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Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whipscorpion

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Damon variegatus Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Russ Gurley

   The Tanzanian Giant Tailless Whipscorpions are one of the weirdest of the weird. These guys are quite creepy,... even for seasoned invertebrate keepers!

   One of the largest of the tailless whipscorpions, the Giant Tailless Whipscorpions are great for the experienced keeper's collection. Due to having a gentle disposition they are also good for the beginner. Though they are harmless, these bizarre-looking creatures are fast and agile and somewhat delicate. They can pinch with their claws but rarely do, choosing to run away instead.

   With their appearance recently on a number of TV programs, tailless whipscorpions have enjoyed an increase in interest over the last year or two. Notably after their notorious appearance on TV’s Fear Factor, they became a much sought after pet by invertebrate keepers.

For more Information on keeping scorpions see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Invertebrate

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.

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Latest Comments
I bought a baby tailless whip yesterday but am not sure on it's sex. Does anyone know how i can find out how to sex him/her, any information on their breeding, as well as any other useful info. jen 2008-02-14
I found one at a pet store near where I live and being the arthropod arachnid collector that I am, I just had to get it. I find it interesting to watch as it moves down towards the cork bark during the day and up to the top screen at night. My Tailless Whip Scorpion molted once and at this point I believe it is an adult but I could be wrong. I also believe it is a male because its pedipalps (front spiny arms) are very long to where the "elbows" extend past the length of the first segment of the walking legs on each side unlike your picture in which the "elbows" look to be a bit shorter than the first segment of the walking legs. David Neff 2008-02-05
I was told these creatures were incredibly shy and I would not see them feed. My tail less whip scorpion ate infront of me in a fully lit room. It never ceases to mesmerize me. An amazing pet! Jolyon 2006-12-11

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Author: Russ Gurley
Additional Information: Clarice Brough, CRS
Edited by Animal-World.