Dune scorpion explained

Smeringurus mesaensis, also known as the dune scorpion or giant sand scorpion, is a species of scorpion in the family Vaejovidae.[1] It is common in the deserts of the southwestern United States.[2]

Description

The dune scorpion is approximately 72 mm in length and 2.0 g in mass.[3]

Behaviour and ecology

Smeringurus mesaensis is fossorial and solitary, though young will aggregate shortly after dispersing from their mother. Females of this species are typically larger than males,[4] with males traveling to find females during mating season.[5] They are nocturnal creatures, active between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., accounting for their daytime invisibility.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Gardiner, Mary. Good Garden Bugs: Everything You Need to Know about Beneficial Predatory Insects. 8 July 2017. 2015. Quarry Books. 9781592539093. 157–.
  2. Web site: BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species,. Web. Animal Diversity. www.biokids.umich.edu. en. 2017-07-08.
  3. Web site: ADW: : INFORMATION. Animal Diversity Web. en. 2017-07-08.
  4. Book: Polis, Gary. The Biology of Scorpions. Stanford University Press. 1990. 161–223.
  5. Web site: ADW: : INFORMATION. Animal Diversity Web. en. 2017-07-08.