Vinegaroon Care

Basic care information for the Vinegaroon. These are general instructions and species specific care should take priority.

TEMPERATURE

24-27 C daytime, 70-80% humidity

LIGHTING

Vinegaroons are noctural so no need for UV lighting. Ensure around 12 hours of low muffled lighting to mimic a forest floor. Avoid direct sunlight

HOUSING

Vinegaroons require a spacious, well-ventilated enclosure with at least 5 inches of moist, pesticide-free substrate, such as coconut coir, peat moss, or soil, for burrowing. A horizontal terrarium around 60×45×45 cm works well, and the setup should include bark, rocks, and hides to mimic their natural habitat. Each vinegaroon must be housed individually to prevent cannibalism, and the enclosure should maintain high humidity (70–80%) with regular misting and a shallow water dish. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent mold, and all decor should be securely placed to avoid collapse during burrowing.

FEEDING

Vinegaroons are nocturnal predators that feed primarily on live insects such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, and waxworms. Adults typically eat every 2–3 weeks, with 2–3 appropriately sized prey items offered per feeding; juveniles may require more frequent meals. Feeding should occur in the evening to align with their natural hunting behavior, and uneaten prey should be removed within 24 hours to prevent stress or mold. Avoid feeding immediately after molting, as their exoskeleton and mandibles remain soft and vulnerable.

BREEDING

Breeding vinegaroons, such as Mastigoproctus giganteus, involves pairing sexually mature individuals—typically after their fourth molt—in a spacious, humid enclosure with deep substrate and multiple hides to encourage natural courtship. Males initiate mating by depositing a spermatophore, which the female collects, often after hours of tactile interaction. Post-mating, the female lays eggs in a burrow and guards them until hatching, after which the nymphs climb onto her back and remain there through their first molt. Juveniles can be housed together briefly but must be separated as they grow to prevent cannibalism. Patience is key, as development is slow and breeding success depends on stable conditions and minimal disturbance.

GENERAL

Vinegaroons, also known as whip scorpions, are fascinating arachnids named for their unique defense mechanism: they spray a concentrated solution of acetic acid—the main ingredient in vinegar—from glands near their tail when threatened. This spray, which can contain up to 85% acetic acid, emits a strong vinegar-like odor and helps deter predators by irritating their eyes and exoskeletons. Despite their fearsome name, vinegaroons are non-venomous and rely on this chemical defense rather than biting or stinging.