Introduction
Welcome to the fascinating world of tailless whip scorpions, unique arachnids that make captivating exotic pets. These remarkable creatures, despite their intimidating name, are gentle invertebrates that require specific care to thrive in captivity. Whether you're considering adding one to your collection or already have a tailless whip scorpion in your care, this comprehensive guide will help you provide optimal conditions for your exotic companion.
Understanding Tailless Whip Scorpions
Species Varieties and Natural Habitat
Tailless whip scorpions, also known as whip spiders or amblypygids, belong to the arachnid class but are neither true scorpions nor spiders. There are over 150 species distributed worldwide, with popular pet varieties including Damon diadema (Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whip Scorpion) and Phrynus marginemaculatus (Florida Tailless Whip Scorpion).
In their natural habitat, these creatures inhabit tropical and subtropical regions, primarily in Central and South America, Africa, and parts of Asia. They prefer dark, humid environments such as caves, under rocks, rotting logs, and crevices. Understanding their native habitat is crucial for replicating suitable living conditions in captivity.
Tailless whip scorpions have evolved to thrive in environments with high humidity and stable temperatures. Their flattened bodies allow them to squeeze into tight spaces, an adaptation that helps them avoid predators and find prey in their natural settings. This behavior should inform your terrarium setup to ensure your pet feels secure and comfortable.
Behavior and Lifespan Expectations
Despite their fearsome appearance with elongated, whip-like front legs that can span up to 28 inches in some species, tailless whip scorpions are surprisingly docile. They use their whip-like appendages as sensory organs to navigate their environment and locate prey, rather than for aggression or defense.
These nocturnal creatures are generally shy and prefer to remain hidden during daylight hours. When properly cared for, tailless whip scorpions can live between 5-10 years in captivity, with some species potentially reaching up to 15 years. Their longevity makes them a long-term commitment for exotic pet enthusiasts.
Tailless whip scorpions rarely display aggressive behavior toward humans, though they may exhibit defensive postures when feeling threatened. They lack venom glands and cannot sting, making them safer to handle than many other exotic arachnids. However, handling should be minimized to reduce stress on these delicate creatures.
Essential Housing Setup
Terrarium Size and Type
Providing an appropriate enclosure is fundamental to your tailless whip scorpion's wellbeing. For most species, a 10-gallon terrarium offers adequate space, though larger species may require more room. The height of the enclosure is particularly important, as these arachnids often climb vertical surfaces.
A glass terrarium with a secure, ventilated lid works best for maintaining proper humidity while preventing escape. The Exo Terra Glass Terrarium is an excellent choice, featuring front-opening doors for easy access and a ventilated top that helps maintain appropriate airflow while keeping humidity levels stable.
Ensure the terrarium has enough vertical space with climbing surfaces such as cork bark or branches. Tailless whip scorpions naturally inhabit vertical spaces in the wild, so replicating this aspect of their environment is crucial for their physical and psychological wellbeing.
Substrate and Humidity Requirements
The substrate forms the foundation of your tailless whip scorpion's habitat and plays a vital role in maintaining humidity. A mixture of coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, and organic topsoil creates an ideal base that retains moisture while preventing mold growth.
The substrate should be at least 2-3 inches deep to allow for burrowing behavior and moisture retention. The Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate is particularly effective for maintaining humidity levels while being safe for your pet.
Humidity is critical for tailless whip scorpions, with optimal levels ranging between 75-85%. A quality hygrometer is essential for monitoring humidity levels. Regular misting of the enclosure helps maintain appropriate moisture, but avoid creating soggy conditions that could lead to bacterial or fungal growth.
Temperature and Lighting Needs
Tailless whip scorpions thrive in temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C). Unlike many reptiles, they don't require a significant temperature gradient or basking spot. Maintain consistent temperatures using an under-tank heater controlled by a thermostat to prevent overheating.
As nocturnal creatures, tailless whip scorpions don't require special UVB lighting. In fact, bright lights can cause stress. A simple day/night cycle using ambient room light or a low-wattage LED is sufficient. If additional heat is needed, a low-wattage ceramic heat emitter can provide warmth without disturbing their light sensitivity.
Temperature stability is more important than creating a complex heating system. Sudden temperature fluctuations can stress your pet, so investing in a reliable thermometer and thermostat is worthwhile for long-term care.
Feeding Your Tailless Whip Scorpion
Appropriate Prey Items
Tailless whip scorpions are carnivorous predators that feed primarily on insects in the wild. In captivity, they thrive on a diet of appropriately sized crickets, roaches, and other small invertebrates. The prey should be no larger than half the size of the tailless whip scorpion's body.
Dubia roaches make excellent staple feeders due to their high nutritional value and ease of digestion. Crickets are also readily accepted, though they should be gut-loaded (fed nutritious foods) before being offered to your pet. Other suitable prey items include small mealworms, fruit flies (for smaller specimens), and flightless fruit flies.
