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Whip Scorpion

A Whip Scorpion, known as the uropygid, is an invertebrate that has a similar life pattern to the scorpion, but does not possess a venomous sting.

Whip Scorpions range in size from twenty-five to eighty-five millimeters in length. They have eight legs: the first two legs serve as the sensory organs, while the other six legs are for walking. They have claw-like pedipalps or pincers. One pair of eyes can be found at the front of the cephalothorax, and the three remaining pairs are on either side of the head. Their glands can be found at the abdominal rear. While they are not poisonous at all, they can spray an acidic mix that has a vinegar-like smell. Because of this, they are often called vinegarroons in the southwestern United States.

Whip scorpions are carnivorous and nocturnal. They hide under leaves or rocks during the day. They typically prey on insects, worms, slugs, roaches and crickets.

Whip Scorpions live in tropical and sub-tropical areas worldwide. They usually dig their burrows with the use of their pedipalps. They also dwell under logs, rotting wood, rocks, and other debris. They would rather stay in humid, dark places and avoid light.

In mating, Whip Scorpions do not dance like some other arachnids. The male secretes a sperm sac, and finds a way to transfer it to the female. A single burrow can accommodate thirty-five eggs. The female will stay with the eggs until they hatch, after which, the young ones climb onto their mother's back for long periods until their first molting. After they molt, these miniature scorpions leave the burrow.

Over one hundred species of whip scorpions have been discovered worldwide. Most have been found in South America - like the Hypoctoninae Pocock. The Mastigoproctinae Speijer has been spotted in the Philippines, India, and South America; and the Thelyphoninae Lucas has been seen in other South East Asian countries and the Pacific Islands.

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