Giant vinegaroons, also known as whip scorpions, are fascinating arachnids found in various habitats, such as desert areas, grasslands, and pine forests. Although they have a menacing appearance, they are non-poisonous and play a significant role in controlling insect populations. These nocturnal creatures have relatively poor vision, relying primarily on sensing vibrations to locate and capture prey.
One distinguishing feature of vinegaroons is their ability to spray a mist from scent glands at the base of their abdomen. This mist contains acetic acid, which gives off a vinegar-like smell and can cause a mild, temporary burning sensation if it comes into contact with a potential predator’s skin or eyes. While vinegaroons may appear intimidating, they pose no significant threat to humans and are more likely to scurry away than engage in any harmful confrontation.
In terms of appearance, vinegaroons possess a dark color and a long, thin “tail” called a whip, which is used for sensing and navigation. Their front legs have evolved into specialized sensory structures, allowing them to effectively detect their surroundings and potential prey. Understanding these unique creatures can help foster an appreciation for their ecological role and the amazing diversity of life on Earth.
What Is a Giant Vinegaroon?
Arachnid Classification
The Giant Vinegaroon, also known as the whip scorpion, belongs to the Mastigoproctus giganteus species. It is part of the Uropygi order within the Arthropods phylum and falls under the Thelyphonida family.
Physical Characteristics
- Mouthparts: Vinegaroons exhibit heavy mouthparts (pedipalps) that are shaped into pincers for capturing prey.
- Legs: Their first pair of legs are long and thin, serving as antennae for sensing their surroundings. The other three pairs are used for walking.
- Size: Giant Vinegaroons can grow up to 85mm in length, making them comparatively larger than most other arachnids.
Distribution and Habitat
Giant Vinegaroons are predominantly found in the southwestern United States, parts of Mexico, and southern Florida. They prefer dry, dark environments such as caves, burrows, and under rocks or fallen logs.
Relation to Other Arachnids
| Giant Vinegaroon | Other Arachnids | |
|---|---|---|
| Bites or stings | No bites, but can spray acetic acid as defense | Many can bite or sting |
| Legs | First pair used as antennae; rest for walking | All legs typically used for walking |
| Size | Up to 85mm; larger than most other arachnids | Smaller sizes |
| Taxonomy | Order Uropygi, family Thelyphonida | Other arachnid orders and families |
In contrast with other arachnids, Giant Vinegaroons do not bite or sting but instead, they can spray acetic acid to deter potential threats. As highlighted in the comparison table above, their taxonomy and physical attributes also differentiate them from the other arachnid species.
Behavior and Lifestyle
Nocturnal Habits
Giant Vinegaroons have a mostly nocturnal lifestyle, meaning they are active during the night. Their poor vision makes them rely on sensing vibrations to locate their prey1.
Diet and Predation
- Giant Vinegaroons primarily feast on:
- Insects
- Arachnids
- Other small arthropods1
They are effective predators found in various environments, from desert areas to grassland, scrublands, and pine forests1.
Mating and Reproduction
Giant Vinegaroons exhibit a unique mating process that typically involves:
- A courtship dance
- Transfer of sperm to the female1
The female Vinegaroon is known to carry her offspring on her back for a short period after they hatch1.
Self-Defense Mechanisms
Giant Vinegaroons have two main self-defense mechanisms:
- Pinching: With their strong, chelicerae, they can deliver a painful pinch1.
- Spraying: Possessing scent glands near the base of their abdomen, they can spray a mist containing acetic acid1.
- This acid has a strong vinegar-like smell, which is useful in deterring predators1.
Comparison of Giant Vinegaroon Habitats
| Region | Known Presence | Habitat Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Yes1 | Grasslands, scrublands, pine forests |
| Mexico | Yes1 | Desert areas, grasslands, mountain areas |
| Southern US | Yes1 | Desert areas, grassland, scrublands |
Captive Care
Housing Requirements
- A ventilated tank of at least 10 gallons
- Substrate with a mix of coco fiber, sphagnum moss, and sand
- Hiding spots like pieces of bark or small caves
Giant vinegaroons need a ventilated tank of at least 10 gallons for proper space and movement. The enclosure should have a substrate mix of coco fiber, sphagnum moss, and sand to mimic their natural habitat. Provide hiding spots like pieces of bark or small caves to help your pet feel secure.
Food and Water
- Feed on insects like crickets and mealworms
- Provide a shallow water dish
For food, provide your vinegaroon with insects like crickets and mealworms. Additionally, it’s essential to offer a shallow water dish for your pet to drink from.
Humidity and Temperature
| Temperature Range | Humidity Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime | 75-85°F | 60-70% |
| Night | 65-75°F | 50-60% |
Giant vinegaroons need a specific set of temperature and humidity conditions to thrive. During the daytime, temperatures should range between 75-85°F with humidity levels at 60-70%. At night, the temperature should lower to 65-75°F and humidity at 50-60%.
