16 x 20 Tailless Whip Scorpion

Amblypygi is an ancient order of arachnid chelicerate arthropods also known as Whip Spiders and Tailless Whip Scorpions (not to be confused with Whip Scorpions and Vinegaroons that belong to the related order Thelyphonida). The name “amblypygid” means “blunt rump”, a reference to a lack of the flagellum (“tail”) that is otherwise seen in whip scorpions. They are harmless to humans. They rarely bite if threatened, but can grab fingers with their pedipalps, resulting in thorn-like puncture injuries. As of 2016, 5 families, 17 genera and around 155 species had been discovered and described. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide—they are mainly found in warm, humid environments and like to stay hidden within leaf litter, caves, or underneath bark. Some species are subterranean; all are nocturnal. Fossilized specimens have been found dating back to the Carboniferous Period.