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Everything You Needed To Know About The Whip Scorpion

January 20th, 2010 Posted in Spiders & Other Arachnids

The whip scorpion is a very unique looking member of the scorpion family. The whip scorpion has a whip like tail (hence their name) that makes them look more like a spider then a scorpion.

Yet, some species of whip scorpions are completely tailless. They are relatively harmless like other species of scorpion, but it is vital to know what to do when you encounter them in their habitat or on your property.

This article will discuss:

• The Appearance Of The Whip Scorpion
• The Behavior Of The Whip Scorpion
• How To React To The Whip Scorpion

The Appearance Of The Whip Scorpion

The whip scorpion looks more like a mix between a crab and spider then a scorpion. They have flat bodies that are perfect for getting into small places between rocks, burrows, trees, or any where else they wander into. Their black or brown bodies are suited to go into these small places so they can prey upon small insects like worms and beetles.

There are also a few larger species that tend to eat larger animals like lizards and frogs. Their strong pincers are equipped with sharp teeth and spines, which are vital in catching most of their prey and protecting themselves from predators. Some species of the whip scorpion have tails that are similar to that of a whip, but some are missing a tail all together. A tail normally has multiple hairs covering the surface to help serve as a feeler for the scorpion.

Serving a sensory function, the whip scorpion’s tail is almost like having another sense of touch, but just on the tail instead of on a hand or pincer. 4 pairs of legs can be found on the body of the whip scorpion, 1 of which is much longer and smaller than the other 3 pairs. This pair of legs acts as another set of feelers for the scorpion.

The Behavior Of The Whip Scorpion

The majority of whip scorpion species are nocturnal arthropods. This means they are only active in the evening hours. Since they have flat and tiny bodies, they find a crack or crevice somewhere and hide out during the day time hours. In these caves, holes, or burrows they rest until the sun sets. An important behavior to note is the male to male fighting rituals.

To establish dominance over other male whip scorpions they engage in a fighting behavior immediately upon sighting unfamiliar individuals. These fights continue until one of the fighters retreats or allows the other fighting scorpion to step on top of them. The loser of this battle knows not to approach the other scorpion again in the future.

When the whip scorpion reproduces the baby whip scorpions will cling to their mother’s abdomen for multiple days after being born. This is a behavior fairly consistent will most species of scorpions. These baby scorpions are completely white until they molt, thus when on top of their tailless whip scorpion mother they stand out against her completely black body.

How To React To The Whip Scorpion

Most of the time you aren’t going to encounter the whip scorpion because they are mostly active at nighttime. Yet, encounters do occur because we share most of the same habitats of the whip scorpion. If you encounter a whip scorpion be extremely gentle with them and don’t touch them if they are in the wild.

They will not attack you, but in their on defense they will try to sting you. If they perceive you as a threat then you have something to worry about. They have a poisonous sting that really hurts, so just don’t bother them (even though that is easier said then done). Sometimes they will mistaken your home, shoes, or garden for their day time hideout, which sometimes forces a direct encounter with the whip scorpion.

Because these scorpions are poisonous, contact a professional and ask about their organic services to kill scorpions. But for other pests in your home, use EcoSMART’s organic pesticides to prevent other infestations. Completely safe for the environment and your family, you can’t go wrong with EcoSMART’s effective pest control.