Spider-hunting Scorpion
Scientific Name: Isometroides vescus
Size: Total Length 55 mm
What does it look like?
The Spider-hunting Scorpion is pale yellowish-brown to greyish-brown, with small pedipalps and dark brown tail tip and aculeus (stinger). The legs are yellowish, occasionally with indistinct spotting.
Where is it found?
Widespread mainly in inland areas of southern Australia, but also along the southern and western coast, from central western WA to north-western Vic and western NSW.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Spider-hunting Scorpion, or Spiral Burrow Scorpion, is found in drier areas, where it shelters during the day in the burrows of the burrowing spiders which it specialises in hunting, and emerges on warmer nights to hunt.
Interesting facts
The venom causes localised pain in humans, accompanied by swelling.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Dangerous Creatures of Australia
