Uropygi

Uropygi is an order of arachnids within the class Arachnida, commonly known as whip scorpions or vinegaroons. They are terrestrial predators found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The body is elongated, with a broad cephalothorax and a segmented abdomen ending in a long, whip-like tail (flagellum). They have large pedipalps with pincer-like chelae used to grab prey. They lack venom glands in their chelicerae and are not considered dangerous to humans.

Defense is primarily chemical: acetic acid is produced by paired glands near the abdomen's posterior and can be sprayed as a foul-smelling liquid when threatened. This gives them the common name vinegaroon.

Behavior and ecology: Uropygi are mostly nocturnal and secretive, sheltering under rocks, logs, and leaf litter in humid environments. They feed on insects and other small arthropods, capturing prey with their pedipalps and crushing mouthparts.

Reproduction: Many species are viviparous, with females giving birth to live young that climb onto the mother's back and are carried for a period before dispersing.

Taxonomy: Historically the group has been placed in the order Thelyphonida; most modern classifications use Uropygi. The order contains several genera, including Mastigoproctus in the Americas and other genera in Africa and Asia.

See also: vinegaroon; whip scorpion.