Order Uropygi - Whipscorpions

Classification · Explanation of Names · Identification · Remarks · Internet References

Whip scorpion? - Mastigoproctus giganteus

what is this bug .. at the end of it is a hairlike stinger i guess it is that has like lil spikes on it .. - Mastigoproctus giganteus

Scorpion with tail regrowth? - Mastigoproctus giganteus

Baby vinagaroon - Mastigoproctus giganteus

Mastigoproctus giganteus mating 1 - Mastigoproctus giganteus - male - female

Mastigoproctus giganteus mating 2 - Mastigoproctus giganteus - male - female

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Arachnida (Arachnids)

Order Uropygi (Whipscorpions)

Explanation of Names

The long whiplike tail projection gives the common name Whipscorpion. Unlike Scorpions, the tail cannot sting but is instead used as a sensory organ.

Identification

Latrge pinching mouthparts (modified pedipalps). First pair of legs (of a total of four pairs) is not used for walking but instead is modified to provide extra sensory organs.

Remarks

The largest species, and thus perhaps most commonly reported is Mastigoproctus giganteus or Vinegaroon.

Internet References

Wikipedia

Contributed by john and jane balaban on 28 August, 2005 - 10:44am
Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason, Jeff Hollenbeck
Last updated 29 September, 2007 - 11:22am

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