Amblypygi, an order of arachnids also known as whip-spiders or tailless whip-scorpions, are often mistaken for whip-scorpions or vinegaroons, which belong to the related order Thelyphonida. The name "amblypygid" means "blunt tail", referring to their lack of the flagellum seen in whip-scorpions.
These fascinating creatures are neither true scorpions nor spiders, but rather arthropods with jointed limbs, segmented bodies, and hard exoskeletons. Scientists believe tailless whip scorpions are over 358 million years old and resemble a mix between crabs, spiders, and scorpions. They are also known as cave spiders because large groups are often formed in close areas like caves.
Damon diadema, a species of tailless whip scorpion.
Classification and Diversity
As of 2023, five families, 17 genera, and around 260 species had been discovered and described. These arachnids fall under an ancient order of Amblypygi. This order consists of 5 families, 17 genera, and approximately 155 species. There are 5 recognized families of tailless whip scorpion, with 17 genera and over 155 species.
Taxonomic Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Amblypygi
Habitat and Distribution
They are found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, mainly in warm and humid environments. 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.
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These creatures live in tropical and subtropical forests all over the world. However, they usually prefer to live in crevices, caves, or under large boulders in elevated areas. However, the biggest groups are usually found in caves. In addition, they are often found in homes but are not dangerous to humans. They like to stay protected and hidden within leaf litter, caves, or underneath bark. Some species are subterranean; all are nocturnal.
Anatomy and Physical Characteristics
Being arachnids, Amblypygi possess two body-segments; the prosoma and the opisthosoma (often referred to as the cephalothorax and abdomen), four pairs of legs, pedipalps, and chelicerae. Their coloring and size differ depending on the species; there are tiny specimens with leg spans of only 2-3 inches, while others can reach monstrous sizes with leg spans of 25 to 27 inches. These whip legs, also known as antenniform legs, are primarily 2.5 times longer than the other legs.
Anatomy of a Tailless Whip Scorpion.
Key Anatomical Features:
- Sensory Legs: The first pair of legs act as sensory organs and are not used for walking.
- Pedipalps: Amblypygids have raptorial pedipalps modified for grabbing and retaining prey, much like the forelegs of mantisses. The pedipalps are generally covered in spines, used for impaling and capturing prey. Pedipalp anatomy varies strongly with species, with configurations often conforming to a particular style of prey capture.
- Exoskeleton: Whip-spiders are covered with a layer of a solidified secretion that forms a super-hydrophobic coating. Studies on the spotted tailless whip-scorpion also show their exoskeleton is enriched with several trace-elements, including calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, and zinc, which tends to accumulate as the individual gets older.
- Locomotion: Amblypygids have eight legs, but use only six for walking, often in a crab-like, sideways fashion.
- Chelicerae: Pincer-like chelicerae then work to grind and chew the prey prior to ingestion. They cannot bite or chew their food.
Behavior and Diet
When a suitable prey is located with the antenniform legs, the amblypygid seizes its victim with large spines on the grasping pedipalps, impaling and immobilizing the prey. Whip spiders are nocturnal as they are primarily active at night. They are a predatory insect that feast on other insects and small prey. They have also been known to eat small vertebrates, such as frogs, lizards and even small birds.
The amblypygid diet mostly consists of arthropod prey, but these opportunistic predators have also been observed feeding on vertebrates. Generally, they usually prey on animals the same size as their abdomens. Since the tailless whip scorpion lacks venom glands, they must rely on crushing their prey as they cannot immobilise it with poison. They sense their prey with their whip-like front legs, before seizing it and crushing it with their vicious, spiked pincers and tearing it apart with their robust jaws. The tailless whip scorpion may go for over a month in which no food is eaten. Often this is due to pre-molt.
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These unique creatures are solitary; however, it is not unusual for them to form groups in close areas like caves. Also, unlike the Emperor scorpion, they are not territorial, as they don’t fight over food but hunt around each other.
