When hiking through the Amazon at night, follow the sound of a stream to find the tailless whip scorpion. It likes flat, vertical walls next to gently flowing water. Pick one up and notice the two spindly legs that are much longer than the others. These are antenniform legs, which function like antennae. They let the arachnid sense its surroundings. Although they’re called scorpions and look like spiders, these ancient arachnids are neither. The tailless whip scorpion produces no poison and is harmless to humans.

That’s why some brave Atlas Obscura travelers on our Expedition Amazon trip put them on their faces. Trip leader (and fantastic photographer) Phil Torres captured the evidence.