Whip Scorpion
Thelyphonus doriae
22.9965, 87.6856
Field Notes
Description:
This species can grow to be 40–60 millimetres (1.6–2.4 in) long, excluding the tail. They have six legs used for movement, two long, thin front legs that they use to feel around for prey and detect vibrations, and two large pedipalps modified into claws that they use to crush their prey. They have a long, thin, whip-like tail, the origin of the common name whipscorpion. From the base of this tail they can spray a substance composed of 85% acetic acid in order to defend themselves. Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar, so the spray smells strongly of vinegar, leading to the common name "vinegarroon"
Habitat:
Whip scorpions are found in tropical and subtropical areas excluding Europe and Australia. Also, only a single species is known from Africa: Etienneus africanus, probably a Gondwana relict endemic to Senegal, the Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.[11] They usually dig underground burrows with their pedipalps, to which they transport their prey.[9] They may also burrow under logs, rotting wood, rocks, and other natural debris. They prefer humid, dark places and avoid light
Notes:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Thelyphonida
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