Whip Scorpions   (Uropygi)

Not a true scorpion! The Whip Scorpion is an arachnid (arthropods with 8 legs and 2 body parts) and a cousin to the scorpion and spider. It does not have pinchers like a scorpion. It has a long, thin tail and no stinger. It has four pairs of legs but uses the first pair as feelers. The whip scorpion’s other common name is vinegaroon because it can spray acetic acid which makes everything around it smell like vinegar. Vinegar is 3-5% acetic acid. The solution this little animal sprays is 80% acetic acid!

Whip scorpions are native to the Southwest in damp areas of the desert. Like all arachnids they are predators and eat insects.