Is it a mite?

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Nomenclature

Uropygi (Thelyphonida, Uropygida)

Common names

whip scorpions, vinegaroons

Probability of encounter

low

Quarantine importance

No known importance, although some species are used in the pet trade and may have small, threatened populations.

Similarity to mites

None other than general arachnid features. Whip scorpions are much larger than mites, have clearly segmented opisthosomas, and a long posterior flagellum.

Morphology

Normal adult length: >2 cm
Body tagmata: prosoma, opisthosoma, telson (flagellum)
Eyes: 2–4 pairs of lateral ocelli
Antennae: absent
Mouthparts: 2-segmented fang-like chelicerae; robust, raptorial 5-segmented palps with distal claws
Legs: 4 pairs; legs I antenniform
Distinguishing features: segmented opisthosoma, stabbing chelicerae, long flagellum ('tail'), acetic acid defensive spray (vinegaroons)

Diversity

1 family, 16 genera, >103 species

References

• Harvey 2003
• Shultz 1993Shultz 1993:
  Shultz JW. 1993. Muscular anatomy of the giant whipscorpion Mastigoproctus giganteus (Lucas) (Arachnida: Uropygi) and its evolutionary significance. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 108: 335–365.
• Weygoldt 1971Weygoldt 1971:
  Shultz JW. 1993. Muscular anatomy of the giant whipscorpion Mastigoproctus giganteus (Lucas) (Arachnida: Uropygi) and its evolutionary significance. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 108: 335–365.