Tailless Whipscorpion (Phyrnus spp.)
Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Tailless Whipscorpion.
Updated: 2/6/2014; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Tailless Whipscorpion
Creepy looking Tailless Whipscorpions are not spiders, nor scorpions. They're in a family all their own.
Large, menacing pedipalps (claws) are meant to capture and crush prey as well as to aid in grooming. Though they have fangs, they cannot eat solids so they tear their prey into small pieces, sucking the fluids off of them. The forelegs (first pair in front) end in antennae and they are whipped around and in front of the Tailless Whipscorpion as it moves, feeling for nearby prey.
Females carry their eggs for a short period of time under their belly. Once the eggs hatch, the young Tailless Whipscorpions will ride on the mother's back for almost a week before venturing off on their own.
Usually hidden all day in dark areas, they emerge at dusk to begin hunting. If you expose one by lifting the stone it is hiding under, it will run sideways, like a crab, to escape and seek shelter elsewhere.
