Short-tailed whip scorpion
Draculoides `SCH053 epigean`
Scizomids are an order of arachnids, typically found in the tropical regions of the world. In Australia, they are found in the tropics, and vine thickets of the Australian Monsoonal Tropics. In addition to these areas, there is a hugely speciose radiation of schizomids in the subterranean environments of the Pilbara and Cape Range. These species all inhabit the caves and rock fissures of the region, and are commonly collected from bore holes that are routinely monitored by mining companies for environmental impact assessments.
Until recently, it was believed that all Pilbara schizomids were restricted to the subterranean environment. This was largely because it was assumed the delicate arachnids could not persist in the arid environments encountered on the surface. However, a recent field trip to Karijini National Park has found an epigean (surface dwelling) species, located in one of the gorges of the national park. This species, Draculoides `SCH053`, was an unexpected discovery, and it is probable that other isolated gorges harbour species of schizomid.
Morphology
Schizomids are small, soft bodied arachnids. They walk on 3 pairs of legs and have modified their front legs as long sensory organs. The abdomen has a small structure called the flagellum at the end, which in males is used by taxonomists to tell species apart.
Evolution
The Pilbara schizomid radiation is currently being studied at the Western Australian Museum, using morphology and DNA. Preliminary data suggests that there may be 50-100 species already in the WA museum collection, with most having distributions of only a few square kilometres. Due to this short range endemism, it is likely that there are many more undiscovered species in the landscape, awaiting discovery.
Behaviour
Schizomids are very fast, as their hind legs are modified for jumping. In addition to their sensory forelimbs, they would be deadly predators in the dark subterranean environments, and in leaf litter for epigean species. Their breeding behavior is unknown, but population samples are highly sex-biased, with only a low percentage being adult males.
Method of reproduction
Sexual
Habitat
Terrestrial
Among leaf litter, on the south face of a gorge wall.
Distribution
Under a single tree, in Karijini National Park.
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Schizomida |
| Family: | Hubbardiidae |
| Genus: | Draculoides |
| Species: | `SCH053 epigean` |
| Rank: | species |
|---|---|
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/draculoides-sch053-epigean
Accessed 2 Sep 2023
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