Have you ever seen a scary black creature with a long tail in a dark, damp place like your garden or bathroom? It's like a scorpion, but a little different. Many people get scared when they see this creature. But is it really necessary to be afraid of this creature? Today, we'll talk about these Whip Scorpions. After reading this article, your fear of this creature will disappear.
Who are these Whip Scorpions?
First of all, this animal is not a true scorpion . It also does not have a stinger at the end of its tail like the scorpions we know. But they also belong to the group of animals called 'Arthropods', which includes animals like spiders and ticks. Scientifically, they are called the tribe `(Thelyphonida)`.
So why are they called 'whip scorpions'? The reason is the long, hairy tail that runs along the back of their bodies. It gets its name because it looks like the handle of a whip and resembles a scorpion in appearance.
But they have another name - 'Vinegaroons'. The reason for this is that when they feel threatened or scared, they squirt a liquid containing acetic acid, which has a strong vinegar-like odor. This is their main defense mechanism.
Their appearance and life cycle
The average scorpion's body is about 5 centimeters long (not including the tail). They have 8 eyes. Two in front and six on each side. But surprisingly, their eyesight is very poor . So they use their two long, thin legs in front to sense their surroundings. These act like antennae. The long tail at the back also acts as a sensory organ.
Their lifespan is about 10-20 years. The female lays about 35-70 eggs at a time. After hatching, the young remain in a burrow dug underground under the protection of their mother until they molt for the first time.
They are nocturnal animals. Their main diet is insects like cockroaches, termites, and bedbugs. In other words, they are actually helpful animals that control pests in our homes.
Are they really dangerous? Let's see if it's true or not.
Okay, now let's get to the most important question for everyone. Is this animal a danger to humans?
The short answer is, 'No.' If you just let scorpions roam around, they won't cause any harm to you or your pets.
They have not been reported to bite humans, and they are not venomous. However, if we try to catch them and scare them away, they can use two methods to defend themselves:
1. Acetic acid injection: The acetic acid liquid they use is a little more pungent than the vinegar we eat. If it gets on the skin, it can cause a slight burning sensation. If it gets into the eyes, it can cause severe irritation.
2. Biting with pincers: Their front pincers (pedipalps) are very strong. They use them to tear and eat food. They can bite us with those pincers to scare us. But it doesn't cause much damage, and it's not poisonous either.
To understand the difference, let's compare whip scorpions and the real scorpions we know.
| Characteristic | Whip Scorpion | True Scorpion |
|---|---|---|
| Stinger | No. The tail is like a thin thread. | Yes. There is a poisonous fang at the end of the tail. |
| Venom | Not toxic. | Many species are poisonous (some are dangerous). |
| Main security system | Spraying a liquid such as vinegar. | Venomous fang bite. |
| Risk to humans | Very little. Almost no trouble. | Some species can be dangerous. |
What do you do if a scorpion stings you with liquid?
Let's say you accidentally spooked the animal and it sprayed you with the liquid. Don't worry. Here are some things to do.
- If on skin: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. That's it.
- In case of eye contact: If you get it on your hands, do not touch your eyes without washing your hands. If you accidentally get the liquid in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water . It is important to rinse your eyes with water for several minutes.
- Medical advice: This usually only causes minor irritation and discomfort. However, if the irritation, redness, or discomfort in the eye persists, be sure to see your doctor .
This is not poisonous, so there is no reason to worry.
What do you do if you have these animals at home?
If you see these animals in your garden, in a woodshed, or under a pile of rocks, it means that the environment is suitable for them to live in. But it's not something to be concerned about.
The best thing is to just let them be . They won't bother you. Instead, they'll help you by eating pests like cockroaches and termites around your home.
Pesticides usually have little effect on these creatures. If you really want to stop them from coming into your home, the best thing to do is to seal up any holes in your windows and doors that allow them to enter and control the spread of pests like cockroaches. When they don't have food, they will be less likely to come back. However, if you really want to get rid of them, you can get help from a professional exterminator.
Take-Home Message
- Whip Scorpions are a scary-looking, but non-venomous animal that is harmless to humans.
- They are not true scorpions. They do not have poisonous fangs.
- The liquid they spray for protection is like vinegar. If it gets on your skin, wash it off with soap. If it gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. If the discomfort persists, see a doctor.
- These animals are very beneficial to the environment because they eat pests like cockroaches and termites.
- The best thing to do is not to be afraid of them when you see them, and not to bother them. They will avoid you.
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