Mastigoproctus floridanus

Lönnberg, 1897

Florida vinegaroon

Mastigoproctus floridanus, commonly known as the Florida vinegaroon, is a of whip scorpion (order Uropygi) in the Thelyphonidae. It is native to Florida and represents one of several vinegaroon species found in North America. Like other vinegaroons, it possesses a pair of large modified into pincers and a long, whip-like used for sensory detection. The species is primarily and, when disturbed, can spray a defensive secretion containing acetic acid from glands at the base of the flagellum, producing a vinegar-like odor.

Mastigoproctus floridanus 95518687 by Daniel Estabrooks. Used under a CC0 license.Mastigoproctus floridanus 95518700 by Daniel Estabrooks. Used under a CC0 license.Mastigoproctus floridanus 95518732 by Daniel Estabrooks. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mastigoproctus floridanus: //ˌmæs.tɪ.ɡoʊˈprɒk.təs ˌflɔr.ɪˈdeɪ.nəs//

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Habitat

Native to Florida. Specific microhabitat preferences are not well documented in the provided sources, though related in the Mastigoproctus are typically found in humid, sheltered environments such as under rocks, logs, or in burrows.

Distribution

Florida, United States. The is to this region and has not been documented expanding northward in response to climate change, unlike some other Florida arthropods.

Behavior

. When threatened, sprays a defensive secretion containing acetic acid from pygidial glands, producing a characteristic vinegar-like odor.

Similar Taxa

  • Mastigoproctus giganteusLarger, more widespread found in the southwestern United States and Mexico; distinguished by greater body size and different geographic range
  • Mastigoproctus tohono found in the southwestern United States (Arizona region); distinguished by geographic separation and potentially subtle morphological differences

More Details

Taxonomic note

The was described by Lönnberg in 1897 and is classified in the Mastigoproctinae within Thelyphonidae.

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Sources and further reading