A medium-sized scorpion species endemic to Madagascar, belonging to the genus Opisthacanthus and family Hormuridae, characterized by its distinctive morphological adaptations to tropical forest environments.
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Endemic to Madagascar's tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems, typically found in humid forest floors, under rocks, fallen logs, and in dense vegetation zones
Ecological Role
Plays a crucial role in ecosystem balance as a predatory arthropod, controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger predators in Madagascar's biodiversity networks
Morphology
SKIN COATChitinous exoskeleton with granular texture, providing protection against environmental stressors
LIMBS WINGSEight legs with sharp, curved tarsal segments, powerful pincers (pedipalps) used for hunting and defense
HEAD SENSORYPossesses pair of central eyes and lateral ocular groups, highly sensitive pedipalps for prey detection and manipulation
BODY STRUCTURESegmented exoskeleton with metasoma (tail) ending in venomous telson, approximate body length of 6-8 cm, dark brown to black coloration
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: https://doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.3.37464
