Guardian Nature School Team Contact Blog Project Noah Facebook Project Noah Twitter

A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife

Join Project Noah!
nature school apple icon

Project Noah Nature School visit nature school

Giant vinegaroon

Mastigoproctus giganteus

Description:

The giant vinegaroon is an arachnid in the family Thelyphonidae. This species is found in the American southwest and Mexico.

Notes:

The vinegaroon is nocturnal and has poor vision. The whiplike tail is used as a sensory organ, as is the first pair of legs, which is not used for walking. Although its tail in unable to sting, this creature can spray an acidic mist from a scent gland at the base of the tail when disturbed. The spray is 85% concentrated acetic acid/vinegar, hence the common name "Vinegaroon." The heavy pinching mouthparts (modified pedipalps) can also inflict a painful bite. Although very unlikely to attack humans, it can certainly defend itself if provoked.

Species ID Suggestions



Sign in to suggest organism ID

2 Comments

Aaron_G
Aaron_G 12 years ago

This was the first and only wild vinegaroon I've ever run across. I love the southwestern desert and would move there in a heartbeat if I could find work easily. The flora and fauna there are incredible.

KarenL
KarenL 12 years ago

Awesome!

Aaron_G
Spotted by
Aaron_G

Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA

Spotted on Jul 23, 2005
Submitted on Jan 11, 2012

Related Spottings

Vinegaroon Giant vinegaroon Giant Vinegaroon Vinagrillo

Nearby Spottings

dove Cactus Barbary Sheep Longhorn cactus beetle
Noah Guardians
Noah Sponsors
join Project Noah Team

Join the Project Noah Team