Amami Whip Scorpion (Typopeltis stimpsonii)– Wildlife of Japan

Introduction

The Amami whip scorpion is a vinegaroon (order Thelyphonida/Uropygi) found in southern Japan. It looks scorpion-like but is not a true scorpion and has no venom. When threatened, it can spray a vinegar-smelling defensive fluid.

Appearance

A robust, dark brown to black arachnid about 4 cm in body length (excluding the filament-like “whip” tail). It has large raptorial pedipalps (pincer-like “claws”), very long first legs used as feelers, and a long segmented flagellum (the “whip”).

Habitat & Distribution

Native to the Ryukyu and nearby islands and coastal Kyushu areas: Izena, Tokunoshima, Amami-Ōshima, the Tokara and Ōsumi island groups (incl. Kuchinoerabujima, Iōjima, Takeshima), Satsuma Peninsula, Kamikoshikijima, and Ushibuka (the latter possibly introduced). It shelters under stones/logs in moist forests and rural parks.

Behavior

Nocturnal and secretive; typically hides by day and hunts at night. Like other vinegaroons, it preys on insects and other small arthropods, seizing them with the pedipalps. If harassed, it can aim a spray rich in acetic acid from abdominal glands.

Diet

Primarily insects and other small invertebrates (e.g., cockroaches, crickets, spiders), consistent with vinegaroon feeding habits.

Reproduction

Vinegaroons mate via a deposited spermatophore and show notable maternal care. The female carries or affixes a brood sac under the abdomen and guards the eggs until hatching; young ride on the mother briefly after emergence. Field guides from Tokunoshima report about 30–60 eggs in summer for this species.

Human Safety

Non-venomous. The acetic-acid spray can irritate eyes/skin but is not considered dangerous to people.

Conservation

Endemic range with patchy island distributions means habitat disturbance (deforestation, development) can impact local populations. No global Red List assessment specific to this taxon was located; treat sites and microhabitats (leaf litter, stones, rotting wood) with care.

Author’s Impression

I encountered the Amami whip scorpion on Amami Ōshima Island. Its appearance was so striking that I couldn’t resist taking a photo. The best way to find one is to carefully search under fallen logs and stones in its natural habitat.