Tailless Whipscorpions

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Amblypygi: /æmˈblɪpɪdʒi/

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Summary

Amblypygi, known as tailless whip scorpions or whip spiders, are a unique order of arachnids known for their broad bodies, long sensory legs, and lack of venom. They are nocturnal and primarily found in humid habitats. Their life cycle includes maternal care, with young remaining with the mother for protection after hatching.

Physical Characteristics

Broad and flattened body with two segments: prosoma and opisthosoma. Range in size from 5 to 45 mm. Possess eight eyes, with a pair of median eyes and two clusters of three eyes on each side. The first pair of legs are sensory and not used for walking, while the second through fourth pairs are used for locomotion.

Identification Tips

Distinguished by their lack of a true tail (flagellum), having instead small tail segments. The first pair of legs are elongated and slender, resembling antennae, which help them sense their environment.

Habitat

Typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, mainly in warm and humid environments. They hide in leaf litter, caves, and beneath bark, with some species being subterranean. All species are nocturnal.

Distribution

Worldwide with significant populations in Southern states such as Arizona, Texas, and Florida. Approximately 260 species are known, including those in both humid and dry environments.

Diet

Primarily feeds on insects and other arthropods, but some species have been observed preying on small vertebrates. They do not typically feed during periods surrounding molting.

Life Cycle

The female broods eggs in a specialized brood sac, and the young remain attached to the mother until their first molt, climbing onto her back after hatching. This process can last several months, with eggs protected from exposure to air throughout development.

Reproduction

Males produce spermatophores that the female collects. Fertilized eggs are kept in a broodsac carried under the abdomen. After hatching, young first instars remain on the mother's back for protection until they molt.

Predators

Larger predators may include birds, reptiles, and mammalian insectivores, but specific known predators are not mentioned.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in controlling insect populations as predators. They are also a food source for larger animals.

Cultural Significance

Certain genera are kept as exotic pets, contributing to the pet trade and education about arachnids.

Health Concerns

Not known to possess venom or sting, but can inflict puncture injuries with their pedipalps if handled roughly. They rarely bite when threatened.

Collecting Methods

• Hand collection in their natural habitat
• Using a vacuum aspirator in leaf litter and under bark

Preservation Methods

• Preservation in 70% ethanol
• Dry preservation with silica gel

Evolution

Fossilized amblypygids date back to the Carboniferous period, indicating a long evolutionary history.

Similar Taxa

• Thelyphonida (whip scorpions)
• Scorpiones (true scorpions)

Misconceptions

Often confused with whip scorpions, which belong to a different order.

Tags

• Amblypygi
• Arachnids
• Exotic Pets
• Nocturnal
• Predators