Giant vinegaroons, also known as whip scorpions, are fascinating arachnids found in the southwestern United States, parts of Mexico, and southern Florida. These creatures often capture people’s attention due to their intimidating appearance and their striking name, which leads to curiosity about their potential danger to humans.
While their name might suggest a fearsome bite, vinegaroons are not actually venomous, and they do not bite humans. Instead, their primary defense mechanism is a spray containing 83% acetic acid, which can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. As a result, there is no need to worry about a dangerous or poisonous bite from these unique creatures. In comparison to venomous species like vipers or pit vipers, the threats posed by vinegaroons are significantly less severe.
To help understand the difference between a vinegaroon’s defense and potentially dangerous bites from other creatures, let’s compare their effects:
| Creature | Bite/Spray Effects | Danger to Humans |
|---|---|---|
| Vinegaroon | 83% acetic acid spray; causes irritation | Low |
| Venomous Snake | Puncture marks, swelling, severe pain, nausea, difficulty breathing | High |
| Mosquito | Itchy, reddish-brown bump or blisters; potential disease transmission | Varies |
So while vinegaroons may look intimidating, their lack of a poisonous bite makes them far less of a threat than other potentially dangerous creatures found in the same regions.
Understanding Vinegaroons
Mastigoproctus Giganteus
The giant vinegaroon, scientifically known as Mastigoproctus giganteus, is a large arachnid found in North America, Mexico, Florida, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. They belong to the arthropod family Uropygi, with over 120 known species worldwide.
Classification and Characteristics
Vinegaroons are nocturnal creatures with poor vision. They rely on sensing vibrations to locate their prey. Some remarkable characteristics of vinegaroons include:
- Non-poisonous, but capable of pinching
- Can spray a mist containing 83% acetic acid
- Special teeth on the inside of their front appendages, used for crushing prey
These arachnids are often mistaken for scorpions or spiders due to their physical similarities. However, they are distinct from both, belonging to their own unique group of arthropods.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Vinegaroon | Scorpion | Spider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poisonous | No | Yes (some species) | Yes (some species) |
| Pinching Ability | Yes | Yes | No |
| Acetic Acid Spray | Yes | No | No |
Habitat and Distribution
Vinegaroons inhabit a diverse range of environments, including:
- Desert areas
- Grasslands
- Mountains
- Scrub
- Pine forests
While they are more common in desert regions, their distribution spans from North America and Mexico to Southeast Asia. Vinegaroons adapt well to various ecosystems, making them a widespread and fascinating species to study.
Vinegaroon Behavior and Diet
Hunting Strategies
Vinegaroons are nocturnal arachnids with poor eyesight. They rely on sensing vibrations to locate their prey. These creatures are mostly found in desert areas but can also be spotted in other habitats like grasslands, pine forests, and mountains.
Prey
Their diet primarily consists of other insects and arachnids, such as:
- Crickets
- Millipedes
- Worms
Occasionally, they do prey on small vertebrates, like lizards. While hunting, vinegaroons utilize their whip-like tail to capture their prey.
Predators
Vinegaroons have a limited number of predators due to their intimidating appearance and acidic spray. However, they still fall prey to some natural predators, including:
- Larger arachnids
- Birds
- Reptiles
Comparison of Vinegaroon Prey and Predators
| Prey | Predators | |
|---|---|---|
| Arachnids/Insects | Crickets | Larger arachnids |
| Millipedes | Birds | |
| Vertebrates | Lizards (rarely) | Reptiles |
These arachnids often seek shelter under leaf litter, rocks, and logs, which provide camouflage and protection against their predators. Overall, vinegaroons possess fascinating hunting strategies and exhibit interesting dietary patterns that largely involve invertebrates, with a few vertebrates occasionally. Their nocturnal nature and elusive habitats limit their interactions with other species and help them avoid predation while hunting for their prey.
Vinegaroon’s Defense Mechanisms
Acidic Spray
Vinegaroons, also known as whip scorpions, are famous for their acidic spray. They possess pygidial gland secretions containing 83% acetic acid. This strong acid is similar in concentration to vinegar and serves as their primary defense mechanism. When threatened, they can release a spray that can cause irritation or even pain if it comes into contact with an enemy’s skin or eyes.
