Camel spiders, often the subject of public fascination and concern, are creatures found in various arid regions globally. Their unusual appearance and swift movements contribute to many misconceptions. Understanding these arachnids, particularly in Arizona where they reside, helps clarify their characteristics and behavior.
Camel Spiders in Arizona
Camel spiders, also known as solifuges or sun spiders, are found in Arizona. The state’s dry, hot desert environments provide a suitable habitat for these arachnids. They are commonly present throughout the southwestern United States, thriving in arid scrublands and deserts.
Understanding Solifugae
Camel spiders are not true spiders or scorpions, despite their common names and appearance. They belong to their own order of arachnids called Solifugae. Over 1,000 species exist, ranging in body length from a few millimeters to about 6 inches. These creatures have hairy bodies, which can be beige or brown, allowing them to blend into their desert surroundings.
A distinguishing feature of solifuges is their large chelicerae, pincer-like jaws that can be up to one-third of their body length. These chelicerae crush and tear prey. Solifuges also possess leg-like pedipalps, sensory appendages used to detect and grasp prey, sometimes giving the impression they have ten legs instead of eight.
Behavior and Environment
Camel spiders inhabit deserts, grasslands, and arid scrublands. They often seek refuge in crevices, under rocks, or in self-dug burrows to escape daytime heat. Most species are nocturnal, hunting during the cooler night hours. This nocturnal activity also helps them avoid the sun, as their name “Solifugae” translates to “those who flee from the sun.”
Camel spiders are predators, known for their speed, which can reach up to 10 miles per hour. This speed is used for hunting and evading threats. Their diet consists mainly of insects, other arthropods like scorpions, and occasionally small vertebrates such as lizards, rodents, or small birds. They use their jaws to dismember prey and digestive fluids to liquefy their prey.
Assessing the Threat
Despite their intimidating appearance, camel spiders are not venomous. While their bite can be painful due to their strong jaws, it is not medically significant beyond a superficial wound. The primary risk associated with a bite is potential infection. If a bite does occur, cleaning the wound with soap and water is recommended, and medical attention should be sought if signs of infection appear.
Many popular myths surrounding camel spiders are untrue. They do not chase people to attack; if they appear to chase a human, it is because they are seeking shade from the sun and are following a person’s shadow. Reports of them screaming or disemboweling camels are also false. Camel spiders are shy creatures that will only bite if provoked, handled, or accidentally trapped against the skin. To avoid encounters, shake out shoes and clothing before use and eliminate potential hiding spots around living areas.