Damon Mcknight
Scorpions are common arachnids found in a variety of habitats throughout Australia, from rainforests to deserts. They are easily recognised by their long, curved tails, which feature a stinger at the end, and two pincers at the front of their body. While Australian scorpions are not known to have fatal venom, they can inflict painful stings that result in swelling and pain for several hours. Western Australia is home to the scorpion species Urodacus novaehollandiae, which grows up to 7cm and is dark brown in colour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of scorpion species in Australia | 47 |
| Number of scorpion species in Victoria | 13 |
| Are Western Australian scorpions venomous? | Yes, but not as venomous as scorpions in other parts of the world |
| Are Western Australian scorpions poisonous? | No, none of the known Australian scorpions have fatal venom |
| Scorpion size | 2-12 cm |
| Scorpion colour | Dark grey, light brown, gold, or mottled |
| Scorpion eyesight | Poor, but can distinguish light from dark |
| Scorpion lifespan | Up to 10 years, with some species living up to 25 years |
| Scorpion diet | Insects, beetles, ants, spiders, small frogs, skinks, cockroaches, slaters, centipedes, millipedes |
| Scorpion predators | Lizards, nocturnal birds, other scorpions, marsupials, rodents, centipedes |
| Scorpion habitat | Under logs, rocks, shallow burrows, sand dunes, gum forests, houses |
| Scorpion behaviour | Nocturnal, ambush predators, sensitive to ground vibrations and scents |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia's scorpion diversity
Scorpions are unique creatures with long, curved tails that have a stinger at the end. They also have two pincers situated at the front of their bodies. Australian scorpions vary in length from 2 to 12 cm, with female scorpions being heavier and more robust than males, typically with shorter tails. They have multiple eyes but do not have good eyesight, distinguishing only between light and dark. Scorpions are typically nocturnal and seek refuge during the day under debris or in burrows, which are sometimes located in remote habitats. This elusive behaviour means scorpion stings are infrequent.
Western Australia is home to a diverse range of scorpions, including the Urodacus novaehollandiae, the rarest scorpion in Victoria, which is also found in South Australia and Western Australia. It grows up to 7 cm long and is dark brown in colour. Another scorpion species found in Western Australia is the Urodacus lunatus, which was recently collected from Toweranna in the Pilbara region. The Urodacus genus is endemic to mainland Australia and represents one of the largest increases in scorpion diversity on the continent.
The scorpion species found in Western Australia also include a small scorpion that may be several species. It inhabits sand dunes in South Australia and Western Australia, where it waits to ambush passing invertebrates. Its light colouration provides effective camouflage in the sand and small shrubs at night.
While Australian scorpions are relatively harmless, their stings can cause inflammation and pain for several hours. However, they do not have fatal venom, and victims usually do not require medical assistance. The sting of most Australian scorpions is comparable to a bee sting.
The diversity of scorpion species in Australia is vast, with estimates suggesting that there may be over 100 species in the country, 47 of which have been described and named. The task of fully documenting and understanding the diversity of Australian scorpions is challenging due to their reclusive habits and the potential for small distributions, which make species vulnerable to habitat loss.
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Are WA scorpions venomous?
Australia is home to more than 100 species of scorpions, and while they are typically found in remote habitats, they sometimes enter homes and can inflict painful stings. Despite their fearsome reputation, scorpions in Western Australia are relatively harmless and are not known to have fatal venom.
The sting of most Australian scorpions would be similar to a bee sting and is not considered deadly to humans. While scorpion stings can be painful and cause minor localised swelling, victims usually do not require medical assistance. The consequences of a scorpion sting are generally very minor.
The Buthidae family includes the world's most venomous scorpions, such as the deathstalker and fat-tailed scorpions with potent stings. However, Australian buthids are much smaller, and their stings are not considered life-threatening. The biggest genus of scorpions in Western Australia is Urodacus, which occurs all over mainland Australia. Despite their large size, the sting of Urodacus is not unbearable or long-lasting.
Scorpions in northern Australia have slightly more toxic venom than those in southern Australia, but they are still not as venomous as scorpions found in other parts of the world. The inland taipan, for example, is considered the deadliest snake in Australia due to its highly effective venom. In contrast, Australian scorpions feed mainly on insects, beetles, and ants, which are abundant, so they do not need strong venom to capture their prey.
