Summer rains bring Vinegaroons out of their burrows in search of food and love. The Vinegaroons are 3 inches long but don't bug them.
They can pinch with their heavy mouthparts (pedipalps) and shoot a well-aimed spray of 85% acetic acid (vinegar) from the base of their "whip" to protect themselves.
Vinegaroons are nocturnal and can't see very well. They hunt millipedes, scorpions, crickets, cockroaches, and other invertebrates by sensing vibrations with their long, thin front legs. Most commonly seen in the desert, this vinegaroon was taking a stroll around the Chisos Basin campground. If you're lucky enough to see one, look closely. If it's a female, she may be carrying her hatchlings on her back.
Image: Large black vinegaroon showing thin whiptail; long, thin front legs; and heavy mouthparts that serve as pincers. NPS
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