Variety in diet contributes to overall health, so rotate between different prey types when possible. Avoid wild-caught insects, which may contain pesticides or parasites that could harm your tailless whip scorpion.
Feeding Schedule and Techniques
Adult tailless whip scorpions typically require feeding only once or twice a week, while juveniles may need more frequent meals as they grow. Observe your pet's abdomen size to gauge hunger; a plump abdomen indicates a well-fed specimen, while a flattened abdomen suggests it's time for a meal.
Place live prey items in the enclosure during evening hours when your tailless whip scorpion is naturally more active. These predators are ambush hunters, so they'll detect movement and capture prey when hungry. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent stress or potential injury to your pet.
Feeding can be a fascinating process to observe, as tailless whip scorpions use their specialized pedipalps (front appendages) to capture prey before consuming it with their chelicerae (mouthparts). This natural hunting behavior also provides environmental enrichment for your pet.
Supplements and Hydration
While tailless whip scorpions obtain most of their nutritional needs from properly gut-loaded prey, occasional dusting of feeders with a calcium supplement can benefit their long-term health. Use calcium supplements sparingly, about once every 2-3 weeks for adults and slightly more often for growing juveniles.
Hydration is crucial for these humidity-loving arachnids. Provide a shallow water dish that's small enough to prevent drowning but accessible for drinking. Some keepers prefer to forgo a water dish entirely and rely on regular misting to provide water droplets that the tailless whip scorpion can drink from surfaces in the enclosure.
The primary source of hydration comes from maintaining proper enclosure humidity through regular misting and appropriate substrate moisture. A combination of misting and a small water dish offers the best approach to ensuring your pet remains properly hydrated.
Maintenance and Health Monitoring
Cleaning Routines
Maintaining a clean habitat is essential for your tailless whip scorpion's health. Spot clean the enclosure by removing visible waste, uneaten food, and any moldy substrate as needed, typically every few days.
Perform a more thorough cleaning every 3-4 months by transferring your pet to a temporary container and replacing approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the substrate. This partial substrate replacement helps maintain beneficial microorganisms while removing waste buildup. Complete substrate changes can disrupt the enclosure's microclimate and stress your pet, so they should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Clean water dishes weekly with hot water (avoid soap or chemicals that could harm your sensitive arachnid). Decorations and climbing surfaces should be inspected regularly for mold growth and cleaned or replaced as needed.
Signs of Stress or Illness
Healthy tailless whip scorpions are active during evening hours and display normal feeding behaviors. Signs of potential health issues include:
Refusal to eat for extended periods (outside of pre-molting periods)
Unusual lethargy or hiding behavior
Discoloration or unusual spots on the exoskeleton
Difficulty moving or coordinating limbs
Abnormal posture or inability to climb
Environmental stressors often cause health problems in tailless whip scorpions. Incorrect humidity levels, temperature extremes, or poor ventilation can lead to respiratory issues or dehydration. Regular monitoring of enclosure conditions helps prevent these problems before they affect your pet's health.
If you notice concerning symptoms, first check your husbandry parameters. Often, adjusting temperature, humidity, or other environmental factors resolves minor issues. For persistent problems, consult an exotic pet veterinarian with invertebrate experience.
Molting Process Support
Molting is a vulnerable period in your tailless whip scorpion's life cycle. Before molting, your pet may become less active and refuse food for days or weeks. This behavior is normal and not cause for concern. During this time, ensure the enclosure has slightly higher humidity (80-85%) to facilitate the molting process.
When molting begins, do not disturb your tailless whip scorpion. The process can take several hours to complete, during which time the arachnid is extremely vulnerable. After molting, the new exoskeleton remains soft for several days. Continue to avoid handling during this period and wait at least 5-7 days before offering food to allow the mouthparts to harden properly.
Successful molts indicate good health and proper husbandry. If your tailless whip scorpion experiences difficulty during molting (getting stuck in the old exoskeleton or losing limbs), it often signals inadequate humidity or nutritional deficiencies that should be addressed for future molts.
Creating a Thriving Environment
Tailless whip scorpions make rewarding pets for enthusiasts willing to meet their specific care requirements. Their unique appearance, interesting behaviors, and relatively simple care needs make them excellent specimens for those interested in exotic invertebrates. By investing in quality products and establishing proper husbandry practices, you can ensure these fascinating creatures thrive in your care.
Remember that creating a naturalistic environment benefits both the animal's wellbeing and your enjoyment as an observer. Incorporate hiding spots, vertical climbing surfaces, and appropriate substrate to mimic their natural habitat. With the right setup and attention to detail, your exotic pet can live a long, healthy life under your care, providing years of fascination and the satisfaction of successfully keeping one of nature's most unusual arachnids.
