My florida amblypygid (Phrynus marginemaculatus) that I’ve had since early 2021 has been alone since he mated with a female owned by my friend a few months ago, so I collected a female (on the right) from the same barrier island where he was originally found and introduced them:
Phrynus are territorial and their initial reaction to encountering a potential mate can appear aggressive, threatening and wrestling each other with their raptorial pedipalps, but I believe the quick vibrating movements of their whips in this video taken minutes after introduction indicate mating interest or other non-aggressive communication. The next day they were sitting side by side in the same crevice.
It’s common to see mating pairs of amblypygids in the family Phrynidae coexisting closely in the wild, sometimes with groups of offspring present alongside them. Some people recommend against keeping captive amblypygids together due to the risk of cannibalism, but in at least some species including marginemaculatus mating pairs seem able to live together long-term with little risk, though things can anecdotally get more dicey when the female lays eggs. Amblypygid offspring also remain near their mother for a long period of time and groups of P. marginemaculatus siblings coexist peacefully until they reach sexual maturity and become more territorial.
Saw my first whip spider today, such a long tail! when she was settled, she'd lay flat and look like a floating stick, but I sadly couldn't get a picture of that behaviour. Got some excellent macros of her face though!
Whip spider, female (Ariamnes colubrinus) on Dyschoriste (Dyschoriste depressa).
Amblypygids, or whip spiders or tailless whip scorpions (which are neither spiders, nor scorpions, nor whip scorpions) are one of the many lesser known arthropod groups!
Their long "whip" front legs are used as sensory organs rather than for walking, and possibly to engage in social behaviour with their mother/offspring/siblings -- which is unusual but not unheard of in arachnids.
The Lovers are a powerful symbol of unity, harmony, partnerships, deep emotional connections, and making decisions from the heart. They highlighting the importance of choice and commitment in relationships.
Amblypygids, also known as whip spiders, are arachnids that embody the qualities of The Lovers with their unique appearance and behavior - demonstrating the beauty of embracing individuality and the value of appreciating oneself and others for who they are.
Despite their intimidating appearance which may initially evoke fear, amblypygids are gentle and intriguing creatures that navigate their environment with grace and sensitivity. They are solitary for most of their lives, much like the journey of self-discovery and independence that individuals often go through. When two compatible amblypygids meet, they engage in a unique and delicate courtship dance. This ritual involves the exchange of subtle vibrations, touch and gestures, symbolizing the importance of communication and mutual understanding in deepening emotional connections. In their interactions, Amblypygids display a level of trust and reliance on one another, mirroring the unity and partnership depicted in the Lovers card. Their connection highlights the importance of choosing our companions wisely, just as the card encourages making heartfelt decisions and embracing love with an open heart.
The whip spider’s soft and tender side contrasts with its formidable appearance, representing the duality of the Lovers card. It reminds us that love often reveals the hidden depths and vulnerabilities of individuals, even when they seem strong and intimidating on the surface. the Amblypygid is an expert communicator. Through its sensitive sensory organs and delicate touch, it navigates its environment and interacts with others with great care. This emphasizes the Lovers card's significance of open and honest communication in building strong relationships.
Overall, the Lovers card applied to an Amblypygid serves as a profound reminder that love can be found in unexpected places and that true connections often require looking past initial appearances. It symbolizes the beauty of genuine emotional bonds, the transformative power of love, and the significance of communication and trust in building harmonious partnerships. They remind us to look beyond superficial judgments and to explore the complexities and beauty of misunderstood beings. It encourages us to embrace unity, compassion, and empathy for all creatures, regardless of their outer appearance. They demonstrate the beauty of embracing individuality and the value of appreciating oneself and others for who they are. The Lovers/Amblypygids invite us to reflect on and appreciate the intricacies and vulnerabilities of both ourselves and others, fostering a deeper sense of empathy and appreciation for all living beings.