ABOUT
About Amami Whip Scorpion
Body length about 40mm. Naturally distributed from southern Kyushu to the Amami Islands (populations on the Izu Islands and elsewhere are considered to have been introduced by people). It closely resembles the Taiwan whip scorpion found from Okinawa Island to the Yaeyama Islands, and the two were once considered the same species. It is nocturnal, hiding under stones and fallen logs during the day and catching insects, spiders and other prey at night. It has no venom glands, but when threatened it defends itself by spraying a liquid made mainly of acetic acid (80% acetic acid, 5% caprylic acid, 15% water) from the rear end of its abdomen (anal glands), reportedly reaching about 20cm. Its English name, vinegaroon, comes from this vinegar-like smell. The female guards her eggs, and the hatched young stay attached to their mother's back. On Amami it can be seen year-round, but it is most active from around May to October.
SAFETY
Observation Safety Notes
Please enjoy Amami's wildlife through photographs. Some species are protected by law or local ordinance, and capturing or removing them is prohibited. In special protection zones within the national park, collecting any wildlife is prohibited entirely. Please check the notes on this page, and confirm local rules before visiting any site.
