Camel spiders are creatures that inspire many questions regarding their nature and distribution. Their unusual appearance and desert environments contribute to widespread fascination. This article provides accurate information about camel spiders, clarifying common misconceptions and confirming their presence in specific regions.
Confirming Their Presence
Camel spiders are found in Arizona, thriving in the state’s arid and semi-arid desert environments, including areas like the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. They are also known as wind scorpions or sun spiders. Despite their common names, camel spiders are not true spiders or scorpions; they belong to their own distinct order, Solifugae, within the class Arachnida.
Distinguishing Features and Size
Their body is divided into two main parts: the prosoma (cephalothorax) at the front and a 10-segmented abdomen (opisthosoma) at the rear. A prominent feature is their large, powerful chelicerae, which are jaw-like mouthparts resembling crab pincers. These chelicerae can be longer than the prosoma and are equipped with teeth that vary by species.
Camel spiders possess eight legs, with the first pair of appendages being pedipalps. These pedipalps function as sensory organs, often mistaken for an extra pair of legs, and are used for sensing vibrations, catching prey, and climbing. Their coloration typically ranges from tan to dark brown, providing effective camouflage. While some species can reach up to 12-15 cm (5-6 inches) in total length, most have a body length of around 5 cm (2 inches), with larger ones up to 7 cm (3 inches).
Typical Behavior and Habitat
Camel spiders are primarily nocturnal, active during cooler nighttime hours to avoid intense daytime heat. During the day, they seek shelter by burrowing into the ground or hiding under rocks and debris. These arachnids are opportunistic carnivores and active hunters. Their diet consists mainly of arthropods like insects, termites, and beetles, but they also prey on small vertebrates such as lizards, small birds, and rodents.
They are known for their speed and agility, which aids them in pursuing prey and evading threats. Camel spiders can move at speeds up to 16 kilometers per hour (10 miles per hour). They use their pedipalps to detect prey and their powerful chelicerae to tear it into pieces before ingesting it.
Dispelling Common Myths
Numerous myths surround camel spiders, often exaggerating their capabilities and danger to humans. One common misconception is their extreme speed, with claims they can run faster than a human. While fast for an arachnid, their top speed is around 10 miles per hour, not comparable to a running person. Another widely circulated myth is that camel spiders are venomous. They do not possess venom glands or fangs to inject venom. Although their bite can be painful due to strong jaws, it is not deadly to humans and typically causes only minor irritation.
Stories of camel spiders eating human flesh or disemboweling camels are entirely false. Their diet consists of insects and small vertebrates, and they are not equipped to consume large animals. The name “camel spider” likely stems from their presence in desert regions where camels are found, not from predatory behavior towards them. Claims that they jump several feet in the air or scream are untrue; while some species might produce a defensive rattling sound, they do not scream. Their apparent “chasing” of humans is often a misunderstanding, as they may be seeking shade in a person’s shadow.