Mastigoproctus colombianus

Mastigoproctus colombianus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Thelyphonida
Family:	Thelyphonidae
Genus:	Mastigoproctus
Species:	M. colombianus
Binomial name
Mastigoproctus colombianus Mello-Leitão, 1940

Mastigoproctus colombianus is a whip scorpion species found in Colombia, South America, near west deserts areas.

Physical description

Mastigoproctus colombianus range from 45 to 65 millimetres (1.8 to 2.6 in) in length. Color brown and red-end legs.

Like the related orders Schizomida, Amblypygi and Solifugae, uropygids use only six legs for walking, having modified their first two legs to serve as antennae-like sensory organs. Whip scorpions have no poison glands, but they do have glands near the rear of their abdomen that can spray a combination of acetic acid and octanoic acid when they are bothered.^[1] The acetic acid gives this spray a vinegar-like smell, giving rise to the common name vinegaroon. Other species spray formic acid.

Behaviour

Whip scorpions are carnivorous, nocturnal hunters feeding mostly on insects and millipedes,^[1] but sometimes on worms and slugs.

Habitat

Mastigoproctus colombianus are found in tropical and subtropical areas of Colombia. They usually dig underground burrows with their pedipalps, to which they transport their prey.^[1] They may also burrow under logs, rotting wood, rocks, and other natural debris. They enjoy humid, dark places and avoid the light.

Gallery

• 
• 

  Detail of tail

• 

  Detail of back

References

External identifiers for Mastigoproctus colombianus
EOL	1170867
ITIS	746627

1. ^ ^{a b c} Schmidt, Günther (1993) (in German). Giftige und gefährliche Spinnentiere. Westarp Wissenschaften. ISBN 3894324058. 

See also

• List of Thelyphonidae species