FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
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If you're fond of amblypygi spiders that are cute-looking to some or dangerous-looking to others, then this article is for you. The name amblypygi means blunt rump which is a reference to a lack of telson in these animals. The amblypygi eating habits are a little bit when it comes to their diet as these opportunistic predators feed on arthropods as well as vertebrates. Amblypygi babies are also quite adorable when it comes to cuteness. Generally, they have eight legs and two further pairs of arms. The first pair of these arms help in feeding and defense. The other pair is used for feeding, movement, and reproduction. The front pair are called chelicerae and the other pair are known as pedipalps.
Learn more amblypygi spider facts in this article and get to see how this amblypygi tailless whip scorpion fascinates you. However, if you have a spider phobia, then you can still learn amazing amblypygi facts about them here, in a harmless manner. Here are some interesting facts about the amblypygi diet and the amblypygi anatomy for you. After reading this article, do check our other articles on the huntsman spider and the hobo spider as well.
Amblypygi, or more commonly called the tailless whip spider or tailless whip scorpion (order Amblypygi), is a part of the Arachnida class of the Animalia kingdom. Even though they are called spiders or scorpions, they are neither of these. They look like a crossbreed of a scorpion, a spider, and a crab. They have eight legs, but they use only six of those to walk. These predators walk sideways, just like a crab. The front pair of legs act like sensory organs. These legs are thin and can expand more than the length of their body. Even though they look terrifying at first, they are harmless and make good pets.
Amblypygi belongs to the smaller Arachnid orders of animals. Arachnids are multi-legged animals who generally are found on the land. Arachnids fall under the Chelicerata subphylum, which in turn, comes under the Arthropoda phylum.
Amblypygi are spread across different continents. The exact number cannot be calculated. There are over 150 species of these arachnids.
Amblypygids, or tailless whip spiders, or tailless whip scorpions, prefer dark, warm and humid locations. In the wild, they live under tree barks, a litter of leaves, or caves. They are nocturnal, so they prefer to stay in their place during the day, and come out at night. They defend their territory themselves.
Their habitat includes warm places, which are mostly dark and humid. If you take a tailless whip spider as a pet, make sure their habitat is tight and dark. Fill about one and a half inches with soil that can absorb and maintain moisture. Low moisture levels can be fatal for Amblypygids. Since they are nightcrawlers, they prefer dark areas. As pets, keep them in a covered area.
Amblypygids can live with their mate for a long time, provided that the space is ample enough. Female amblypygids carry their offsprings on their backs for four to six days. Species of amblypygids like Damon Diadema and Phrynus Marginemaculatus have shown some social bonding and behavior. You may get to see Amblypygi vs red forest scorpion in their habitats.
Tailless whip spiders or tailless whip scorpions (order Amblypygi) can live for up to 10 years. They get their claws out when they are exhausted to display a sign or posture of tiredness.
Male amblypygids deposit spermatophores on the ground. Next, they guide the female towards it using the antenniform forelegs. She carries a sack under her abdomen, where she lays the fertilized eggs. When young amblypygids hatch, the females carry them on their backs. If any falls before first molting, they will not survive. A mother amblypygi is scarier and if you are breeding them in a closed container, be cautious as they are more likely to bite if they sense any danger to their offspring.
The conservation status for these predators varies as per the subspecies. While not all species are vulnerable, some species of amblypygi are facing the threat of extinction. Some species like Phrynidae britopygus have gone extinct.
The name amblypygi means blunt tail. This is a reference to the absence of a tail in these arthropods. They are flat and wide. In addition to eight legs, they have a pair of chelicerae and a pair of pedipalps, or forearms. The exoskeleton on the front body is hard and contains two eyes. Their eyes are located just above the chelicerae with three more on each side, which makes a total of eight eyes, and their mouth is quite small. These are basic descriptions of the amblypygids. With over 150 documented species, their physical characteristics and size can vary from species to species. For example, Damon Diadema's legs and abdomen are striped and their color varies from brown to black-blue.
Even though they look scary, some species of amblypygids, known as whip spiders, look cute. They also make good pets with minimum requirements.
While not all the amblypygids are social, some species have shown some social bonding with their young offsprings. Some species like Damon Diadema and Phrynus Marginemaculatus display social behavior. Mother amblypygids converse with their young using her antenniform legs. The offspring display the same behavior with their mother and siblings. The purpose of this interaction is still a mystery to scientists. If a mother tailless whip spider feels threatened, she will bite. An amblypygi bite is not venomous, but it can cause injury and pain.
Depending on the species, they can be as small as 2-3 in, or they can extend well over 25 in with their legs extended—the size of amblypygids generally ranges from 2-27 in.
Their speed has not been measured yet. In threatening conditions, they can run very fast.
Their weight depends on the species and size. Generally, their weight has an upper limit at 0.44 oz.
Male and female of this species are called amblypygids in scientific terms, and tailless whip spider or tailless whip scorpion in the common tongue, but there are no distinct names for males and females.
A baby amblypygi is called juvenile amblypygi. Their common name is tailless whip spider or tailless whip scorpion.
Generally, amblypygid's food consists of small insects, roaches, flies, etc. They are carnivores. If you have a pet amblypygi, you need to feed them once a week. They do not eat anything bigger than their abdomen as they can't digest such food.
Amblypygids only share their name with scorpions, so they are neither venomous nor poisonous. However, an amblypygi bite can hurt and leave punctures on your skin.
Not all species of amblypygids are social in nature. Some species, like Damon Diadema or Phrynus Marginemaculatus, show social behavior. They could be a good pet but beware of their bite. A ten-gallon tank is enough for a single amblypygi. For a couple, you need a larger one, as, after mating, they need space. Also, keep the tank covered and in the shade as these arachnids are nocturnal. Moisture is vital for their survival, so keep the tank moist at all times. Put cork bark around the tank to give them a place to hide.
Young spiders are very aggressive when it comes to intruders invading their space.
Sometimes, amblypygids can eat their other amblypygids to break up fights.
The male and female amblypygids do not interact for days after mating.
The incubation period is three months for amblypygi eggs.
There are multiple genera of Amblypygi order.
There are more than 150 species spread across five genera of this arthropod Amblypygi, with each having a unique set of spines.
Amblypygids are commonly called tailless whip scorpions or tailless whip spiders because of their features matching these arachnids and their unique spines.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other arthropods including the orb-weaver spider and the trapdoor spider.
You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one of our Amblypygi coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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