Fun Amblypygi Facts For Kids

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.

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What type of animal is an Amblypygi?

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.

What class of animal does an Amblypygi belong to?

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.

How many Amblypygi are there in the world?

Amblypygi are spread across different continents. The exact number cannot be calculated. There are over 150 species of these arachnids.

Where does an Amblypygi live?

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.

What is an Amblypygi's habitat?

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.

Who do Amblypygids live with?

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.

How long does an Amblypygi live?

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.

How do they reproduce?

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.

What is their conservation status?

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.

What do Amblypygids look like?

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.

How cute are they?

Even though they look scary, some species of amblypygids, known as whip spiders, look cute. They also make good pets with minimum requirements.

How do they communicate?

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.

How big is an Amblypygi?

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.

How fast can an Amblypygi run?

Their speed has not been measured yet. In threatening conditions, they can run very fast.

How much does an Amblypygi weigh?

Their weight depends on the species and size. Generally, their weight has an upper limit at 0.44 oz.

What are their male and female names of the species?

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.

What would you call a baby Amblypygi?

A baby amblypygi is called juvenile amblypygi. Their common name is tailless whip spider or tailless whip scorpion.

What do they eat?

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.

Are they poisonous?

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.

Would they make a good pet?

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.

Did you know...

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.

How many species of Amblypygi are there?

There are more than 150 species spread across five genera of this arthropod Amblypygi, with each having a unique set of spines.

What are Amblypygi's common names?

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.

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