Cercophonius squama, commonly known as the forest scorpion or wood scorpion, is a scorpion native to south-eastern Australia. It is typically around 25–40 mm (0.98–1.57 in) long.[1] Its colour consists of different shades of brown.
Description
The body is creamy yellow to orange-brown with dark brown variegations.[2] The legs are yellow with some dark brown pigment.[2]
They have been proven to be slightly defensive, nocturnal—like most scorpions—and sedentary, meaning that it is highly unlikely for them to migrate when there are extreme environmental changes. Accustomed to a wetter climate, these scorpions can dig shallower or deeper burrows, depending on the situation, to avoid environmental extremes for several months.[4]
Breeding
Insemination occurs before winter and birth typically occurs during summer.[3] Females give birth to 20-30 live young over a period of several hours.[3] The young are white and soft-bodied at birth.[3] Females have been observed selectively eating some of the young but the trigger is not known.[3] It takes approximately two weeks for the exoskeleton to completely form for newborns.[3]
