A Vinegaroon scorpion has captured a cricket.

The Vinegarroon (also spelled Vinegaroon), Mastigoproctus giganteus, is a type of Whip Scorpion, an arachnid that emits
a vinegar-like mist (containing mostly acetic acid). The Vinegarroon is not venomous and is not a true scorpion. It is also
not a true spider, but is related to spiders, true scorpions, and ticks. Vinegarroons are invertebrates that are found in the
southern USA and in Mexico. Other Whip Scorpions are found in India, Japan, and New Guinea.

Classification: Class Arachnida (arachnids) , Order Uropygi (containing about 100 species of Whip Scorpions).

Anatomy: Whip Scorpions have four pairs of legs and a hard, protective exoskeleton. There are two organs near the base
of the tail produce a vinegar-like mist which the Whip Scorpion emits when it is irritated. The long, whip-like tail is used as
a sensory organ and does not have a stinger (unlike true scorpions, which have a stinger at the tip of the segmented tail).

Diet: Vinegarroons are carnivores (meat-eaters) that hunt at night (they are nocturnal). They use
their powerful pincers to catch prey. During the day, Vinegarroons hide under leaves or rocks.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information source: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/arachnids/whipscorpion/Vinegarroon.shtml

3d7056_ 83.JPG
rsbfotos gallery