Hi , my name is Nancy and I'm from Indonesia. I'm so freaked out today to found this bug at the porch of my house , it's the first time I see something like this ..
Since no one around know what is this I wonder if anyone here know...
And is it dangerous ? I held it in 'captive' under a clear plastic box because I feel bad for killing it if it's not a pest , but if it's a pest / dangerous , I guess no other way then ...
Thank you.
It looks like a scorpion of some kind. Not sure about Indonesian species, though.
And welcome to Dave's!
Not a scorpion. They have 8 legs. I hope you find out soon.
Its a Whip Scorpion of some type.
I don't THINK they are dangerous.
But I would treat with caution just in case. I'm not familiar with them other than knowing what it is.
"These animals can inject various chemical liquids from their stomachs, including formic acid (formic acid) (CH2O2), a mixture of chlorine and acetic acid (C2H4O2) and oktanoic acid (C8H16O2), depending on their species."
Not sure how dangerous that is, but I wouldn't KILL it. They beneficial predators. I would just remove it to an area I didn't have to worry about coming into contact with it.
Edit:
"The whip scorpion has a long thin tail, hence the term whip, from beneath the base of which it is able to squirt a strong acid when defending itself. The liquid is non-poisonous and is mainly acetic acid, strong-smelling and is the reason this species is sometimes known as the vinegarroon. The acid inflames skin and eyes. The whip scorpion’s main weapons are actually its claws, which are strong and can deliver a painful wound."
This message was edited May 2, 2011 9:37 AM
I think I found which one you have. Mastigoproctus giganteus, the Giant Vinegaroon. Harmless but can inflict a painful bite.
kwanjin and LadyAshleyR , thank you for the answers and the welcome.
since that day ; the bug been exterminated by the maid ...
well , glad to know it's not 'that harmful' but I guess next time if something like it appear again I know what to do ^^;
once again , thank you!
