Amblypygids, anyone?

Text and photos by The Serpent Princess of Dancing Snake Nature Photography.

Male

Female

The Serpent Princess writes:

I recently went on a late night hike up the Tram Road with a hiking group. Pictured are male and female Amblypygids, more commonly known as Tailless Whip Scorpions or Whip Spiders. However, they are neither scorpions nor spiders. They are arachnids with the first pair of front legs as highly modified sensory appendages. They are found in warm, humid regions, (which is why we only see them during Monsoon season). They are nocturnal, and kind of look like a cross between a spider and a scorpion. They move sideways like a crab and can be found under leaf litter or other covered places. (Although I found the male totally out in the open.) They are not dangerous or venomous, but can give a pinch if handled. I think the difference between the males and the females has something to do with the length of the modified "legs." The group leader (who is extremely knowledgeable about bugs) IDed the sex of these two individuals. I thought this might be cool for your blog.

Anne says: Thanks, Serpent Princess! Very cool.