Black Rock Scorpion

IUCN

Scientific Name：Urodacus manicatus

Basic Information

Scientific classification

name：Black Rock Scorpion
Scientific Name：Urodacus manicatus
Outline：Arthropoda
Family：Urodacidae Urodacus

Vital signs

length：Adults 45–65 mm
Weight：Medium‑sized scorpion; varies by individual
lifetime：~5–8 years (longer in care)

Feature

Nocturnal; rock/log refuges; strong pedipalps and mechanical subduing; viviparity with brief maternal carrying.

Distribution and Habitat

Rocky slopes, woodland edges and grasslands of SE Australia; under stones/logs or in shallow burrows.

Appearance

Dark brown–black; robust chelae and body; stout tail with sharp sting.

Details

The Black Rock Scorpion (Urodacus manicatus) belongs to the Australian family Urodacidae. A medium‑sized, rock‑dwelling species of south‑eastern Australia, it is noted for its powerful pedipalps and a preference for mechanical subduing of prey, sheltering beneath rocks, logs or in shallow burrows by day and hunting at night.

Ecology & Biology

Activity: nocturnal; diurnal refuge in shallow burrows or under stones/woody debris.
Diet: insects, centipedes and spiders; relies heavily on gripping pincers with supplementary stinging.
Reproduction: viviparous; neonates (scorplings) climb onto the mother’s back and disperse after the first moult.

Identification

Body length: adults 45–65 mm (population variation).
Colour: uniformly dark brown to black; robust chelae and mesosoma; relatively stout metasoma with sharp aculeus.
Diagnostic: strong pedipalps indicative of lower‑to‑moderate venom reliance compared with “slender‑chela, high‑venom” taxa.

Range & Habitat

Native to south‑eastern Australia (NSW, Victoria, SA, ACT). Occupies rocky hillsides, woodland edges, grasslands and gardens; day refuges under stones, logs and within shallow self‑dug burrows.

People & Safety

Medical relevance: typically low to moderate for humans—intense local pain with short‑lived swelling/tingling; severe systemic effects are uncommon.
First aid: wash with soap and water, apply a cold pack, rest and monitor; seek medical attention for allergic reactions or persistent pain.

IUCN: Not Evaluated (NE).

FAQ

Q1. Is it deadly? For healthy adults, no. Stings are very painful but usually localised.

Q2. Where to find it by day? Beneath rocks/logs or inside shallow burrows; avoid flipping rocks carelessly to prevent stings and habitat damage.

Q3. Captive care? Where legal, provide dry substrate, shelters and a shallow water source; avoid handling.

Q4. How to distinguish from high‑venom taxa? Large, powerful pincers vs. slender chelae of many potent species; Black Rock Scorpions rely more on grip than venom.