Scent Glands and Caprylic Acid
In addition to their acidic spray, vinegaroons have scent glands at the base of their abdomen. These glands produce a mist rich in caprylic acid. Caprylic acid is a weaker acid than acetic acid, yet it can still be an effective deterrent against potential predators.
Pros of Using Acidic Spray and Caprylic Acid:
- Effective in warding off predators
- Quick response to threats
Cons of Using Acidic Spray and Caprylic Acid:
- Can cause unintended harm to surrounding organisms
- Acetic acid can produce a strong and unpleasant odor
Pinching Mouthparts
Not only do they have the ability to spray acid, but vinegaroons also utilize pinching mouthparts for self-defense. Their special teeth on the insides of their front appendages can crush prey or even deter potential predators. Although their bite is not poisonous and may not cause severe pain, it can be an uncomfortable experience for anything that comes too close.
Comparison Table: Defense Mechanisms
| Defense Mechanism | Effectiveness | Discomfort Level |
|---|---|---|
| Acidic Spray | High | Moderate to High |
| Caprylic Acid | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
| Pinching Bite | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
In summary, giant vinegaroons possess a variety of defense mechanisms to protect themselves in their scrub, grassland, and mountain habitats. With their unique combination of acidic spray, scent glands, and pinching mouthparts, these whip scorpions ensure their survival in the wild against potential predators.
The Vinegaroon Bite
Is It Poisonous?
Giant vinegaroons, or Mastigoproctus giganteus, are not considered poisonous despite being a type of arachnid. They lack the venom-filled stinger found in scorpions and the venomous bite of some spiders1. As a nocturnal species, they rely on sensing vibrations to locate prey2.
Features of the vinegaroon:
- Non-venomous
- Nocturnal
- Arachnid
Symptoms and Effects on Humans
When threatened, vinegaroons use their tails to release a mist from scent glands at the base of the tail2. This defense mechanism is not dangerous to humans, but the mist does have a strong vinegar-like smell.
Vinegaroon encounters with humans can result in a pinch, which can be painful but is not venomous1. A pinch might cause some initial discomfort, but it doesn’t pose any lasting health threats.
Characteristics of a vinegaroon bite:
- Painful pinch
- Not venomous
- Strong vinegar smell from mist release
| Differences | Vinegaroon | Venomous Spider |
|---|---|---|
| Bite / Sting | Painful pinch | Venomous bite |
| Danger to humans | Non-poisonous | Poisonous |
| Defense mechanism | Mist from scent glands | Venom delivery |
In conclusion, the giant vinegaroon’s bite is not poisonous to humans, and the pain experienced from a pinch is temporary. Their unique scent gland defense mechanism serves as an effective deterrent to would-be threats but presents no lasting danger to humans.
Interactions and Encounters with Humans
How to Avoid a Vinegaroon
Vinegaroons are dark brown arachnids typically found in soil or under logs. They can grow to a considerable size, with some genera reaching a lifespan of several years. To reduce the likelihood of encountering vinegaroon:
- Be cautious in areas with loose, moist soil, especially near logs or rocks.
- Keep an eye out for them during their activity period, which is usually around dusk.
- Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes when working outdoors, especially in areas where they are known to reside.
- Keep your living spaces clean and free of clutter to discourage them from taking up residence indoors.
First Aid Measures
Vinegaroons are not known for biting humans. Instead, they release a concentrated acetic acid (similar to vinegar) spray from their pygidial glands when threatened. Although the spray can be irritating and painful, it’s not seriously harmful. However, if it contacts the eyes, it can cause temporary discomfort and vision issues.
If you are sprayed by a vinegaroon, here are some first aid measures to consider:
- Rinse the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 5-10 minutes.
- If eyes are involved, hold the eyelid open while flushing to ensure the irritant is properly removed.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
In general, vinegaroons should not pose a significant threat to humans when given space and respect. Following these basic measures can help minimize your risk of an unpleasant encounter.
Footnotes
65 Comments. Leave new
HI WHAT’S THAT BUG,
While camping at Caballo Lake State Park near Hatch, NM my family and I came across the biggest and scariest insect that we have ever seen! It was dead (thank heavens) and looked to have floated up onto the shore of the lake. We examined it for a long time and could hardly wait to get back home so that we could find out what it was. Thanks to you and your wonderful blog we have the answer! Our crazy critter was a Whipscorpion. Although I get chills just thinking about it, I am grateful for the discovery because it makes the occasional house roach a bit less disturbing knowing that there are much more intimidating insects, like this one, out in the desert!