Reproduction and Social Behavior
Courtship involves the male depositing stalked spermatophores, which have one or more sperm masses at the tip, onto the ground, and using his pedipalps to guide the female over them. She gathers the sperm and lays fertilized eggs into a sac carried under the abdomen, or opisthosoma. The males will court the females, and this ritual consists of the pair feeling each other with their pinchers, gently stroking each other’s bodies while performing simple dances.
When the tailless whip scorpion hatchlings are born, they are entirely helpless. These tiny embryonic anthropods are born white and cling to their mother’s back for a few weeks after hatching. Some species of amblypygids, particularly Phrynus marginemaculatus and Damon diadema, may be among the few examples of arachnids that exhibit social behavior. Research conducted at Cornell University suggests that mother amblypygids communicate with their young with her antenniform front-legs, and the offspring reciprocate both with their mother and siblings.
Conservation Status
As a whole, most species of tailless whip scorpions are very common and found all over the world. Most are not threatened or protected and are listed as Least Concern on IUCN’s Red List. For example, the Indian Ocean whip spider (Phrynichus scaber) is listed as Vulnerable on IUCN’s redlist. There is no exact population number for whip spiders as the order contains so many different species.
Tailless Whip Scorpions as Pets
Several genera of Amblypygi are sold and kept as pets, including Acanthophrynus, Charinus, Charon, Damon, Euphrynichus, Heterophrynus, Phrynus, Paraphrynus, and Phrynichus. Tailless whip-scorpions are kept in tall enclosures with arboreal climbing surfaces to allow for two things: Enough vertical space for climbing and molting, and enough space for heat to dissipate in order to keep the enclosure between 70 °F (21 °C) and 75 °F (24 °C). 5 centimeters (2.0 in) of substrate at the bottom of the enclosure is generally sufficient to allow for burrowing and also serves as a method to retain water in order to keep the humidity above 75%. Tailless whip-scorpions live anywhere between 5 and 10 years.
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Some of the most popular species sold as pets include - Damon diadema, Damon medius, Damon variegatus, Euphrynichus amanica, Heterophrynus batesii, Acanthophrynus coronatus, Phrynus marginemaculatus and Paraphrynus mexicanus.
Damon variegatus / diadema / medius Care Guide
The Giant Tailless Whip Scorpion (Damon variegatus / Damon diadema / Damon medius) is one of the most unique and fascinating arachnids in the hobby. Unlike tarantulas or scorpions, they do not possess venom or fangs, relying instead on their raptorial pedipalps to capture prey. Their long, whip-like front legs function as specialized sensory organs, allowing them to navigate their environment in complete darkness. Despite their intimidating appearance, these arachnids are harmless to humans, making them an excellent choice for beginner keepers looking for an unusual and engaging invertebrate.
Quick Species Snapshot
- Scientific Name: Damon variegatus / Damon diadema / Damon medius
- Common Name: Giant Tailless Whip Scorpion, Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whip Scorpion, Tanzanian Tailless Whip Scorpion
- Type: Arboreal
- Category: Amblypygid (Not a true scorpion)
- Endemic Location: Tanzania and Kenya
- Body Length: Up to 2” (5 cm)
- Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): 10-15” (25-38 cm)
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Life Expectancy:
- Females: Up to 20 years
- Males: 5-10 years
- Recommended Experience Level: Beginner
- Venom Potency: None (non-venomous, harmless to humans)
Damon diadema
The Damon genus consists of Tailless Whip Scorpions, also known as Whip Spiders, belonging to the Amblypygi order. Despite their name, they are neither true scorpions nor spiders but share characteristics of both groups. These nocturnal, highly adapted arachnids are known for their elongated pedipalps, which they use to capture prey, and their long, whip-like antenniform legs, which serve as sensory organs to navigate their environment.
Species in the Damon genus are native to Central and East Africa, as well as parts of Southeast Asia. They thrive in warm, humid environments, typically found in tropical forests, caves, and under bark or rocks. Their flattened bodies allow them to squeeze into tight crevices, where they remain hidden during the day, emerging at night to hunt. Unlike true scorpions or tarantulas, Damon species are entirely arboreal, relying on vertical surfaces like tree trunks, cave walls, or even artificial enclosure walls in captivity. They require high humidity and stable temperatures to thrive.
