The Giant Tailless Whip scorpion

By Vinuri Randhula Silva,

The Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whip scorpion (Damon variegatus) was described by C. L. Koch in 1850. These whip scorpions are are native to Africa, found in Kenya and Tanzania. They are often found living communally in large numbers under flat stones, near ponds, and in rock-strewn cattle pastures. Other common names they are known by are Giant Tailless Whip scorpion, African Whip Spider, Tailless Whip Scorpion, and Whip Spider. The Damon variegatus are not on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species.

The Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whip scorpions are one of the largest of the tailless whip scorpions. They can reach up to 8" across with extended legs. They have a flattened carapace and abdomen and eight long legs, two that are elongated and act as feelers as they explore at night.

Adults can be fed crickets, and other large insects. Whip scorpions are not known to be big eaters. Depending on how quickly they eat, feeding once a week or less may be adequate.

The ideal conditions for the Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whip scorpions are a temperature range of 75° to 85° F and a humidity level of 65 to 75%. A weekly spraying of the enclosure is ideal to provide the necessary moisture.

Male Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whip scorpions have longer, spikier pedipalps. Females get a bit larger and their pedipalps are smaller, stockier, and are often held tightly against the body.

References

· Animal-World Resources: Reptiles, Amphibians, and Land Invertebrates

· Samuel D. Marshall, Tarantulas and Other Arachnids, Barron's Educational Series; 2nd edition 2001.

· J. L. Cloudsley-Thompson, Spiders, Scorpions, Centipedes, and Mites, Pergamon Press 1968

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