The camel spider, often depicted in exaggerated tales, sparks curiosity about its true nature. These arachnids, with their intimidating appearance, are commonly mistaken for true spiders. The central question is: are camel spiders actually spiders?
Meet the Camel Spider
Camel spiders, also known as sun spiders, wind scorpions, or solifuges, are arachnids. Their appearance is characterized by a hairy body, typically beige or brown, allowing them to blend into arid surroundings. They possess large jaws, called chelicerae, which can be up to one-third of their body length. While they appear to have ten legs, they actually have eight true legs for locomotion and two leg-like appendages called pedipalps.
These creatures belong to the scientific order Solifugae, distinguishing them from other arachnid groups. Over 1,000 species are found primarily in dry, desert environments across the Middle East, Africa, and the southwestern United States. They prefer warm climates and sandy habitats, seeking shelter from the sun in burrows or under rocks during the day.
Are They True Spiders?
Despite their common name and superficial resemblance, camel spiders are not true spiders. Both are classified under the class Arachnida, but they belong to different orders: true spiders are in Araneae, while camel spiders are in Solifugae. This distinction is based on anatomical and biological differences.
One key difference lies in their body segmentation. True spiders have two distinct body segments, the cephalothorax and abdomen, connected by a narrow stalk called a pedicel. In contrast, camel spiders have two segments, the prosoma and opisthosoma, which are less distinctly separated and lack this pedicel. Their large chelicerae, powerful jaws for tearing prey, differ from the fangs of true spiders used to inject venom.
A distinguishing factor is the absence of venom glands in camel spiders; true spiders possess these glands to subdue prey. Camel spiders do not produce silk or spin webs, unlike true spiders that use silk for various purposes, including web construction and egg sacs. While both have eight legs, camel spiders utilize their pedipalps, which resemble an extra pair of legs, primarily for sensory perception, manipulating prey, and climbing, rather than for walking.
Debunking the Myths
Many misconceptions surround camel spiders, fueled by exaggerated stories. One common myth is their extreme speed, with claims of them running faster than a human. Camel spiders can reach speeds of about 10 miles per hour, which is swift for an invertebrate but slower than a running human.
Another prevalent myth suggests they aggressively chase people. This behavior is a misunderstanding; camel spiders are nocturnal and seek shade from the sun. If they appear to be chasing someone, they are likely moving towards the person’s shadow for shelter. Their size is often overstated; while some larger species can reach up to 6 inches in length, including their legs, they are not the giant monsters depicted.
Despite their fearsome appearance and large jaws, camel spiders are not dangerous to humans. They are not venomous, and while their bite can be painful due to their strong chelicerae, it is not lethal. They primarily eat insects, other arthropods, and small vertebrates like lizards and rodents. They are reclusive, hunting at night and avoiding larger creatures unless threatened.