# @nationalparkservice on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CRZO3URDEww
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/21101542-nationalparkservice-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/f5dd7dfdbf.jpg
- **Posted:** 2021-07-16T16:10:04.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** National Park Service (@nationalparkservice) — https://gondola.cc/nationalparkservice

## Caption

It’s a cross between a spider and a scorpion that shoots acetic “vinegar” from a “whip.” That’s it folks. Have a good one.⁣
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Still with us? This is the bug content you’ve been looking for. The vinegaroon, or whip scorpion, is an arachnid of the order Thelyphonida, a small group of arachnids comprised of only 100 species. The name "whip scorpion" refers to their resemblance to true scorpions and possession of a whiplike tail, and "vinegaroon" refers to their ability when attacked to discharge an offensive, vinegar-smelling liquid, which contains acetic acid. Good times.⁣
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At @bigbendnps, summer rains bring vinegaroons out of their burrows in search of food and love. Vinegaroons are about 3 inches long and relatively benign unless you happen to annoy them. (True for most of us.) They can pinch with their heavy mouthparts (pedipalps) and shoot a well-aimed spray of 85% acetic acid (vinegar) from the base of their "whip" to protect themselves. They hunt millipedes, scorpions, crickets, cockroaches, and other invertebrates by sensing vibrations with their long, thin front legs. ⁣
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Most commonly seen in the desert, this vinegaroon was taking a stroll around the Chisos Basin campground. If you're lucky enough to see this cool creature, look closely. If it's a female, she may be carrying her hatchlings on her back. You’re welcome. ⁣
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Image: Large black vinegaroon showing thin "whip" tail; long, thin front legs; and heavy mouthparts that serve as pincers. NPS/CA Hoyt⁣
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#Vinegaroon #Whipscorpion #ChihuahuanDesert #DesertCreatures #BigBend #FindYourPark #texas

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 92,271
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 2,745

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National Park Service | @nationalparkservice | https://gondola.cc/nationalparkservice | Government Organization |

## Tags

whipscorpion, desertcreatures, vinegaroon, texas, findyourpark, chihuahuandesert, bigbend

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