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Tailless Whip Scorpion

A member of the arachnids, the tailless whip scorpions are known for their long, whip-like front legs. This species is not a member of the scorpion family, but resemble a cross between a scorpion and a spider. They are classified as part of the order Amblypygi, phylum Arthropoda. They must not be associated with the common whip scorpion, which is the vinegarroons, or the wind scorpions, also known as the solpugids.

Tailless Whip Scorpions live in humid tropical and subtropical habitats. They protect themselves by hiding under leaves and debris by day. At night, they come out to hunt and feed. Some species stay in caves while some dwell in houses. It has been estimated that there are about seventy known species of tailless whip scorpions.

These creatures measure less than five centimeters, or two inches in body length. Its foremost pair of legs can reach up to twenty-five centimeters. Its other feeler-like front legs are used for sensing food, prey, and orientation at night. It walks sideways with its legs leading the way. Meanwhile, its leg-like mouthparts, known as the pedipalps, are used to capture and hold insect prey.

The body section, which is the cephalothorax, has a wide shell-like covering called the carapace. It also has one pair of eyes toward the front of the cephalothorax, and another three pairs on the sides. Tailless whip scorpions are harmless to humans and are not venomous.

Tailless Whip Scorpions are numerous in the tropical parts of North and South America, Asia, and Africa. They dwell under bark or stones, and they often enter homes. They are also present in forests, scrublands, and deserts.

Ironically, the males have a unique way of establishing supremacy. When unfamiliar males encounter one another, they engage in battle by displaying their pedipalps and flicking one another with their first legs. These encounters sometimes escalate to the point where they begin pushing each other. The victor is decided when the opponent either retreats or allows the other to step over him.

Red Scorpion

Albino Scorpions

Arizona Bark Scorpion

Black Scorpion

Blue Scorpions

Emperor Scorpions

Deathstalker Scorpion

Lesser Brown Scorpion

Pseudo Scorpions

Red Claw Scorpions

Sand Scorpions

Tailless Whip Scorpions