Observations on the Burrow and Associated Behaviour of the Arid-Zone Scorpion Urodacus Yaschenkoi (Birula).

Abstract

The scorpion Urodacus yaschenkoi digs extensive deep burrows. The burrow consists of an entrance, a spiral section and terminal chamber which is deep in the soil. Casts were made of the burrows of each of the five instars of U. yaschenkoi and their dimensions measured. Soil temperatures and humidities were measured and the movements of scorpions followed by comparing the temperature of a thermocouple attached to the animal to the temperature profile of the soil. Scorpions stay deep in the burrow for most of the day, coming to the entrance in the evenings.