Pet care and more. 2,234 Animals Online Today  
Pet care and information. 
Animal care and advice.
Home Coupons Email eCards Classifieds News Search Forums Help

Common Name:
Whip Scorpion - Desert
Related Pages:
 More Photos
 Articles & Stories
 Books
 Magazines
 Clubs
 Breeders
 Pet Products
 Pet Webcams
 Links Page
 Printer Friendly
 Corrections
 Tell a Friend

Related Searches:
 Site Search
 Search Forums
 Search the Web
 Veterinarians
 Pet Shops
 Pet Adoptions
 Service Providers

More Stuff:
 Go to Forums
 Insects eCards
 Subscribe

Pet Categories:
 Mammals
 Birds
 Fish & More
 Reptiles & More
 Insects & More





Pet or animal picture
Giant Vinegaroon
Photo: Christina Loder
More informationFree greeting card link
More Photos / Submit a Photo
Common Name:  Whip Scorpion - Desert

Other Common Names:  Grampus, Giant Vinegaroon, Desert Whipscorpion

Scientific Name:  Mastigoproctus giganteus  (Full Taxonomy)

Group:  Whip Scorpion

Origin or Range:  Southwest United States

Relative Size:  Larger Than Average  
    (as compared to other other insects)

Average Lifespan:  ??? year(s)

Compatibility:  Relatively Non-Aggressive   
    (as compared to other other insects)

Category:  Arachnids » Other Insects
Animal Description:  

The Desert Whip Scorpion is an extremely unique arthropod. Extremely versatile, they can be kept by beginners, intermediate keepers, or experienced hobbyists

The Desert Whip Scorpion, also known as the "Giant Vinegarone," and the "Grampus," is quite calm. Even though they are most closely related to spiders and scorpions they are often mistaken for insects as their front pair of legs look like antennae to the untrained eye. The Desert Whip Scorpion does not have a stinger and generally does not bite. Their main means of defense is an emission of "vinegar" (actually, acidic acid) that it uses to scare away predators. They do not have stingers; rather they have long whip-like tails that do not sting at all. Their "vinegar" spray is actually harmless to most humans, unless one is sprayed in the eyes, in which case, they should be flushed immediately, or one has an allergy. They can be held, however, as with all scorpions, you should be extremely careful. Handling of any type of Whip Scorpion is not recommended. They nocturnal desert dwellers, and their captive habitat should closely mimic that of their natural habitat. They should have a dark and warm environment. A ten-gallon tank should give amble space for housing. For substrate, use four to six inches of sand mixed with non-fertilizer 'earth', they are burrowing creatures in nature and it is important to provide enough substrate for them to mimic this behavior in captivity. For decorations, use rocks, driftwood, and cork bark, which will make good hiding places. Use a heat pad on their tank to keep temperatures at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity needs to be between 75 to 85%. Adults seem to do well on a diet of insects including larger crickets and locusts; babies need to be fed smaller insects such as pinhead crickets. Adults may drink from a shallow water dish. The Desert Whip Scorpion is described as being docile and calm, making him a suitable kept for all arachnid fanciers.

The Desert Whip Scorpion has small relatively weak pincers on their mouths and a long whip-like tail. They have eight legs, though their front legs are often mistaken for antennae. At maturity, the Desert Whip Scorpion will grow to a length of up to eight inches including front legs and whiptail. They are commonly seen in brown, gray or black.

Specific Care Information: Relative Care Ease: Uncertain

There is currently no special care information in our databases for this animal. To submit care information that is specific to this animal please click here.

Breeding and Propagation: Relative Breeding Ease: Uncertain

There is currently no special breeding information in our databases for this animal. To submit breeding / propagation information that is specific to this animal please click here.

Do you have anything to add to the information above? If so, please Click Here.
If anything is missing or incorrect please tell us. We want your advice.
This system is designed so that visitors like you can add to and improve the information.

Select another animal of the same type (Other Insects).

  Copyright © The Central Pets Educational Foundation and its licensors.   All rights reserved.
Thursday, 21 August 2008