Introduction
Amblypygids, commonly called whip spiders or tailless whip scorpions, are some of the most enigmatic arachnids kept in captivity. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are harmless to humans, lacking venom and a sting. Instead, their long, antenniform front legs, flattened bodies, and raptorial pedipalps make them perfectly adapted to a cryptic lifestyle in caves, forests, and crevices. Increasingly appreciated by exotic invertebrate enthusiasts, amblypygids offer both fascinating natural history and unique husbandry challenges. Understanding their ecology provides the foundation for proper captive care.
Natural History
Taxonomy and Diversity
Amblypygids belong to the order Amblypygi, within the class Arachnida. They are closely related to spiders, scorpions, and vinegaroons, but occupy their own distinct lineage. Approximately 240 described species exist worldwide, distributed across five families (Phrynidae, Phrynichidae, Charinidae, Charontidae, and Paracharontidae). Well-known genera include Damon, Phrynus, Charinus, and Heterophrynus.
Morphology
Their flattened bodies allow them to squeeze into narrow crevices, while their first pair of legs are elongated into whip-like feelers, rich in sensory hairs, acting like tactile antennae. Pedipalps are spiny and raptorial, snapping shut on prey with remarkable speed. Unlike scorpions, they lack venom glands, and instead rely on brute strength and spines to immobilize food.
Habitat and Ecology
Amblypygids are primarily tropical and subtropical, inhabiting humid forests, caves, under logs, and rock outcroppings. Some species are troglophiles, adapted to cave ecosystems where light levels are minimal. Their flattened form and preference for cracks or hollows mean they are rarely seen in the open.
Behavior
They are nocturnal ambush predators, emerging at night to hunt small insects and invertebrates. The antenniform legs probe their environment, functioning as sensory whips capable of detecting air currents, textures, and vibrations. When prey is located, the pedipalps strike with astonishing precision.
Social behavior has been observed in some species, notably Damon diadema, where mothers guard their young and siblings engage in tactile communication. This has made them a model group for studying arachnid sociability.
Reproduction
Courtship involves an intricate “dance,” with males guiding females over a deposited spermatophore. Females carry eggs in a membranous sac attached to their abdomen until hatching. Upon emergence, juveniles climb onto their mother’s dorsum, remaining there until their first molt, relying on her protection.
Captive Care and Maintenance
Enclosure Design
Amblypygids thrive in vertically oriented enclosures that replicate their natural climbing habitats. Glass or acrylic terraria are ideal. Key elements include:
• Vertical space: At least 12"–20" height, smaller species 12" is fine. Very large species such as Acanthophyrnus Coronatus, The Mexican Giants 36" or larger is best.
• Climbing structures: Cork bark, branches, stone slabs. I prefer .50" styrofoam sheets pitched on the sides. I know this doesn't sound pretty, however, it works very well. Great for easy traction and movement, water beads on it super nice for drinking, makes observation very nice due to the contrasting black on white, and its cheap. You can obtain these from live animal shipping boxes.
• Hiding spots: Flat vertical cork panels or stacked bark provide retreats.
A secure lid is essential: amblypygids are adept escape artists.
Substrate
A moist, organic substrate maintains humidity and supports microclimates. Vivarium Naturals Arachno-Thrive Substrate is best. Depth is less critical than retaining humidity, but 2" to 4" is recommended to buffer moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Most species require:
• Temperature: 72–80 °F Avoid prolonged extremes.
• Humidity: 70–90%. Daily misting or a fogger helps, ensure ventilation to prevent stagnant, moldy conditions.
Species from drier regions, such as some Phrynus, tolerate lower humidity, but generally higher ambient moisture is essential.
Lighting
As nocturnal animals, amblypygids do not require bright lighting. Ambient room light or a dim cycle suffices. Some keepers provide red or blue night lights for observation, which do not disturb behavior.
Feeding
In captivity, amblypygids accept a wide range of appropriately sized live prey:
• Crickets
• Roaches
• Mealworms, small locusts, or other invertebrates
Feeding once or twice per week is sufficient. Prey should not exceed half the amblypygid’s body length. Uneaten insects should be removed after 24 hours to prevent stress.
Water
Many keepers rely on misting for hydration, as amblypygids often drink droplets from surfaces.
Maintenance
Cleaning
Spot clean uneaten prey and waste promptly. Full substrate replacement every few months prevents mold and mites. Live plants and springtails/woodlice (bioactive setups) can help maintain cleanliness naturally.
Handling
Amblypygids are delicate. While non-venomous, they stress easily and can autotomize legs if mishandled. Observation is preferable to direct handling. When necessary, gentle coaxing into a container is safest. When I said amblypygids can autotomize legs, I meant they have the ability to self-amputate a leg as a defense mechanism.
• Autotomy = the voluntary shedding of a body part.
• In amblypygids (and many other arthropods like spiders, crabs, and some insects), if a predator grabs one of their legs, the animal can quickly detach it at a specific “break point” in the limb.
• This lets the amblypygid escape while the predator is distracted by the twitching, discarded leg.
The lost leg does regenerate after a molt.
In captivity, this can happen if they are handled too roughly, stressed, or attacked by cage mates.
Molting
Molting is a vulnerable process requiring high humidity and secure vertical surfaces. The amblypygid hangs upside down while shedding. Disturbance or dehydration can lead to fatal molting complications.
Breeding in Captivity
Breeding is possible but requires mature pairs, suitable space, and environmental stability. After courtship, the female may produce a brood of 20–60 eggs. Hatchlings climb onto her back, dispersing after the first molt. They can be raised communally in some species (Damon diadema), but crowding or limited food may increase cannibalism.
Below is a video where I have captured the mating dance and fertilization of Phrynus whitei, The Costa Rican Whip Spider. Fertilization takes place at 1 minute 46 seconds and lasts for 10 seconds.
Mating Dance and Fertilization Video
Common Challenges in Captivity
1. Dehydration – the most frequent cause of death; always maintain humidity and provide water.
2. Molting issues – insufficient humidity or lack of climbing surfaces can be fatal.
3. Escapes – amblypygids are strong climbers and can flatten themselves to fit through tiny gaps.
4. Stress – over-handling or constant disturbance suppresses feeding and weakens health.
Educational and Scientific Value
Amblypygids are increasingly used in research due to their unusual sensory systems and social behaviors. Their antenniform legs represent some of the most sophisticated tactile appendages in the animal kingdom, inspiring studies in robotics and sensory biology. In the hobbyist sphere, they serve as ambassadors for lesser-known arachnids, sparking fascination while challenging misconceptions about “creepy” invertebrates.
Amblypygids embody the balance of fragility and resilience that characterizes many invertebrates. In nature, they occupy hidden niches, acting as nocturnal predators and participants in complex micro-ecosystems. In captivity, their care requires attention to humidity, climbing space, and gentle stewardship. For those willing to provide specialized conditions, whip spiders reward with extraordinary behavior, alien grace, and insight into the evolutionary diversity of arachnids.
At once ancient and alien, they are both scientific curiosities and captivating captives—reminding us that the strangest forms of life often thrive in the shadows.