Damon species are extremely docile and non-aggressive, relying on their speed and camouflage to avoid threats rather than direct confrontation. They lack venom and fangs, making them harmless to humans. Instead of biting or stinging, they use their modified pedipalps to grab prey and their long, whip-like legs to detect movement in their surroundings. Despite their intimidating appearance, these arachnids are generally gentle and slow-moving, making them one of the few exotic invertebrates that can be safely handled with minimal risk. However, they are still fragile, and excessive handling can cause stress or accidental injury.
Damon species are also known for their complex social behaviors. Unlike many arachnids, they can sometimes be kept communally, provided there is ample space and hiding spots to reduce competition and aggression. However, cannibalism may occur if food resources are insufficient.
Damon species are relatively easy to care for, provided their humidity, temperature, and climbing needs are met. Below are the key care requirements:
Enclosure: A vertically oriented terrarium is essential. A 12”x12”x18” enclosure (or larger) is ideal for a single adult.
Substrate: A moist substrate helps retain humidity.
Climbing Surfaces: Provide vertical bark, cork slabs, or textured backgrounds to allow for natural climbing and hiding behavior.
While communal housing is possible, it is not guaranteed to be successful, especially among adults. If attempting to keep multiple specimens together, ensure a spacious enclosure, multiple hiding spots, and a steady food supply to minimize stress and competition.
Housing & Substrate - Arboreal Setup
Slings
Enclosure Size: Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Mini, Coffin Crib Mini, Treehouse Extra Small, Sling Crib
Substrate: Fill the bottom 1/3 of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.
Decor: Provide a vertical piece of cork bark (half-round preferred) secured with substrate, along with fake or live plants for additional cover.
Water: A shallow water dish should be provided.
Juveniles
Enclosure Size: Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Switch Small, Small Treehouse, Coffin Crib Medium, Crib 360 - 8 inch Arboreal
Substrate: Same as spiderlings-1/3 filled with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.
Decor: Vertical cork bark, fake/live plants, and a secure hiding spot.
Water: A small water dish should always be available.
Adults
Enclosure Size: Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Switch-XL2.0, Large Treehouse - Clear Back, Treehouse Switch - Large, Large Coffin Crib
Substrate: 1/3 of the enclosure filled with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.
Decor: Provide multiple vertical cork hides, branches, and artificial foliage to encourage webbing.
Water: A larger water dish at the bottom and an additional smaller dish higher in the enclosure can help ensure hydration.
Note: Tailless whip scorpions require ample vertical climbing surfaces to molt properly. Ensure enclosures have secure ventilation and tight-fitting lids to prevent escape. You must provide a cork bark back or a piece of vertical cork bark. They need to have something to cling to as they hang upside to molt.
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: 70-78°F (21-26°C)
Humidity: 65-80%
Ventilation: Good airflow to prevent mold and stagnant conditions
Water Dish: Provide a shallow water dish or mist the enclosure weekly
Feeding Schedule
Slings
Frequency: Feed twice a week.
Prey: Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling.
Post-Molt: Wait 24-48 hours after a molt before feeding. Ensure that its exoskeleton is not soft.
Juveniles
Frequency: Feed every 7-10 days.
Prey: Provide 2-3 small to medium crickets or a medium Dubia roach. Don’t feed any prey larger that 2/3 their body size.
Feeding Guidelines: If the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, feed more prey more often. If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, feed less prey, less often. This strategy helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or increase the risk of an abdomen rupture from even a small fall.
Post-Molt: Wait 3-7 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring its exoskeleton is fully hardened.
Adults
Frequency: Feed every 3 weeks (or as needed).
Prey: Offer 2-3 large crickets or one large Dubia roach.
Feeding Guidelines: If the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, increase feeding frequency. If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, reduce feeding frequency. This is crucial to avoid obesity, which can interfere with proper molting or cause dangerous issues such as an abdomen rupture.
Post-Molt: Wait 5-10 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that its exoskeleton is fully hardened.
