Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
 

Register · Log In
HomeGuideID RequestRecentFrassForumsDonateHelp
Clickable Guide
Moths Butterflies Flies Caterpillars Flies Dragonflies Flies Mantids Cockroaches Bees and Wasps Walkingsticks Earwigs Ants Termites Hoppers and Kin Hoppers and Kin Beetles True Bugs Fleas Grasshoppers and Kin Ticks Spiders Scorpions Centipedes Millipedes

Calendar
Upcoming Events

Photos of insects and people from the 2022 BugGuide gathering in New Mexico, July 20-24

National Moth Week was July 23-31, 2022! See moth submissions.

Photos of insects and people from the Spring 2021 gathering in Louisiana, April 28-May 2

Photos of insects and people from the 2019 gathering in Louisiana, July 25-27

Photos of insects and people from the 2018 gathering in Virginia, July 27-29

Photos of insects and people from the 2015 gathering in Wisconsin, July 10-12


Previous events
TaxonomyBrowse
Info
ImagesLinksBooksData
Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Chelicerates (Chelicerata) » Arachnids (Arachnida) » Whipscorpions (Uropygi) » Thelyphonidae » Mastigoproctus » Giant Vinegaroon (Mastigoproctus giganteus)

Species Mastigoproctus giganteus - Giant Vinegaroon

Classification · Other Common Names · Synonyms and other taxonomic changes · Numbers · Size · Range · Season · Food · Remarks · Internet References
Huge Bug in my Living room! - Mastigoproctus giganteus Whip Scorpion Whipscorpion - Mastigoproctus giganteus Vinnie the Vinegaroon - Mastigoproctus giganteus Vinegaroon - Mastigoproctus giganteus Mastigoproctus giganteus Uropygi - Mastigoproctus giganteus Mastigoproctus giganteus ? - Mastigoproctus giganteus
Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Subphylum Chelicerata (Chelicerates)
Class Arachnida (Arachnids)
Order Uropygi (Whipscorpions)
Family Thelyphonidae
Genus Mastigoproctus
Species giganteus (Giant Vinegaroon)
Other Common Names
Vinegarroon, Vinegaroon
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Mastigoproctus giganteus (Lucas)
Orig. Comb: Thelyphonus giganteus Lucas 1835
Numbers
only whipscorpion n. of Mex.
Size
up to 85 mm (>3")
Range
AZ-TX-OK, FL / Mex - UF, 2011
Season
July-Oct (BG data)
Food
Carnivorous - preys on smaller creatures (insects, worms and slugs).
Remarks
The vinegaroon is nocturnal and has poor vision. The whiplike tail is used as a sensory organ, as is the first pair of legs, which is not used for walking. Although its tail in unable to sting, this creature can spray an acidic mist from a scent gland at the base of the tail when disturbed. The spray is 85% concentrated acetic acid/vinegar, hence the common name "Vinegaroon." The heavy pinching mouthparts (modified pedipalps) can also inflict a painful bite. Although very unlikely to attack humans, it can certainly defend itself if provoked.
Internet References
Featured Creatures - W.H. Kern Jr. and R.E. Mitchell, UF, 2011
EnchantedLearning.com - diagram of bodyparts
Contributed by john and jane balaban on 28 August, 2005 - 10:50am
Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason, Chuck Entz, Mike Quinn, kschnei, Abigail Parker
Last updated 24 July, 2014 - 11:23am

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2023 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by:

Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology at Iowa State University logo

Printer Friendly Version 		Terms of Use
Privacy Statement
Site Map
Contact