The Truth About Tailless Whip Scorpions: Do They Bite?

Tailless whip scorpions, also known as amblypygids, are fascinating arachnids that can be found in tropical and subtropical regions. With their flat body, ten legs, and long, thin whip-like legs, these creatures resemble a cross between a spider and a scorpion. However, despite their intimidating appearance, they are relatively harmless to humans as they do not possess venomous stingers or bites.

These unusual arachnids use their specialized pedipalps, or pincer-bearing front arms, for sensory and predatory purposes. They can grow quite big, up to 19 to 25 inches in length, and are known to inhabit places like the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. Since tailless whip scorpions don’t have venom, they rely on their powerful pedipalps to capture and subdue their prey, which mainly consists of insects and small invertebrates.

What Are Tailless Whip Scorpions?

Taxonomy and Scientific Name

Tailless whip scorpions belong to the order Amblypygi within the class of arachnids. They are sometimes referred to as cave spiders, although they are not true spiders. These arachnids are found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, with many species native to South America.

Physical Appearance

Tailless whip scorpions are unique arachnids known for their flat body and large, spiny pedipalps (pincer-bearing front arms). Their distinctive features include:

• Ten legs, with the first set of legs being long, thin, and whip-like
• Spiny and powerful pedipalps used for sensory and predatory purposes
• A flat body that allows them to fit into tight spaces, such as cracks in rocks

Some amblypygids found in the El Yunque National Forest can reach sizes of 19 to 25 inches (48 to 63 cm). Despite their intimidating appearance, tailless whip scorpions do not possess venom and are not known to bite humans.

In summary, tailless whip scorpions are a unique group of arachnids known for their distinctive appearance and harmless nature. Their flat body and powerful pedipalps make them formidable predators in their natural habitat, but they pose no threat to humans.

Habitat and Distribution

Preferred Environments

Tailless whip scorpions prefer living in tropical and subtropical areas, where they can find high levels of humidity and spaces like caves, crevices, and under boulders. They thrive in these humid environments due to their need for moisture.

• Examples of preferred environments:
  • Damp caves
  • Rock crevices
  • Beneath boulders

Geographical Range

The geographical range of tailless whip scorpions varies, with some species like Mastigoproctus giganteus giganteus found in the United States, particularly in Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. This species also exists in Mexico, along with two other subspecies, Mastigoproctus giganteus mexicanus and Mastigoproctus giganteus scabrosus ¹.

• Locations where tailless whip scorpions can be found:
  • United States (specific states)
  • Mexico (certain regions)

Comparison Table: Tropical vs. Subtropical Habitats

Diet and Prey

Hunting Techniques

Tailless whip scorpions, also known as Amblypygids, are nocturnal predators that rely on their unique features to hunt prey. They have ten legs, with the first pair being very long, thin, and whip-like. These specialized legs are used for:

• Sensing vibrations
• Detecting potential prey
• Navigating through dark environments

While hunting, tailless whip scorpions use their spiny and powerful pedipalps (pincer-bearing front arms) to:

• Grasp and immobilize their prey
• Tear and consume the prey

Common Prey Items

The diet of tailless whip scorpions consists mostly of various invertebrates. Some common prey items include:

• Crickets: often found in their natural habitats, a good source of protein
• Cave spiders: good targets due to their shared preference for dark environments
• Insects and worms: smaller, easily accessible prey items
• Flies and large insects: provide a wider range of nutrients

Although their primary diet is invertebrates, some larger species of tailless whip scorpions are known to occasionally prey on small vertebrates.

In conclusion, tailless whip scorpions have unique hunting techniques and prey items that sustain their diet and survival in varying habitats.

Behavior and Characteristics

Nocturnal Activities

Tailless whip scorpions are primarily nocturnal creatures, meaning they are active during the night. This helps them avoid predators and hunt for their prey more efficiently. Their key features for nocturnal activities are:

• Large, sensitive eyes
• Antenniform legs that act as sensory organs

These sensory organs allow them to navigate in the dark and detect any nearby potential prey or threats.

