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Tailless whip scorpion

Tailless whip scorpions are arachnids in the order Amblypygi, also called whip spiders.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tailless whip scorpions are arachnids in the order Amblypygi, also called whip spiders. Despite their name and appearance, they are not true scorpions and lack a tail, stinger, and venom glands. They are nocturnal predators found mainly in warm tropical and subtropical regions.

Classification

Tailless whip scorpions belong to the arachnid order Amblypygi. They are distinct from both true spiders and true scorpions, despite the misleading common name.

Appearance and anatomy

These animals have a flattened body, long thin front legs used for sensing, and grasping pedipalps near the mouth. They do not have a tail or venomous sting. Their front pair of legs is elongated and used as sensory feelers, while their pedipalps are adapted for grasping prey.

Habitat and behaviour

Tailless whip scorpions are nocturnal and live in humid, sheltered places such as caves, bark, stones, and rotting wood. They are most often found in tropical and subtropical climates. They typically hide during the day.

Diet and feeding

They are predators that capture small prey with their pedipalps. Reported prey includes insects and other small arthropods.

Key facts

  • Tailless whip scorpions are arachnids, but they are neither true spiders nor true scorpions.
  • They lack a tail, sting, and venom glands.
  • Their front pair of legs is elongated and used as sensory feelers.
  • They are nocturnal and occur in warm regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
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Canadian context

Tailless whip scorpions are not native to Canada, but they may be encountered by Canadians through zoos, educational exhibits, or the exotic pet trade.

Frequently asked questions

Are tailless whip scorpions dangerous to humans?
No. They do not have venom glands or a sting, and they are generally harmless to people.
Are tailless whip scorpions true scorpions?
No. They are a separate arachnid order, Amblypygi, and are not true scorpions.
Why are they called whip spiders?
The name refers to their long, whip-like front legs, which are used as sensory organs.
What do tailless whip scorpions eat?
They eat small prey, especially insects and other arthropods, which they catch with their pedipalps.
Where do tailless whip scorpions live?
They are found in warm tropical and subtropical regions and often shelter in caves, under bark, or beneath rocks.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amblypygi
    Supports: Order Amblypygi; common names whip-spiders and tailless whip-scorpions; arachnid classification.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/tailless-whip-scorpion
    Supports: Order Amblypygi; lack of tail; habitat in warm regions; pedipalps and sensory feelers.
  3. University College London Museums — https://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/museums/2016/08/26/specimen-of-the-week-254-tailless-whip-scorpion/
    Supports: No sting or venom gland; pedipalps used to capture prey.
  4. Fact Animal — https://factanimal.com/tailless-whip-scorpion/
    Supports: Harmless to humans; no stinger or venomous jaws; number of recognized families, genera, and species.
  5. Everything About — https://www.everythingabout.net/articles/biology/animals/arthropods/arachnids/tailless_whipscorpion/
    Supports: Scientific classification as order Amblypygi in class Arachnida.