Thanks again for the work that goes into publishing your blog. We’ll be back!
Sincerely,
The Yap Family
Las Cruces, NM
I live in Artesia, New Mexico, southern part of NM, I found this bug in my house by the bathroom door, hallway. Do I need to be concerned that there will be more or this was just a fluke and it just happen to come in. I did have my sliding doors open that day.
Annie
If you leave the doors open, things will come into the house, though we haven’t the prescient powers to determine how many or how often. In many parts of the world, Whipscorpions are tolerated indoors since they eat Cockroaches.
I live in Artesia, New Mexico, southern part of NM, I found this bug in my house by the bathroom door, hallway. Do I need to be concerned that there will be more or this was just a fluke and it just happen to come in. I did have my sliding doors open that day.
Annie
this things are all over my backyard
Years ago in New Orleans, a bug crawled into our hous. It was large and looked almost like rubber. The reason that I knew that it was not a toy was that it was still moving. It was about 4 inches long and reminded me of a vinegaroon (I am from New Mexico) but it had no whip tail. It had large pincers and was a dull grey. I gave it to the exterminator and he said he had never seen anything like it and could not identify it. Have you got any ideas?
Tailless Whipscorpion is our guess.
I have seen a few here in Nevada, but they are light brown in color and shine, almost look wet. I have been told they are the larva of the owl moth, is that true?
Giant Vinegaroons are not the larvae of the Owl Moth nor any other moth.
I’m from Washington State and was stationed at Holloman AFB New Mexico when I was in the Air Force. I found one in my lower kitchen cabinet when I was putting dishes away one evening…Scared me to death, didn’t know what it was… My husband swept it out of the cabinet and killed it with a broom… The house smelled of vinegar brine for several days!
15 years ago saw one in my kitchen just walking around taking its time. My daughter, 16. yrs old, felt sorry for it. Put it in a jar, took it to her high school science teacher, who identified it. They took it outside & released it. Yucca Valley, CA, 35 miles north of Palm Springs.
Thanks for letting us know about your sighting of a Giant Vinegaroon near Palm Springs.
I LIVE AT BUFFALO SPRINGS LAKE , LUBBOCK TX I SPOTTED 4 VINEGAROONS THIS WEEK END. THE FIRST ONE I SAW, MONTHS AGO, REALLY “BUGGED” ME BUT I’M STARTING TO GET USED TO THEM. DO THEY EAT SCORPIONS? WE HAVE A LOT OF THOSE AND CENTIPEDES.
Though we have not received any documentation of Vinegaroons feeding on Scorpions, we suspect that if a Vinegaroon and a Scorpion encountered one another, the Vinegaroon would be the victor more often.
I live in casa grande az and I have a nest somwhere under my house there only geting about 2 in long but I don’t know how to get rid of them any ideas there vinegaroons and I have a new born and a 6 year old daughter and I don’t trust them please help
We do not provide extermination advice, especially for beneficial species.
Are these in the pet trade?
Just photographed one of these in central China.
I have a pic of a 4 to 5 inch vinegaroon that I just saw on my outside house wall and would like to share.. I live in Silver City, New Mexico
You may submit images with our Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
thanks for the information. There is one now dead on our front porch in Alamogordo, NM but now know to just redirect them from our door! We also have a spotted egg on our rock in our courtyard that we have been watching for over a week. Believe if it had fallen out of a nest it would have broken. Thinking Quail
Loved finding this site! Many years since I received my biology degree but I still respect our environment.
I sure hope that you still respect nature our environment.
I personally believe that people disrespecting our Mother Earth is part of the reason that we are going to see extreme climate change and the extinction of more and more species of animals which is just dreadful.
I sure hope that you still respect nature our environment.
I personally believe that people disrespecting our Mother Earth is part of the reason that we are going to see extreme climate change and the extinction of more and more species of animals which is just dreadful.
In the mid 70s I saw a very scarily critter, about 8-10 inches long, slowly walking walking down the hallway of my home. Thinking it was a scorpion I picked the largest book I could find and crushed the bug. Immediately the smell of viniger filled the room. A neighbor said it was a vinagaoon. Today,, about 40 years later, another appeared. A friend , Sue Bacca, found a dead bug she didn’t recognize. When she showed it to me clearly it was a vinagaoon but only 2-3 inches long. They must live here in the high desert of New Mexico. So they are not confined to tropical or subtropical climates. A harmless highly adaptable animal.
