urodacus abruptus Pocock, 1888 |
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The black rock scorpion, also known as Urodacus manicatus, is a type of scorpion. It belongs to a group called Urodacinae, which is part of the Scorpionidae family. You can find this scorpion living naturally in eastern Australia.
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Discovering the Black Rock Scorpion
This scorpion was first described by a Swedish scientist named Tamerlan Thorell in 1876. He gave it the name Ioctonus manicatus. Later, in 1888, another scientist, Reginald Innes Pocock, thought he had found a new species and called it U. abruptus. However, it was later discovered that these were all the same scorpion!
What Does It Look Like?
The black rock scorpion is usually dark brown or black. It can grow up to about 5.5 centimeters (2.2 inches) long. That's roughly the length of a small matchbox!
Where Do Black Rock Scorpions Live?
These scorpions live across a wide area in Australia. You can find them from Queensland, through New South Wales and Victoria, all the way into South Australia.
They especially like to live in places with granite rocks in open forests. They are very good at digging! They make burrows (tunnels) under rocks or logs. Each burrow has a special room at the end and a passage that leads to the surface. This is their home and a safe place to hide.
What Do Black Rock Scorpions Eat?
Black rock scorpions are predators. This means they hunt and eat other creatures. Their diet mainly includes insects like cockroaches and beetles. They also enjoy eating other small invertebrates such as millipedes, centipedes, and spiders. Sometimes, they might even eat earthworms.
About Their Sting
If a black rock scorpion stings a human, it can cause some pain and swelling in that area. It's usually not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable.
Black Rock Scorpions as Pets
In Australia, the black rock scorpion is one of the most common types of scorpions sold in pet shops. They are known to be relatively easy to care for if you keep them as pets. They can live for a long time, usually between 6 to 10 years, when kept in captivity.
However, some people are worried that too many scorpions are being taken from their natural homes to be sold as pets. This could cause problems for the wild populations of these scorpions.
A Special Toxin
Scientists have recently discovered something very interesting about U. manicatus. This scorpion has a special substance called a peptide toxin. It's like a unique chemical weapon! This toxin is believed to be used for defense, helping the scorpion protect itself.
This special toxin has a unique effect. It can activate certain sensors in our bodies called TRPA1 receptors. These receptors are found in the nerves that sense pain. When the toxin activates them, it can make you feel pain and become more sensitive to pain. Because TRPA1 is also known as the 'Wasabi Receptor' (it's what makes wasabi spicy!), this scorpion's toxin has been named the Wasabi Receptor Toxin, or WaTx.
