Lychas variatus
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| Lychas variatus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Scorpiones |
| Family: | Buthidae |
| Genus: | Lychas |
| Species: | L. variatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Lychas variatus | |
| Synonyms | |
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Lychas variatus, also known as the marbled scorpion or splendid marbled scorpion, is a species of small scorpion in the Buthidae family. It is native to Australia and New Guinea, and was first described in 1877 by Swedish arachnologist Tamerlan Thorell.[1]
Description[edit]
The species grows to about 40 mm in length. Colouration is yellowish-brown mottled, or marbled, with light brown patches. The tail constitutes about half the length of the body, with a prong at the base of the stinger.[2]
Distribution and habitat[edit]
As well as New Guinea, the species’ range covers much of northern and eastern Australia. It prefers warm and moist environments, and shelters beneath rocks, bark and plant litter.[2]
Behaviour[edit]
The scorpions are terrestrial predators that hunt and feed on invertebrates. They may enter houses. Their sting is painful humans but is not considered to be dangerous.[2]
References[edit]
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