Lychas marmoreus, Little Marbled Scorpion Click to enlarge image
Two little marbled scorpions, Lychas marmoreus Image: Reiner Richter
© Reiner Richter

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Lychas
    Species
    marmoreus
    Subfamily
    Buthidae
    Order
    Scorpiones
    Class
    Arachnida
    Phylum
    Arthropoda
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    Body Length 30mm

Introduction

The most commonly encountered scorpion species in Australia as it lives in urban areas.

Identification

A small, slender species that is found under tree bark, or on the ground under rocks and in leaf litter (and sometimes in houses) across southern Australia.

Colour may be variable from a dark cream colour to a slate/grey As its common name implies, it has a dark brown marbling pattern on a light brown background. This marbling occurs over the body, legs and tail.

This species is not commonly kept in captivity.

Habitat

Prefers wetter cooler habitats, may be found in small groups under bark of Eucalypt trees.

Distribution

Found across southern mainland Australia.



Feeding and diet

Eats small insects including termites