How to House and Care for a Vinegaroon

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 28, 2021 Approved

The vinegaroon is a Nickname given to a species of arachnid found in the southern and southwestern portions of the United States. Actual name is Thelyphonida the species in the US. Sometimes referred to as whip tail scorpions. This is a misnomer since they are not a scorpion at all. But have some resemblance to them. If you're interested in keeping a Thelyphonida. You need to provide the proper environment. It's easy to keep a Thelyphonida. If you choose to handle them. It must be done with much care. They are somewhat delicate. Particularly their front legs which have developed into feelers. Their tails are also delicate and easily broken. With proper set up of an environment and providing acquitted food and water and your pet will thrive.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Setting up the Environment

1
Get a tank. Vinegaroons are easily housed in a glass or plastic tank that can be safely sealed. Choosing a clear one so you can enjoy observing them when they came out of hiding. You will need a tank around 5 gallons (19 L). The US species can grow to a maximum length of 3.3 inches (8.4 cm). As with any animal vinegaroons will appreciate room to move around.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- You can find a tank online or at a pet suppler. This photo is of the mother vinegaroon and her babies after their first molt. They hatch out appearing more white. They get color after their first molt. Their pedipalps are red at this time. They will darken as they get older.
- Tanks should have a mesh openings for circulation. It should one that closes securely. To keep your pet and its food inside. Plus unwanted pests, such as flies and gnats, out.
2
Line the bottom of the tank with substrate. Use either peat moss, coco coir or potting soil as your substrate. Line the tanks with 4 inches (10 cm) to 6 inches (15 cm) of substrate before releasing your vinegaroon into the tank.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Provide items for climbing and hiding. You can find rocks and hideaway caves, natural and artificial, at most pet suppliers. Since rocks can be heavy and possibly crush your pet, care should be taken to secure or remove them if you have to move the enclosure. Large dry, pesticide free leaves work well to provide hiding spots as well as cork bark tubes and flats. Cork materials are easily found in the pet trade. Vinegaroons can be kept as pets, but they're not considered domesticated animals. They prefer an environment that replicates the wild and will want places to climb and hide.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- You can find rocks, bark and leaves outdoors Make sure they're free of any pest, pesticides or fertilizer before putting them in your pet's cage.
4
Keep the tank between 75 °F (24 °C) and 80 °F (27 °C). As they're desert animals, vinegaroons need a warmer environment to thrive. Keep them in a space in your home that's free of drafts and make sure the tank is between 75 °F (24 °C) and 80 °F (27 °C) at all times. Usually, you'll need to keep a heat emitting bulb transferring heat trough a metal screened area or heat mat applied to the bottom of the enclosure. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer. Use some sense and do not apply a heat source that can over heat or start a fire. Adding a thermostat to control any heat source you apply the habitat is a wise choice. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You may have to tweak the settings of the heat source, or move it far away or closer to the tank, to provide the right temperature.
- You can get a heat emitting bulb and mat at the pet store or online supplier. A heat mat that is designed for seed trays controlled by a thermostat can be purchased at a hydroponic supply. They are made to be water resistant and are very durable. They can also be a good heat source.
5
Provide a sponge and water for moisture. Vinegaroons do better with humidity. It's not necessary to strictly monitor humidity like you do with temperature, but keep a damp, natural sponge or just a shallow dish of water in the cage. In most cases, this will provide the moisture necessary for your pet to thrive. They do drink water and can sometimes be observed going to the water dish to drink. A small area of the habit can have water in the soil also to provide humidity. Take care not to put to much water on or in the soil. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
- It is always recommended, as with any pet, keep your water source clean. It will help to keep your pet healthy.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Providing Food

1
Provide two to three crickets a month. Thelyphonida primarily thrive on a cricket-based diet. Two to three adult crickets is adequate to keep a scorpion healthy. People often overfeed them by providing 2- 3 crickets a week; 2 - 3 crickets a month will keep them happy. You can buy crickets at a pet store and can use either live or dead crickets. Live crickets are the better choice. They will also eat meal worms.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Crickets will keep your vinegaroon healthy, but a varied diet is a better option.
2
Feed your Thelyphonida at night. As they are nocturnal they prefer to have many dark places to go into. It is best to feed your pet at night. This promotes the natural sleep/wake cycle of a Thelyphonida.^{[7]
X
Research source}
3
Watch for uneaten live food. It should be removed so that they will not attack your pet. Crickets have been known to attack and damage reptiles. If your Thelyphonida is not eating, this can be a sign of illness or that it is about to molt. They will not eat during the time before they molt. The females will not eat while they are watching over their eggs. When they do molt, you will usually find what appears to be your animal deceased. It will just be an empty exoskeleton. Your pet will probably be just hiding so don't throw out the dirt and possibly your pet. They will be very hungry after molting.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Safety Precautions

1
Make sure the lid is closed tightly. You don't want unwanted insects entering the habitat or your feeder insects getting out. Keep the lid closed tightly. Check the lid to make sure it's closed each time you open the tank to feed your Thelyphonida or refill the water.
- If you handle your vinegaroon make sure to do so with conviction that you will not drop them. Their legs and tails are very delicate. If you drop it to the ground it could break something off. The may survive with broken legs and/or tail, they just are not as appealing to look at. The acid they produce that is ejected along their tail can be irritating to some people. If you find you are one of those people, you should not continue to handle them. This liquid has a very strong vinegar smell, hence the title of Vinegaroon. Some vinegaroons will get used to being handled and stop ejecting the fluid. Those apparatus are designed for eating not defense. They 'do not produce any venom or poison. So you should not fear that of them.

Community Q&A

Question

Would the Vinegaroon die if the burrow caves in?

Community Answer

Not usually, Vinegaroons, like many other bugs, have a hard exoskeleton and a little dirt won't hurt them.
Question

Are tarantula's or Vinnie's better?

Community Answer

Trantulas are very low maintenance but Vinegroons look cooler, so it's your choice.
Question

What can I do if the temperature exceeds 70-80 degrees?

Community Answer

There's not much you can do except lower your atmospheric temperature and utilize any fans you might have.