Euphrynichus bacillifer, also known as the Social Whipspider or Southern African Whip Scorpion, is a large species of tailless whip spider (Amblypygi) native to humid regions of central and southern Africa, including Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Zimbabwe
 
Key Characteristics
Appearance: They are characterized by highly elongated, raptorial pedipalps and whip-like sensory legs. Adults typically have a body length of up to 50 mm (roughly 2 inches), while their pedipalp span can reach 3.5–4 inches.
"Bacilliform" Bulges: Their name refers to three rod-like bulges (apophyses) on the pedipalp tibia. These structures contain glands used for intraspecies communication, such as during mating when the male touches the female's chelicerae.
Behaviour: Unlike some more aggressive arachnids, they are known to be social and can often be kept in groups without cannibalism. They are strictly nocturnal, photophobic (light-sensitive), and highly skittish, often fleeing or freezing when disturbed.
Feeding: They are "spear feeders," using their spined pedipalps to impale and capture small insects like crickets or roaches. 
 
Husbandry Requirements
For those keeping this species in captivity as of 2026:
Habitat: Requires an arboreal setup with a minimum height of 30 cm to allow for vertical climbing and moulting.
Surfaces: Plenty of vertical surfaces like cork bark or lava stones are essential for hiding and safe moulting.
Environment:
Temperature: Ideal range is 24–30°C (75–86°F).
Humidity: High humidity between 70% and 95% is critical; the substrate should remain moist.
Diet: Feed small live insects roughly 2–3 times smaller than the arachnid twice weekly for juveniles. If they refuse live food, placing a freshly killed insect on the enclosure floor overnight can be effective. 
 
Sexing and Reproduction
Sexing: Females can be identified by bright red hairs along the genital operculum, which are absent in males.
Offspring: Females carry fertilized eggs in a sac under the abdomen. Once hatched, the young ride on the mother's back until their first moult.