Molting Process

As they grow, tailless whip scorpions undergo a molting process to shed their old exoskeleton and develop a new one. During molting, they are vulnerable to predators because their new exoskeleton isn’t fully developed.

Mating Behavior

When it comes to mating behavior, tailless whip scorpions exhibit an interesting dance. This involves the male and female tapping their pedipalps and antenniform legs together. After the mating process, the female will carry the fertilized eggs in a sac attached to her abdomen.

In summary, tailless whip scorpions possess unique characteristics and behaviors that enable them to thrive in their environment, such as being nocturnal, undergoing a molting process, and exhibiting interesting mating behaviors. They use their eyes, pedipalps, and antenniform legs to navigate and find prey, providing them with an advantage in their ecosystem.

Tailless Whip Scorpions as Pets

Ideal Environments for Captivity

Tailless whip scorpions, also known as Amblypygi, make interesting and low-maintenance pets. These arachnids require a specific environment to thrive in captivity:

• Size: As adults, they can grow up to 25 inches, so ensure their enclosure is large enough.
• Climbing Space: They love to climb, so provide branches or other vertical surfaces.
• Hiding Spots: Provide multiple hiding spots, such as cork bark or artificial caves.
• Humidity: Maintain a high humidity level, as they are native to tropical forests.

Feeding and Care

Feeding and caring for tailless whip scorpions isn’t difficult, but it requires attention:

• Diet: They eat live insects like crickets.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them about once a week, adjusting based on their response.
• Care: Mist the enclosure regularly to maintain moisture; remove uneaten food and waste.

In summary, tailless whip scorpions can make fascinating and low-maintenance pets as long as they have the proper environment and care. Just ensure their enclosure accommodates their size, climbing needs, and hiding spots, and maintain proper humidity levels. Feed them live insects, and keep their living space clean for a happy and healthy pet.

Bite and Defense Mechanisms

Pinching vs. Biting

Tailless whip scorpions, also known as Amblypygids, have unique features for defense and capturing prey. They possess pincers (pedipalps) and mandibles but do not have fangs or venomous capabilities. Instead of biting, they use their pincers to:

• Grasp and hold prey
• Defend themselves against threats

For example, a tailless whip scorpion might use its pincers to capture and immobilize a small insect.

Danger to Humans

Tailless whip scorpions are generally considered harmless to humans. They are not venomous or poisonous, and their primary defense mechanism is to use their pincers for pinching. While a pinch from a tailless whip scorpion could cause some discomfort or pain, it is unlikely to result in any lasting harm or injury.

Here’s a comparison table to summarize the differences between tailless whip scorpions and other venomous creatures:

Notable Tailless Whip Scorpion Species

Damon Diadema

Damon Diadema is a tailless whip scorpion species native to both East and West Africa. These arachnids are nocturnal, possessing flat bodies and impressive 19 to 25 inch legspan for the members found in some parts, like El Yunque National Forest. They hunt smaller insects to feed upon.

Some key features of Damon Diadema include:

• No venomous bite or sting
• Long, thin, and whip-like front legs
• Spiny and powerful pedipalps for capturing prey

Damon Variegatus

Damon Variegatus is another tailless whip scorpion species, closely related to Damon Diadema. The main difference between the two species is their geographical distribution.

Features of Damon Variegatus:

• Similar body shape to Damon Diadema
• Also nocturnal and carnivorous

Charon Grayi

Charon Grayi, a species part of the Paracharontidae family, can be found in Southeast Asia. This family, also related to the Charontidae and Phrynidae families, is home to a variety of similar tailless whip scorpions.

Charon Grayi characteristics:

• Ten legs, similar to other tailless whip scorpions
• Not venomous, though they look menacing with their powerful pedipalps
• Large legspan compared to body size

Not all species mentioned can be found in the United States. For example, Paraphrynus mexicanus is one species native to Arizona.

Comparison table: