amblypygi

Amblypygi, commonly known as whip spiders or tailless whip scorpions, is an order of arachnids in the class Arachnida. They are elongate, flattened arachnids with a broad, leaf-like cephalothorax and a pair of extremely elongated first legs that function as sensory antennae. The remaining three pairs of legs are used for locomotion, while the large pedipalps are raptorial and armed with spines to seize prey. Amblypygi lack venom glands and do not spin silk.

They are tropical and subtropical animals found in forests, caves, under bark, leaf litter, and human structures across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. They are primarily nocturnal and secretive.

Behavior and ecology: They rely on tactile and chemical cues rather than vision; their first pair of legs continuously sweep the environment. They are predators of small invertebrates; they ambush with their pedipalps and deliver a grasp to secure prey.

Reproduction and development: Mating involves complex courtship; females lay eggs and provide parental care, guarding the egg sacs. Juveniles hatch and molt several times before reaching adult size.

Taxonomy: As an order, Amblypygi comprises around 150-200 described species grouped into several families. The group has a long fossil record dating back to the Paleozoic era, illustrating their ancient lineage.