Euscorpius flavicaudis

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Euscorpius flavicaudis (DeGeer, 1778), or the European Yellow-Tailed Scorpion, is a small black scorpion with yellow-brown legs and tail (metasoma). Adults measure about 1 1/2 inches long (35-45 mm). It is a fossorial scorpion with relatively large, strong claws (pedipalps) and a short, thin tail.

Contents 1 Distribution 2 Habitat 3 Venom 4 Childbirth 5 Feeding 6 References

[edit] Distribution

North West Africa, Southern Europe. Introduced into Great Britain and Uruguay. It is the northernmost scorpion in the world and the only one in Great Britain. The main colony in Bitain is in Sheerness Dockyard, the Isle of Sheppey, Kent.

This species is occaisionally kept in captivity.

[edit] Habitat

Warm temperate climate. The species can be found in built up areas. In Great Britain, the scorpion occupies cracks and holes in walls where the mortar pointing has crumbled away.

[edit] Venom

Mildly venomous, harmless scorpion, which will rarely use its stinger. The sting is like a bee-sting to humans.

[edit] Childbirth

Gestation period is 10-14 months, according to the quantity of food available and the climate.

The mother-to-be will look for a hidden and humid place to give birth directly to living young, from a few to about thirty, which are white, soft and swollen. The mother will raise her forelegs to facilitate the release of the children, who will then climb on the back of their mother, where they will remain until the first molt (approximately six days). After that, the scorplings will start to wander around the surrounding area but will remain around the hole together for a few days. The young scorpions will reach adulthood after one or two years from birth.

[edit] Feeding

Euscorpius flavicaudis is an ambush predator. They lie quietly and safely at the entrance to their lairs, moving quickly to capture prey that wanders past. The main prey of E. Flavicaudis is woodlice, although most small insects are taken. Canibalism has been noted in colonies of E. flavicaudis. Scorpions may go for long periods of time without food.

[edit] References

[1] [2] [3]

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