Vinegaroons are found in the deserts of Mexico and the U.S. and grasslands in Florida. They are a species of whip scorpion known for long thin tails that do not sting.
The life of a vinegaroon
Vinegaroons grow up to 3.5 inches long and live up to seven years. They have four pairs of legs and eight eyes: two in the front, three on the left and three on the right. Despite their many eyes, vinegaroons have poor vision. They use their long tails, called flagellum, to help sense their environment and compensate for their bad eyesight.
Vinegaroons perform a complex courtship dance that can last for hours when mating. After mating, females lay 20 to 40 eggs. Females mate only once in their lifetimes. The process is taxing on their bodies, and females often die when their young reach independence.
Vinegaroons are carnivores that feast on insects including termites, cockroaches and crickets, as well as slugs and worms. They hunt at night and spend the day hiding in burrows, rock crevices or under logs avoiding heat and predators.
Vinegaroons spray a strong-smelling liquid to protect themselves. The spray causes pain, irritation and even blindness in predators. They can spray very accurately, multiple times. Predators include skunks, raccoons and armadillos.
Vinegaroons at the zoo
Located in the Insect Zoo.
