Stanley is back!
Stanley is my pet vinegaroon (Mastigoproctus giganteus). I brought him (sex yet to be accurately determined, was captured as a juvenile) home from my trip to Arizona last August, and for a while he was a wonderful companion. He would dig new tunnels almost every day, and diligently ate his crickets. But about five months ago, he dug a tunnel without an exit. He stayed in that tunnel without once leaving for water or food. I could usually see him from the bottom and could see him move, so I knew he wasn’t dead. I have a feeling this move coincided with the “dry season” in Arizona, and he waited to emerge until the “wet season” had begun. I wonder how he could tell all the way from CT!
I knew he had emerged when it looked as though the entire tank had been turned upside down. Piles of dirt everywhere, water dish filled in (he loves to do that).
He’s incredibly skinny now, but quickly catching crickets, as you can see above. I’m hoping he’ll soon be plump and energetic as usual.
Posted on August 3, 2011, in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
Brigette,
Exactly WHAT is this thing???
It is a vinegaroon, also known as a whip scorpion!
They are arachnids, related to spiders and scorpions. They do not have a stinger, but are able to spray mild acetic acid. It’s harmless except if it gets sprayed right in your eyes.
They generally stay in an underground burrow, emerging at night to hunt. They live in the southwest and are most active during the monsoon season.
And they’re adorable 🙂
If you find THEM adorable, there’s still hope for ME!
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