Here is the range map of North American sightings on BugGuide, and it includes New Mexico.
I am so grateful to know more about this insect. My husband and I first came across a 9″ long one while on a late night walk on Indian School Rd. around 11PM about 400 yards from the open space in the Sandia Mts. About a year ago my daughter and I found a smaller one, about two inches long. We took pictures. Than we scooped it up into a jar and released where the other was sited.
This week while tile installers were moving my washer and dryer, they found another one about 6″ long. They thought it was a scorpion. Thanks so much for the real scoop on this Giant Bug. We now understand why our chihuahua no longer seeks refuge in the laundry room. She’d rather sit in the rain outside than share a room with a bug six inches long with large pinchers.
I am so grateful to know more about this insect. My husband and I first came across a 9″ long one while on a late night walk on Indian School Rd. around 11PM about 400 yards from the open space in the Sandia Mts. About a year ago my daughter and I found a smaller one, about two inches long. We took pictures. Than we scooped it up into a jar and released where the other was sited.
This week while tile installers were moving my washer and dryer, they found another one about 6″ long. They thought it was a scorpion. Thanks so much for the real scoop on this Giant Bug. We now understand why our chihuahua no longer seeks refuge in the laundry room. She’d rather sit in the rain outside than share a room with a bug six inches long with large pinchers.
For the record, the Giant Vinegaroon is not an insect. It is an Arachnid.
8/15/2015 I live in Gainesville Ga and at 10:30pm my wife saw one walking across the floor. My children and I was going to try to catch it. But my wife didn’t let us. When we flushed it out it came out her way snd she murdered it. I put it into a s sandwich bag and put it in the freezer to find out what it was. Now I have Thank you. We can put it to rest.
BugGuide does not have any reports of Giant Vinegaroons in Georgia, but they are reported from nearby Florida.
My 2 mini doxies just flushed one from a corner of our living room in Silver City, NM and apparently got sprayed, since they were sneezing and shaking their heads! I captured it in good condition and returned it to the wild.
My boyfriend in Bisbee, AZ caught one outside in a jar alive and sent it home with me to show my 18 yr old daughter what one was alive. We are from WA and never saw one before and we are completely fascinated. We decided to name it Kevin and mad a nice tank for it. It eats crickets, grasshoppers, mantis, lizard, roaches, and whatever we put in the tank. We also spray the tank and keep it moist. Kevin sure does like to dig and rearrange the tank. He is awesome!!
a vinegaroon CAN HURT YOU ! stay clear of them
Is it common to see a Giant Vinegaroon in Massachusetts? i encountered one a couple of months ago when I was walking along a road. At first I thought it was a tiny lobster.
We believe you most likely saw a Crayfish unless a Giant Vinegaroon escaped captivity.
Years again I lived the high Desert, CA. Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley. They resembled the scorpion, with one difference, they were opal almost see through. They said it was also a Vinagerette. They hid in the dark places of our garage. I never touched it and was not threatening me? These also have the bite of vinegar for 2 week’s. Just a little smaller, I saw bigger ones.
No Vinga
rette, Cant seem to spell it right
No Vinga
rette, Cant seem to spell it right
I live in Northern Arizona. My husband got bit by one a week ago. Now he does taste vinegar when he eats and drinks. He vomits up everything he eats. It has made him very sick. I have been doing research on these spiders and everything he is going thrtthrtough is very normal.
Is this a spider? or an insect? Looks like 6 legs, not 8. I think it is neither and both, ergo, a hybrid or mutant, or just simply something other than either ???
Are the dangerous to dogs? We’re from El Paso, tx. We have a 6 month old beagle and we found one in our bathroom! It freaked us out! It was the first time ever seeing one so up close. Our concern is our furry baby. Help!
They have neither venom nor poison, though they do release a weak acetic acid (like vinegar) when threatened.
Just swept one of my porch -in Silver City, NM.
To hell with this – the snow and cold of Yooperland is better than this !!! 🙂
Just swept one of my porch -in Silver City, NM.
