New arachnid for me. Sometimes called tailless whip scorpions, I prefer the name amblypygi. Sold as paraphrynus mexicanus, I'm still getting this ID double checked.
Edit: ID'd as Phrynus whitei, remember to double check when you buy inverts as even experienced sellers can have trouble with ID, especially on more niche animals!
thought process: tailless whip scorpions are cool ➡️ look at their little grabby hands ➡️ what do they even do with their hands ➡️ do they fight? ➡️ do they have a secret alien sign language? ➡️ do they do RITUALS and cast SPELLS
Marina’s babies are here!!! they must’ve hatched just hours ago
I won’t count them yet since I don’t want to bother the little family, but there’s a lot, with babies hanging onto her back and her belly. so happy for her
Recently fulfilled a years-long dream by obtaining a couple captive bred Acanthophrynus coronatus! A huge and beautiful amblypygid native to caves and forests in western Mexico.
Although they’re already quite large, these are just babies with a lot of growing to do. Adults can have bodies measuring 2” long without the appendages. They’re likely the world’s largest amblypygid species by mass, although some of their even lankier cousins in the genus Heterophrynus have a wider legspan.
In addition to their massive size and unique coloration, these guys are very active and inquisitive and have a bold attitude compared to most other amblypygids. Even as babies they often respond to potential danger by throwing up a threat display instead of freezing or running, and when they get larger they’ll be able to stridulate with their mouthparts to make a sound somewhat reminiscent of a rattlesnake.
Currently these are rare in the US bug hobby (I got them from the first person to breed them in the US), but they’re actually a very easy species to keep and breed so they should become more available soon. They make fantastic pets and display animals so my hope is they’ll become popular and inspire an increased appreciation for amblypygids.