M. giganteus (Giant Vinegaroon)

Mastigoproctus giganteus

 * Level: Beginner
 * Native Habitat: This species is native to the American Southwest. They are strongly associated with a desert habitat but may also be found a variety of other habitats.
 * Common Names
 * Gaint Vingeroon
 * Whip Scorpion
 * Desert Scorpion
 * Grampus

Captive Habitats

 * Enclosure Type: Terrestrial/Fossorial; The enclosure may be as simple as a medium to large sized deli-cup or small plastic tupperware tub modified with air holes, a specialized pet carrier (Kritter-Keeper) or an aquarium. M. giganteus are not strong climbers and prefer to move down instead of up.


 * Substrate: Natural soil (treated for parasites,) potting soil, and coconut coir are all usable substrate. Sand, small stones, leaf litter and twigs can be mixed with the substrate to create a more natural environment.  Providing enough substrate to burrow into is essential, a top layer of leaf litter, moss or natural bark and twigs offer additional cover and help to retain moisture.
 * Conditions: Semi-dry; All vinegaroon should have some water access in the enclosure. The substrate should retain some moisture but not to the degree of being considerably damp.
 * Humidity: Semi-dry; Sparse misting is advisable but not required as this vinegaroon will spend much of its time burrowing.
 * Temp: 68-86*F(20-30*C); Room Temperature is generally adequate. In its native range M. giganteus experiences temperature extremes from well below freezing in the winter months to dry hot summers over 105*F(40*C.)

Husbandry Edit

 * Temperament: Calm but may react defensively. Vinegaroons have a unique defense strategy of spraying foul smelling fluid at potential aggressors.
 * Behavior: This can very among individuals of the species, while some may be very active, others may be more reclusive.
 * Size: 3-5.5 " (8-14cm)
 * Social: Yes;
 * Life Span: 10-20 years
 * Venom: none
 * Feeding: Crickets, roaches, meal worms, etc (larger individuals will accept pinkies if you have the stomach for it, feeding on vertebrates tends to be a messy affair.)
 * Cleaning: The enclosure should be regularly cleared of waste material from feeding to prevent molding.