Urodacus planimanus

Scientific Name: Urodacus planimanus (Thorell 1866)
Size: 60-80mm
Ecomorphotype: Semi-Fossorial – Rock Scrape Dweller

Description: A member of the endemic Australian Urodacidae family, whose closest relatives include members of the Scorpionidae inc., Heterometrus, Opisthophthalmus, and Pandinus.

A rock dwelling species, similar in many respects to U. manicatus and U. elongatus. Commonly found in hills around Perth, WA. Generally a dark almost uniform brown - blackish colour with some orange coloured populations known. Some populations showing a two-tone appearance, with almost black pedipalps and carapace and lighter mesosoma and tail. A lack of secondary serrations on the cheliceral teeth. Tail very long in male, moderately long in female. Tail spines well developed, especially in the male. Vesicle moderately sized, with moderately curved aculeus. Hands moderately long and narrow, fingers moderately long. Tarsal claws of equal length.

Sexing: The male displays a longer metasoma with more pronounced metasomal keels than the female.

Reference:

Koch, L. E. 1977. The taxonomy, geographic distribution and evolutionary radiation of Australo-Papuan scorpions. Records of the Western Australian Museum 5 (2):83-367.