Meet the West African whipspider
in the Insectarium's Great Vivarium.
West African whipspiders, like all whipspiders, are often found in caves. Their flattened bodies allow them to slip into cracks and crevices, and to easily hide under rocks and tree bark.
Because of their poor eyesight, these arachnids rely on their long antenna-like front legs to detect prey and assess their surroundings. They use their other six legs to move—sometimes very quickly.
Whipspiders grow and moult throughout their lives. Despite their intimidating appearance, these arthropods are harmless to humans. Although they are not venomous, whipspiders are formidable predators. They hunt actively, capturing prey with their spiny pedipalps—appendages located at the front of their body.
Scientific name: Damon medius
French name: Amblypyge d'Afrique de l'Ouest
Order: Amblypygi
Family: Phrynichidae
Egg incubation: 3 to 5 months
Lifespan: 5 to 10 years
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests, crevices, and cracks
Diet: Various arthropods
Ecological role: Various arthropods