While scorpion stings are infrequent in Western Australia due to their elusive behaviour and remote habitats, it is important to take precautions to prevent stings. This includes wearing protective clothing when working in gardens or areas with debris and keeping floors and surfaces clear of clutter.
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How to treat a scorpion sting
Scorpion stings are infrequent in Western Australia, but they can happen, especially since scorpions sometimes enter people's homes. While scorpion stings in Western Australia are not fatal, they can cause inflammation and pain for several hours. Here are some steps to treat a scorpion sting:
- Apply a Cold Pack: If you are stung by a scorpion, apply a cold pack to the affected area to reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
- Monitor Symptoms: The pain from a scorpion sting is usually localized, but it can spread through the body. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation.
- Seek Medical Attention: If the pain persists or if you experience severe symptoms such as neuromuscular or ocular effects, seek medical attention. Call the Poison Control Center for guidance on next steps.
- Avoid Over-the-Counter Antihistamines: Do not treat a scorpion sting as an allergic reaction. Antihistamines like Benadryl can worsen symptoms of scorpion envenomation by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
- Prevent Future Stings: Scorpions like dark, damp, and quiet places. To prevent future scorpion stings, keep your surroundings clutter-free and shake out your shoes before wearing them. Wear protective clothing like gloves when working in areas with potential scorpion hiding places.
It is important to note that scorpion envenomation is not an allergic reaction. While scorpion stings can be painful, they are not life-threatening with proper medical attention.
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WA scorpion habitats
Scorpions are common arachnids found in a variety of habitats throughout Australia. They are found under logs, rocks, and in shallow burrows in earth banks. They can be found almost anywhere in Australia, but because they typically live in remote habitats and are nocturnal, they are seldom seen.
Scorpions in Australia vary in length from 2 to 12 cm and come in a variety of colours and sizes. They are typically nocturnal animals that seek refuge during the day under debris or in burrows. They are seldom seen due to their elusive behaviour and remote habitats.
There are several species of scorpions in Western Australia (WA). One species, which may in fact be several, inhabits sand dunes throughout WA and South Australia (SA). Its light colouration provides camouflage in the sand and small shrubs at night as it waits to ambush passing invertebrates.
Another scorpion species found in WA is the Marbled Scorpion, which is small, measuring between 1.5 and 4 cm, and mottled. It is found in southern Australia, typically in gum forests, though it has been known to enter human dwellings.
In addition to forests and deserts, scorpions in Australia can also be found in rainforests. These scorpions are well adapted to the rainforests of Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales. They use their large claws to lock their flat bodies into rock and log crevices, both for shelter and to ambush prey.
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WA scorpion species
Australia is home to a wide variety of scorpion species, with over 47 identified and more potential undiscovered species. The scorpions vary in length from 2 to 12 cm and are typically nocturnal, seeking refuge during the day under debris or in burrows. This elusive behaviour, coupled with their preference for remote habitats, makes them seldom seen. Scorpion stings are infrequent, and none of the known Australian scorpions have fatal venom. However, their stings can cause inflammation and pain for several hours, similar to a bee sting.
One scorpion species found in Western Australia is Urodacus novaehollandiae, which is dark brown and grows up to 7 cm in length. This species is the rarest of Victoria's scorpions, usually found in South Australia and Western Australia. Another scorpion species found in Western Australia may be Isometroides angusticaudus, which is restricted to a small area in northwest Victoria, southeastern South Australia, and western NSW. It has a mottled body with a characteristic black marking on the last two segments of its tail.
The Desert Scorpion is a large, aggressive, and widespread species throughout Australian deserts. They construct deep spiral burrows to escape the extreme heat during the day. The Marbled Scorpion, on the other hand, is small, ranging from 1.5 to 4 cm in length, and is commonly found in southern Australia's gum forests. It is the main species that may be found inside homes.
While Australian scorpions are not known to have fatal venom, it is important to take precautions to avoid scorpion stings. This includes wearing protective clothing when working in gardens and keeping floors and spaces clear of clutter and debris. If stung, apply a cold pack to the affected area and seek medical attention if the pain persists.
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