Camel spiders, also known as wind scorpions or sun spiders, often spark curiosity and fear due to their intimidating appearance and the many stories surrounding them. A common misconception is that they are a type of scorpion. This article clarifies what camel spiders are and addresses prevalent myths.
Are Camel Spiders Scorpions?
Despite common names like “wind scorpion,” camel spiders are not scorpions. They belong to their own distinct order of arachnids called Solifugae, which includes over 1,000 described species. While both are arachnids, they are classified into different orders.
Scorpions are characterized by a segmented tail tipped with a venomous stinger and pedipalps modified into large pincers. In contrast, camel spiders lack a venomous tail. Their pedipalps are used for sensation and manipulating food, not as pincers. Instead, camel spiders possess exceptionally large jaws called chelicerae, used for grasping and tearing.
Unique Characteristics of Camel Spiders
Camel spiders have hairy bodies and legs, often tan or brown, blending into desert surroundings. Their body length ranges from less than 1 to about 15 centimeters, including legs, though most species are 5 to 7 centimeters. A striking feature is their oversized chelicerae, up to one-third of their body length. These powerful jaws chop and saw prey into pulp.
They possess eight walking legs, but an additional pair of pedipalps are used for sensation and to manipulate prey, sometimes giving the impression of ten legs. Camel spiders are primarily nocturnal, preferring to hunt during cooler night hours to avoid the intense desert sun. They are fast runners, capable of reaching speeds of up to 16 kilometers per hour (about 10 miles per hour) over short bursts. Their diet consists of insects, other arachnids, small rodents, lizards, and sometimes even small birds. These creatures are found in warm, arid regions across the globe, including the Middle East, Africa, and the southwestern United States.
Dispelling Common Camel Spider Myths
Many myths surround camel spiders, contributing to their fearsome reputation. A common misconception is their extreme size, with some stories exaggerating them to be as large as a human leg. In reality, even the largest species reach a maximum length of about 15 centimeters (6 inches) including their legs. Another myth is their ability to run at speeds comparable to a human or up to 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour). While fast for arachnids, their top speed is around 16 kilometers per hour (10 miles per hour).
The belief that camel spiders are venomous is false. They do not produce venom and lack the glands or apparatus to inject it. While their bite can be painful due to their strong jaws, it is not medically significant or deadly to humans. Myths about camel spiders disemboweling camels or chasing humans aggressively are unfounded; they are attracted to shade, so if they run towards a person, it is likely to seek shelter from the sun, not to attack. They lay eggs in the soil, not under the skin of camels or other animals.