Australian Amblypygid/ Whip Spider (Charinus pescotti)

Australian Amblypygid / Whip Spider (Charinus pescotti) for Sale

Amblypygids, also called whip spiders or tailless whip scorpions, are among the most ancient-looking arachnids on Earth, and Charinus pescotti is one of the few found in Australia. Native to the rainforests of Far North Queensland, this small, flattened arachnid shelters under bark, rocks and leaf litter on the forest floor. It uses its long, whip-like front legs as feelers to sense its way through the dark, then snatches prey with spiny, folding front arms. It isn’t a true spider, has no venom and can’t harm you, so it’s a fascinating and very approachable invertebrate to keep.

Quick facts

• Scientific name: Charinus pescotti
• Common names: Australian amblypygid, Australian whip spider, tailless whip scorpion
• Native range: rainforests of Far North Queensland
• Adult size: about 1cm in body length, with much longer feeler legs
• Lifespan: around 3–5 years
• Experience level: beginner
• Venom: none; harmless to people
• Licence: not required in most states

Sourced with care
Sourced from Australian breeders and shipped live every Monday and Tuesday (excluding NT and Tasmania).

Australian Whip Spider Care Guide for Beginners

Enclosure
A small enclosure with a floor of around 15x15cm suits one animal. Amblypygids can climb fairly smooth surfaces, so use a secure, ventilated lid.

Temperature
18–26°C. Room temperature suits most homes. Avoid overheating; this is a forest-floor species that likes it mild.

Humidity
60–80%. Keep the substrate damp and mist regularly. A moisture gradient, with one end damper than the other, lets your whip spider choose.

Substrate and hides
At least 3cm of moist Rainforest Substrate Mix, topped with leaf litter. Add several pieces of bark or small, lightweight wood to shelter under. Avoid heavy rocks that could shift and injure it.

Feeding
Small live insects once or twice a week, no bigger than about a quarter of the animal’s body size:

• Juveniles: pinhead crickets, fruit flies or tiny isopods
• Adults: small crickets or small woodies

Remove uneaten food promptly.

Maintenance
Remove mould as it appears. Otherwise the substrate only needs changing roughly once a year, or sooner if it becomes overgrown.

Handling
Not recommended. Whip spiders are delicate and dart sideways in quick bursts when disturbed, so they can easily escape or get hurt. To move one, guide it gently into a container with a flat leaf or piece of bark.

Australian whip spider FAQ

Are whip spiders dangerous?
No. Amblypygids have no venom and no silk, and they’re harmless to people. Despite the name, they’re neither true spiders nor scorpions.

What is an amblypygid?
An ancient group of arachnids with flattened bodies, spiny grasping arms and extremely long, thin front legs used as feelers. They’re also called whip spiders or tailless whip scorpions.

Where do Australian whip spiders live?
Charinus pescotti lives on the rainforest floor of Far North Queensland, under bark, rocks and leaf litter.

What do whip spiders eat?
Small live insects, such as pinhead crickets, fruit flies and small woodies.

How big do Charinus pescotti get?
About 1cm in body length, making them one of the smaller amblypygids, which suits small display enclosures.

Pairs well with: Rainforest Substrate Mix, Virgin Portuguese Cork Bark, Flightless Fruit Fly Culture, Springtail Cultures, Terrarium Misting Bottle.