Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whipscorpion

Description:
   The Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whipscorpions are one of the largest of the tailless whipscorpions. They can reach up to 8” across with extended legs. They have a flattened carapace and abdomen and eight long legs, two that are elongated and act as feelers as they explore at night.

Care and Feeding:
   Adults can be fed crickets, and other large insects

Environment:
   The enclosure for tailless whipscorpions is quite different than that for the terrestrial whipscorpions. Use a large enclosure that is vertically oriented. A ten-gallon tall terrarium works well for a single specimen and a 29-gallon will comfortably house a pair or small group of whips. Add a 1 to 2” layer of ½ damp sand and ½ coconut / peat moss. A layer of cypress mulch, dried leaves, or clean decorative bark can be added on top. The addition of live plants will add some extra hiding places and help add humidity to the enclosure.
   Cage decorations in the form of large pieces of slate on their sides or tall slabs of cork bark add to the interest of the enclosure. They also provide the perfect hiding spots during the day. Of course care must be taken that these structures are very secure and cannot shift, killing your pets. Lighter weight pieces of cork bark or tree bark work well.

Temperature and Humidity requirements:
   The ideal conditions for the Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whipscorpions are a temperature range of 75° to 85° F and a humidity level of 65 to 75%. A weekly spraying of the enclosure is ideal to provide the necessary moisture.

Social Behavior/Activities:
   They can be keep in small groups of one male and two or three females.

Handling:
   These guys are quite creepy, even for seasoned invert keepers. The Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whipscorpions are harmless but fast. They will scurry quickly away and have a habit of falling to the ground when being held carelessly. They can pinch with their claws, but rarely do, choosing to run away instead.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Male Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whipscorpions have longer, spikier pedipalps. Females get a bit larger and their pedipalps are smaller, stockier, and are often held tightly against the body.

Availability:
   Unfortunately the Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whipscorpions are not yet common in the pet trade.
   They are being imported from Africa in ever-increasing numbers and interested hobbyists are searching (in vain) for more species to add to their collections. Damon has proven to be quite prolific in captivity and the babies thrive and grow quickly when kept properly. Hopefully, this species will be an important part of the future of our hobby.