17 April 2024 | Dr. Jovy C. Vilela-Bactad, LPT, MAEd-Bio
Common name: giant whip scorpion or vinegaroons
Scientific name: Mastigoproctus giganteus giganteus (Lucas, 1835) (Arachnida: Thelyphonida (=Uropygi): Thelyphonidae)
As the AJHS Science Subject Area celebrates its annual Science Research Fair with the theme “Go Wild: Protect the Species”, a very important guest “Lucas” visited us to grace the event. Lucas, commonly known as whip scorpions or vinegaroons is an invertebrate from the arachnid order. This species is also often called uropygids and commonly found in the United States and Mexico. As a defense mechanism, its common name 'vinegaroon' is derived due to its whip-like tail’s ability to give off a spray of concentrated acetic acid (85%).
While sporting its hard black exoskeleton, Lucas traversed from the CMST Building heading toward the PUSH office exercising its legs with an approximate span of 3 inches. By nature, Lucas should be nocturnal. However, it showed up at 9:00 AM to show support and eagerness to join our research fair, likely as an affirmation that our theme to protect the species is timely and relevant. Indeed, to encounter a giant whip scorpion for the first time was such an alarming experience. But at the same time, breathtaking!
References
[1] Barrales-Alcalá, D., Francke, O., Prendini, L (2018). Systematic Revision of the Giant Vinegaroons of the Mastigoproctus giganteus Complex (Thelyphonida, Thelyphonidae) of North America. https://www.nhbs.com/systematic-revision-of-the-giant-vinegaroons-of-the-mastigoproctus-giganteus-complex-thelyphonida-thelyphonidae-of-north-america-book.
[2] Featured Creatures. Entomology & Nematology, University of Florida. https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/misc/giant_whip_scorpion.htm