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).
