Whip Scorpions

arachnid · self-defense · creepy-crawly

Not real scorpions. Even though whip scorpions look like scorpions and have that name, they are not actually true scorpions. They belong to their own special order of arachnids that is quite different from real scorpions.

Vinegar spray defense. When a whip scorpion feels threatened or attacked, it shoots out a stinky liquid that smells like vinegar. This liquid contains acetic acid, the same thing that makes vinegar smell sour and tangy.

Whiplike tail weapon. Whip scorpions have a long, flexible tail that looks like a whip at the end of their body. This tail is what gives them their name and makes them look a lot like true scorpions.

Eight-legged arachnids. Whip scorpions are arachnids, which means they have eight legs like spiders and scorpions. They are part of a large group of animals that all share this eight-legged body plan.