vinegaroon

Class: Arachnida (scorpions, whipscorpions, spiders, mites, etc.)
Order: Uropygi (whipscorpions)
Family: Thelyphonidae (vinegaroons)
Species: Mastigoproctus giganteus
Common Name: vinegaroon or vinegarone, whipscorpion (not species specific)
Date: 2003 August 10
Place: Culberson County: rest stop on Highway 62/180 near Texas - New Mexico border

I have not seen this species in the Park. A couple saw one in McKittrick Canyon and identified it from a picture.

These predators are generally nocturnal. When disturbed, they can spray (up to about 20 inches) from a gland at the base of the tail (unclear whether there is one gland or more). The sprayed substance is largely acetic acid and therefore has a vinegar-like odor.

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