Compared to other common whip scorpions, Damon medius tends to be slightly smaller and less skittish than Damon diadema, while Damon variegatus has a more mottled coloration and is often more reclusive. The tailless whip scorpion may look like the stuff of nightmares, but its appearance belies the fact that it is relatively harmless to humans, having neither a stinger nor venomous jaws.
The tailless whip scorpion often called ‘whip spiders’ resemble a cross between a crab, spider and a scorpion, but despite their name, they are are not a scorpion.
They are an amblypygid (pronounced ‘Am-bly-pi-jid), an ancient order of arachnid, which means ‘blunt tail’ - referring to the insects’ lack of a flagellum, or tail, seen on insects, such as the scorpion.
Interesting Tailless Whip Scorpion Facts:
- The tailless whip scorpion is not a scorpion
Despite its name, the tailless whip scorpion is not actually a scorpion, or a spider. It resembles a cross between the two. - Amblypygids have been on the earth for many years
Fossil remains have indicated that variations of the tailless whip scorpion have been around since as many as 415 million years ago (the Devonian Period). There are relatively few remaining species today. - They often travel sideways like crabs
This allows their front legs to sense their surroundings through vibrations. - Although arachnids, tailless whip scorpions do not spin webs
They do not have a spinneret or silk glands and therefore do not have the ability to create webs like spiders. - They can make chirping sounds
This noise comes from rubbing their front legs together. - The tailless whip scorpion is almost completely blind
They may have eight eyes, but they have very poor eyesight, and rely heavily on the sensors in their two front legs (not used for walking), which they use for navigation and catching their prey. It turns out eyes on that important if you hunt at night and can feel the vibrations of prey! - The male of the species will fasten their front pedipalps together during mating
This is to prevent the female from killing and eating the male when mating is finished. The female tailless whip scorpion are usually bigger than the males and they can be just as aggressive towards other members of the species. - Tailless whip scorpions will fight to the death over territory
During a study, scientists observed the territorial behaviour of the tailless whip scorpion, noting that they were aggressive seemingly with no distinction between the age or sex of their opponent. The matching of the fighting pairs would depend on the size of the other’s pedipalps - so a creature smaller in body with large front pincers would match to larger opponents simply because of their claw size. With evenly matched pairs, the fight would continue until one opponent fled, or was killed and eaten. - Some species of Amblypygids have the ability to socially interact through their sensory front legs
This is extremely uncommon in arachnids, but in some species of the tailless whip scorpion it has been observed that the mother can interact through this means with her offspring and vice versa. - They use their sensory front legs as homing devices
During a scientific study, it was noted that some species of the tailless whip scorpion were able to travel up to 45 metres from their home base, and still find their way home after hunting. This is unusual - especially given the dense, littered vegetation that they often inhabit, with multiple obstacles blocking their route home. - The tailless whip scorpion may go for over a month without food
This is because amblypygids generally do not feed before, during, and after molting, which they will do several times during their lives. They will hang upside down from a surface so gravity helps their old exoskeleton fall from their body. - The mother carries her eggs underneath her belly until hatching
Once the infant tailless whip scorpions hatch, they climb onto the mother’s back, and will stay there for up to a week until they are able to fend for themselves. Any babies that cannot remain on the mother’s back, or can’t fend for themselves after this initial period will not survive. - One was observed feeding on an Antillean crested hummingbird
A tailless whipscorpion species called ‘Phrynus longipes‘ in the British Virgin Islands was the first amblypygid ever to have been witnessed preying on a bird before. Their body is around 3 inches in length, but their front legs have been recorded growing up to 10 inches. - Tailless whip scorpions have made some media appearances
They have been featured on TV shows such as the Fear Factor, and, most notably, the Mexican tailless whip scorpion appeared in the feature film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. - They are often kept as pets
A number of species of tailless whip scorpion are sold as pets, which can be kept in a heated enclosure, will live for 5-10 years and can be fed small insects, such as crickets. - They are not a whip scorpion!
Thelyphonida is an arachnid order known as whip scorpions or vinegaroons, which are different to the tailless whip scorpion. While similar in appearance, a close relative and also quite terrifying - vinegaroons have a whiplike tail, and they discharge a vinegar-smelling acid when hunting!
