Urodacus sp. nov
Size: 60-70mm
Ecomorphotype: Fossorial - Obligate Burrower
Description: A member of the endemic Australian Urodacidae family, whose closest relatives include members of the Scorpionidae inc., Heterometrus, Opisthophthalmus, and Pandinus.
Very similar in most respects to U. armatus with its larger size being the most obvious difference. Mesosoma dark reddish brown, carapace, pedipalps and legs reddish, vesicle distinctly lighter, often yellowish. Tail short to moderate with squat segments. Aculeus short to moderate. Hands are large, robust with short to moderate fingers. Tarsal claws are equal in length. Cheliceral teeth without secondary serrations.
Adult Female
Adult Male
Adult Male - This species only inhabits gibber plains.
Habitat specialist
Unlike its generalist neighbour U armatus, this species only inhabits rocky gibber plains (bottom of image). It is never found in the adjacent sand dune country (top) where U armatus is found. The two species don't overlap, they occur sympatrically but not syntopically.
Burrow in gibber country
Habitat - Gibber Country - Woomera, SA
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.