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Florida Whip Spider (Phrynus marginemaculatus)

Phrynus marginemaculatus

The Phrynus marginemaculatus, known as the 'Florida Whip Spider'. It is an Amblypygi native to the United States (South Florida) and the Caribbean. It represents the perfect introduction to the world of Whip Scorpions: it is a dwarf species (rarely the body exceeds 0.8 inches, legspan 3-4 inches) incredibly peaceful, harmless and devoid of venom. Tolerates exceptionally well life in small communities within modest terrariums, provided there is vertical development (corks) and very high humidity. Nocturnal 'tactile radar' hunter, uses the disproportionate and fragile whip-legs to intercept micro-insects, grasping them with the spiny pedipalps. Alien aesthetics but very simple management.

Taxonomy
Class:Arachnida
Order:Amblypygi
Family:Phrynidae
Subfamily:Phryninae
Genus:Phrynus
Species:Phrynus marginemaculatus

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Environment

Terrestrial

Humidity

75 - 85 %

Day temperature

24 - 28 °C

Night temperature

20 - 22 °C

UVB

None

Species description

Geographic Origin and Habitat: This recovery makes no geographic-origin or habitat statement beyond the cited facts.
Taxonomy and Genetics: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy lists Phrynus marginemaculatus C.L.Koch, 1840 as an accepted species in the genus Phrynus, family Phrynidae and order Amblypygi. This recovery makes no genetic statement beyond the cited taxonomic facts.
Behaviour and Habits: This recovery makes no behavioural statement beyond the cited facts.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery makes no morphological or sex-comparison statement beyond the cited facts.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Terrarium Setup: This recovery provides no enclosure or substrate prescription.
Lighting and Heating: This recovery sets no photoperiod or temperature target.
Humidity and Hydration: This recovery sets no humidity or watering target.
Feeding and Supplementation: This recovery sets no feeding or supplementation protocol.
Compatibility and Coexistence: In laboratory contests, adult male Phrynus marginemaculatus showed pedipalpal opening, elevation displays, and antenniform-leg flicking at about 29 Hz. Familiar second encounters were shorter and involved fewer aggressive displays than unfamiliar ones, suggesting memory of prior opponents. Females were less likely to display aggression than males, and female contests were shorter. These are controlled-study observations, not a cohabitation recommendation.
Health and Common Diseases: This recovery provides no health, disease, or treatment protocol.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This species originates from: Nord America (Aree sub-tropicali, rovine, pigne marce e detriti umidi nel Sud della Florida e Caraibi).

Origin

Central America and CaribbeanNorth America

Terrestrial invertebrate profile

Diet
No verified data available
Life expectancy
No verified data available
Adult size
2.1 cm
The catalog's scalar value is 2.1 cm. The Fowler-Finn & Hebets — Phrynus marginemaculatus source reports a maximum adult measurement of 2.1 cm for this species, recorded as body length. The taxonomic record consulted is Phrynus marginemaculatus. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Lifestyle/Microhabitat
No verified data available
Activity cycle
No verified data available
Sociality
No verified data available
Reproduction
No verified data available
Venom level
No verified data available
Handling tolerance
No verified data available
Brumation
No verified data available
Molting
No verified data available

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

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Last updated: 08/10/2026
Florida Whip Spider (Phrynus marginemaculatus) Care Guide & Terrarium Setup | Atlarium