Tailless whip scorpions are amblypygids that are part of the Arachnida class along with spiders, the eight-legged species they closely resemble. True to their moniker, these invertebrates do not have tails. Tailless whip scorpions are native to southern and central regions of Africa, and often are found in Namibia, the Congo, South Africa and Tanzania.
General Information on Tailless Whip Scorpions
Tailless whip scorpions share physical characteristics not only with spiders, but also with scorpions, despite the fact that they aren't part of either category. They possess physiques that are flat and oval in form, with 10 legs in total. Their narrow legs are capable of extending as long as 10 inches, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Tailless whip scorpions' bodies, however, are usually not even 2 inches in length. These creatures have very solitary natures, and conduct most of their activities -- including hunting for food -- during the night hours.
Diet of the Tailless Whip Scorpion
The basic diet of the tailless whip scorpion consists of insects. These non-venomous arachnids especially prefer eating bigger insects. Although bugs make up the foundation of their diets, they also do occasionally consume tiny vertebrates -- think juvenile lizards, for example. Tailless whip scorpions also sometimes feed on worms, indicates the Oakland Zoo. Other components of their diet are frogs and crustaceans. Sometimes they even drink H20.
Tailless Whip Scorpion Hunting Technique
When it comes to hunting, tailless whip scorpions take advantage of their very slender and lengthy front set of legs, which have sophisticated sensory properties and can "feel" for prey in their immediate surroundings. The legs' pedipalps -- appendages close to their mouths -- grasp and grind up bugs before these creatures use their tough fangs and jaws to handily consume their prey findings.
Captive Diet for Tailless Whip Scorpions
Some tailless whip scorpions reside in zoos. Tailless whip scorpions that live in captive settings also eat insects -- usually just one to two of them per week. Captive tailless whip scorpions also occasionally dine on mealworms.
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