To hell with this – the snow and cold of Yooperland is better than this !!! 🙂
We saw one 2 or 3 years ago at our Church. I took several photos of him, and just let him crawl away; he was outside. Two mornings ago, when my husband went out to the garage, there was another one, shiny, black, probably close to 6″ long, in the corner beside the back door, like he was wanting out. My husband plopped a bowl over him, slid a piece of paper under the bowl, and took him outside to the Red Yucca, where he deposited him. I don’t know whether he will be back or not; it hasn’t been long enough since that occurrence to know. Whenever I go out into the garage, I check that corner, because we had a tarantula in that spot, too. My husband did the same for it.
what do vinegarone or whip scorpions eat I heard they are carnivorous
Change your exterminator. This bug eats other bugs and spiders. He should have known what it was.
It just looks offensive and ugly.
Grew up with these guys in the upper Mojave Desert, CA. Our version was large, but more long and slender than the hefty black variety seen in the Sonoran Desert areas. As has been mentioned in at least one previous post, the local type were also very light, indeed often almost translucent in color. We all knew, even as kids, how to distinguish these from the much more significant threat, the true scorpions, of which we had three varieties, the smallest, oddly being the most dangerous. We knew that most of what was said about these creatures was myth and an understandable, although erroneous reaction, to their less than endearing appearance. Perhaps conversely, because of those creepy cool looks, but relatively harmless nature, they were permanent residents in more than a few science classrooms throughout the Mojave Desert communities where I grew up. None the less, growing up in an area that was habitat for a fair percentage of what is poisonous in the U.S. the rule for wild critters of all variety was “step back, leave it alone.”
i grew up with these critters in South Florida. I know those front claws can break a small stick. I now live in the Southern end of North Florida and discovered they are also here, a dead one fell from my attic stairway as I pulled it down, almost onto me. I do know there are also scorpions up there also but have never been stung by a scorpion. Been stung by nearly everything else however. I agree, don’t harm these critters, they are good to have around us. Don’t play with them either. While you’re trying to be a good nature person, don’t feed the deer either.
First encountered one in the Calif. desert 40 yrs ago with some buddies. Walked into camp and scared me. A buddy in the know laughed and clued me in. Fear gave way to fascination. It exibited zero aggression. Put him in a box where it waited patiently. Wondered how they defended themselves. Couple of hours went by and another buddy pointed out another intruder by the campfire. A scorpion. And of course the inevitable; placing it in the same box as the vinegaroon. It quickly closed the distance grabbing the scorpion which impailed its stinger into its head three times in rapid succession. The vinegaroon’s response was to begin devouring its meal. The scorpion managed two more head shots before dying. The vinegaroon’s head was an angry bright red where it was stung. We wondered how long before it would die. Well it ate till there was nothing left. Released from the box it casually exited our campsite, leaving five grown men with their mouths hanging open at what they had just witnessed. Two thoughts came to mind. Thank god they are not aggressive, poisinous, or large. The other thought was is there any creature on earth as tough as they are. I was and still am impressed by this wonderful creature.
Thanks for providing your entertaining experience for our readership.
We’re in Port orange and I’m 9 years old. me and my grandma were looking
for one in the yard. we didn’t find one. How do you?
According to BugGuide: “The vinegaroon is nocturnal and has poor vision.” You might want to try searching at night. Additional helpful information can be found at Featured Creatures.
We’re in Port orange and I’m 9 years old. me and my grandma were looking
for one in the yard. we didn’t find one. How do you?
Look around and under rotting wood, anywhere a scorpion might be. You might want to wear eye protection also.
Thank’s bugman and dave
You are welcome.
En República Dominicana abunda mucho este insecto y se le conoce como “guabá”. Se tiene la creencia de que su picadura o mordedura es muy dolorosa y peligrosa. Yo personalmente los detesto!
Muchas Gracias.
Enjoyed reading about this creature. I have found them living throughout California. Have seen many in the high desert, where there are lots of scorpions. I have also found them in Oakhurst which is in the mountains close to Yosemite. I have generally let them be. Good to know they are beneficial and hunt harmful creatures. They always run away when I get near them.
the crickets have bitten off the tail of my vinegaroon, will it grow back , again, also I do not know what to feed it, as crickets are nasty.
If it’s not an adult it should grow back in the next molt. If it is it should be ok without the tail. Try feeding Dubia or red runner roaches.
They make very good pets, docile and easy to care for. I have one and she’s very nice.
I would not kill one when found but thinking of it as a pet is a bit of a stretch. I think I’ll stick with the dog!