FEBRUARY, 1951 35 CENTS - Desert Magazine of the Southwest

.
THREE PUBLIC ENEMIES: Although
the Centipede is not really dangerous,
its bite is extremely painful. The other
two—the Black Widow and the little
straw-colored species of Scorpion,
carry venom in their stingers—venom
that has been known to cause death,
although fatalities are rare.
FEBRUARY, 1951
will thrash about, biting with its sharp jaws when held in a gloved
hand. Actually, its bite (not sting) is more painful than dangerous.
It is not true that its feet are poisoned. The sharp claws on its
two score and more legs may puncture the skin but they contain
no venom. Don't be afraid of the centipede—but don't let a
large one bite you, either!
The Tarantula is undeservedly feared by many. It really is
a gentle and inoffensive desert citizen. Its sharp fangs can inflict
a painful bite, but no poisoning will result. Tarantulas should be
protected because of their insect-eating habits. They can be forced
from their web-lined tunnels by flooding with water. They make
interesting pets, and can be kept alive on a diet of cockroaches.
Last on the list is the completely innocuous Vinegaroon. It
doesn't sting, or bite, or even shoot vinegar into your eyes. Its
great pincers are used to hold its prey. It receives its odd name
from its habit of emitting a vinegar-like odor when molested. Its
other name is whip scorpion. While its usual diet is insects I
once discovered a large vinegaroon in my garage dining on a baby
house mouse. It is really a beneficial fellow and should be protected.
Maybe it isn't very pretty—but then beauty is only skin
deep.