Whip Scorpion (Vinegaroon)

Whip Scorpion (Vinegaroon) key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

5-8 years

Size

40-85mm (excluding tail)

Temperature

22〜28℃

Humidity

60〜80%

Diet

Crickets, roaches, mealworms

Enclosure

Medium plastic case. Deep coconut fiber substrate

Humidity

Maintain 60-80%. Has burrowing habit

Feeding

1-2 times per week. Tweezers feeding recommended

Notes

Acetic spray painful if in eyes. Handle carefully

About Whip Scorpion (Vinegaroon)

A non-venomous arachnid relative resembling a scorpion, native to North and Central America. It sprays an acetic, vinegar-scented liquid to defend itself, has large pincers, is suited to intermediate keepers, lives 5-8 years, and reaches 40-85mm (excluding the tail) as an adult.

7 things to know before welcoming a Whip Scorpion (Vinegaroon)

1. 1Intermediate-Level Care

   Whip scorpions aren't difficult to keep on a basic level, but maintaining proper humidity and substrate takes some know-how, which is why they're considered suited to intermediate keepers. First-time invertebrate keepers should build up some foundational knowledge before bringing one home.

2. 2Provide Deep Burrowing Substrate

   In the wild, whip scorpions burrow into the soil, so a deep layer of substrate is essential in captivity. Choose a moisture-retentive material that's easy to dig through and provides hiding spots.

3. 3Non-Venomous but Sprays Acid

   They don't have a venomous sting like true scorpions, but when threatened they can spray a vinegar-scented, acidic liquid from their tail. It can sting if it gets in your eyes or on mucous membranes, so avoid handling them near your face.

4. 4Powerful Pincers for Hunting

   Their enlarged pincer-like pedipalps let them firmly grip insect prey. They aren't fast movers, but watching them hunt has a distinctly striking, otherworldly quality.

5. 5Nocturnal and Docile

   They tend to stay hidden and still during the day, becoming active at night. Their temperament is relatively calm, and they rarely act aggressively without provocation.

6. 6Humidity Is Key to Longevity

   Whip scorpions are sensitive to dryness, so keeping the substrate consistently moist is important for their health. Both excessive dryness and excessive dampness can cause problems, so regular monitoring and adjustment are necessary.

7. 7A 5-8 Year Commitment

   Adults can live 5 to 8 years, so keeping one calls for a long-term commitment. Adult body size (excluding the tail) runs about 40-85mm, so size your enclosure accordingly.

Frequently asked questions about Whip Scorpion (Vinegaroon)

Q.Can a whip scorpion sting or hurt you?

A.Unlike true scorpions, it has no venomous stinger, so there's no risk of a toxic sting. That said, if it feels threatened it can spray an acetic liquid, so handle it carefully to avoid getting any in your eyes.

Q.Is it easy to keep compared to other invertebrates?

A.The basics of care aren't especially difficult, but maintaining proper humidity and substrate takes some specific know-how, which is why it's considered suited to intermediate keepers. If you're new to invertebrates, it's a good idea to learn the basics before bringing one home.

Q.How big does a whip scorpion get?

A.As an adult it reaches about 40-85mm, not counting the tail. Its well-developed pincer-like pedipalps can make it look even larger than that.

Q.What does it eat, and what should I watch for in care?

A.It's carnivorous, using its large pincer-like pedipalps to catch and eat live insect prey. Since it's nocturnal, it helps to plan care around the time it becomes active in the evening.

Q.How long do whip scorpions live?

A.They typically live around 5 to 8 years. That's relatively long for an invertebrate, so it's worth planning for a long-term commitment before bringing one home.

Learn more about Whip Scorpion (Vinegaroon) in the encyclopedia

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