Handling and Safety Tips
- Avoid handling your vinegaroon often
- Be cautious of their pinch and spraying abilities
Although giant vinegaroons are not poisonous, it’s best to avoid handling them frequently. They can pinch and are capable of spraying a mist from their scent glands at the base of their tails when threatened.
Additional Features and Facts
Vision and Sensory Abilities
Vinegaroons, also known as whip scorpions, have poor vision. They possess small eyes that are not well-developed for detailed sight. However, they rely on sensing vibrations1 to locate their prey. Some features of Giant Vinegaroons include:
- Six legs for walking
- Front pair of legs act as additional sensory organs
- Long, whip-like tail for sensing their surroundings
Molting Process
Like other arthropods, Vinegaroons undergo a molting process to grow. During this process:
- They shed their exoskeleton
- A new, soft exoskeleton forms underneath
- The new exoskeleton then hardens
Threats and Conservation
Giant Vinegaroons are native to North America, particularly in the Southwestern United States2. They usually inhabit areas such as:
- Deserts
- Grasslands
- Pine forests
- Mountains
According to the Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, there is not much evidence to suggest that these creatures are under significant threats. However, it’s still essential to conserve their natural habitats to ensure their survival.
23 Comments. Leave new
I found a vinegaroon in my back yard. I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is about three inches long . Ugly ……My friend also found one in Albuquerque about 8″ long. Should they be this far north???
Maybe the most *bizarre* choice for an edible bug.
I can’t personally recommend eating any vinegaroons, but an insect zoo curator in Thailand has described their consumption. He didn’t advocate it either, and said that they’re believed by some to have the allure of the aphrodisiac. This may or may not be published anywhere, but I’ve got official documentation.
Dave
http://www.smallstockfoods.com
Additional Info:
Desert (Arizona) Vinegaroons, are much smaller in size, about the size of baby Scorpion. They are rather aggressive (will chase after you un-provoked) and can/will bite. It hurts like the dickens and you will have an overwhelming bitter taste in your mouth (some say it tastes like Vinegar) for several hours.
Maybe its this guy Sally Sundsten? But yours has more dust on him!
I actually searched this on google, and I found a picture in some foreign language posted months before this, exactly the same.
So you believe the person snatched the photo from the internet and then sent it to us? Could you provide the link?
I’ve had two of these evil looking creatures in the house over the last few days, adding a size 9 boot to their load in case they were as nasty as they look (I have two young kids here).
I feel rather silly about killing them now.
Thanks to this site for your help.
I’ve had two of these evil looking creatures in the house over the last few days, adding a size 9 boot to their load in case they were as nasty as they look (I have two young kids here).
I feel rather silly about killing them now.
Thanks to this site for your help.
We live in Roswell New Mexico and we are getting vinegarones in the house all the time! Can you please let me know how we can get rid of these little bugs? They are very nasty looking and scary to my grandchildren! Thank you
We do not offer extermination advice. We suggest better insulation and seals around windows and doors.
At an insect “gourmet” demonstration, I learned that folks who are ‘deathly’ allergic to crab, shrimp, etc. should also avoid the prepping & eating of the entire class of arachnida. (& others?)
I’ve never seen one of those in the south. Cool.
So, is this a whiptail?
Vinegaroons are Whipscorpions in the order Uropygi.
Can a vinegaroon go in a catatonic state before molting. This is my first pet like this.
We suspect their metabolism may change.
Here in Southern California we have Vinagaroons which aren’t black ( that I know of) they’re a tanish/reddish/transparent. Yes the are creepy looking and they can run like hell!
the centipede runs across my head,
the vinegaroon crawls in my bed,
tarantulas jump and scorpions play,
the broncs are grazing far away,
the rattlesnake gives his warning cry,
and the coyotes sing their lullaby,
while I sleep soundly beneath the sky.
(anonymous old cowboy song)
how wonderful.
the centipede runs across my head,
the vinegaroon crawls in my bed,
tarantulas jump and scorpions play,
the broncs are grazing far away,
the rattlesnake gives his warning cry,
and the coyotes sing their lullaby,
while I sleep soundly beneath the sky.
(anonymous old cowboy song)
Is their vinegar-like stuff actual vinegar?
We will attempt to determine the chemical analysis.
I moved to southwestern NM a year ago, still enraptured by the diverse fauna/flora that I am discovering. Recently, late at night I glance down from my computer at what appeared to be a slow moving shadow on the tile floor. When I realized it was not a shadow, rather a black insect approx 6″x3″ slowly advancing on my left foot. I sprung up illuminated a desk light and scooped the visitor in a piece of mail. Escorted the bug to the back patio and released it into the NM night.
Doing my research, and finding WTB site, I have discovered the visitor to be a rather large (harmless, but scary) vinegaroon.
He will go on to my listing of other visitors including a brown recluse spider, preying mantis, 4″ centipede and myriads of various beetles, roaches and flies.
Who said the desert is dead?!