http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelyphonida#mediaviewer/File:Whipscorpion.jpg
What is a Whip Scorpion?
The whip scorpion, also known as a "Vinegaroon", falls into the family of arachnid. It shares many features with a scorpion, but does not have a poisonous sting like the scorpion. The whip scorpion does spray an acidic mixture though, which is used as a defensive measure. The mixture is sprayed from defense glands located at the base of it's tail and smells like vinegar, which is why the whip scorpion is also known as a "Vinegaroon." Whip scorpions range in a number of sizes, anywhere from 3 to 23 inches. They lay flat on their bellies so they can slide into small cracks and crevices. They have 8 legs; the first pair of legs (the antenniform) are thin and used as sensors to find prey and to feel around the environment. They have pincers known as pedipalps that can grab and hold to prey. Whip scorpions also have multiple eyes, but their overall eyesight is very poor. They rely mostly on vibrations to catch their prey. Although they look fierce and dangerous, they are harmless to humans.
Image by: Jose Rodriguez https://www.flickr.com/photos/jegomezr/
Where can Whip Scorpions be Found?
There are over 100 known species of whip scorpions, 75 of which live here in the United States. Most live in tropical and subtropical areas, but some species are known to live in the desserts of Arizona, Texas, and California. Whip scorpions are nocturnal and prefer humid climates. During the day they can be found under rocks and inside small cracks of tree trunks. They are also known to burrow down into the dirt using their pedipalps.
What do Whip Scorpions Eat?
Whip scorpions are carnivores whose diet consists of crickets, cockroaches and grasshoppers. Although their diet is mostly insects, some larger species are known to eat small lizards, frogs and other small vertebrates. Whip scorpions are nocturnal and do all of their hunting at night. When the whip scorpion finds it's prey, it uses it's pincers (pedipalps) to catch and immobilize it. It then crushes the insect or vertebrate between special teeth located just before the second pair of legs.
Little research has been done on the mating habits of whip scorpions, however special behaviors have been observed in the males of certain species. The male's antenniform will tremble when courting a female whip scorpion. After a male courts a female, a sperm is deposited on the ground. The female is then guided by the male over the sperm, by the use of his pedipalps. Once her eggs are fertilized, she can carry anywhere from 6 to 60 eggs until they hatch. Once hatched, the newly born whip scorpions ride on their mothers back until after their first molting. They then scatter and begin their own lives.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelyphonida#mediaviewer/File:Mastigoproctus_giganteus_0008_L.D.jpg
CITED SOURCES
"Thelyphonida." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Nov. 2014. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
"Tailless Whip Scorpions: Amblypigids." Tailless Whip Scorpions: Amblypigids. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.thewildclassroom.com/biomes/speciesprofile/species/amblypigid.html>.
"Real Monstrosities: Tailless Whip Scorpion." Real Monstrosities: Tailless Whip Scorpion. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.realmonstrosities.com/2011/09/tailless-whip-scorpion.html>.
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