Rough Giant Vinegaroon

Mastigoproctus scabrosus

VinegaroonbeginnerHarmless

No venom, no sting

Vinegaroons are harmless to humans — no venom and no sting. If threatened they can spray a fine acetic-acid mist (it smells like vinegar) and give a firm pinch, but neither is dangerous. Avoid getting the spray in your eyes.

About

A giant vinegaroon recently recognized as a full species (long lumped under Mastigoproctus giganteus). Care is identical to the giant vinegaroon: a deep, burrowable substrate kept with a moisture gradient, a hide, and a water dish at warm temps. It has no venom — it sprays a vinegar-like acetic-acid mist in defense (avoid getting it in your eyes). Docile, hardy, and long-lived; an excellent beginner arachnid.

Taxonomy

FamilyThelyphonidae

GenusMastigoproctus

Native regionSouthwestern USA and Mexico

TypeFossorial

Temperamentdocile; sprays acetic acid when threatened

Size & growth

Adult size2.5-3 inches

Length50.00–75.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature75–85 °F

Humidity60–75%

Enclosure

Adult sizeterrestrial tank with deep substrate

Substratedeep coco/topsoil that holds a burrow; hide; light moisture gradient; water dish

Substrate depth4-6 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizecrickets, roaches

Adult cadence1 prey per week

Times kept: 0