Urodacus manicatus

A relatively small member of the Urodacus genus, this scorpion grows to around 40 - 55mm as an adult. Colour is often brown(various tinges) to almost black. Legs are often a lighter sandy/yellow colour. A stocky, robust looking scorpion with squat rounded often dark pedipalps. Some specimans have a dusty grey looking mesosoma(back).
Habitat: Preferred environment is Eucalypt Forest in hilly areas, using rocks as retreats often with a shallow burrow underneath. This scorpion appears to show mesic adaptation, with little dispersion into arid areas. Similar in most respects to Urodacus elongatus and planimanus and in the same species group. This scorpion will be found under rocks during cooler months and retreats underground to it's short burrow during summer months.
I have found females under rocks within the scrape area carrying 12 babies. As with all scorpions once the juveniles shed their skin for the first time they leave the mother and disperse to fend for themselves.

Above specimen is from the Adelaide Hills area. - penultimate instar.