The creatures commonly known as the Camel Spider are found in Texas, particularly in the arid regions of the state. These animals are not true spiders, but belong to a separate order of arachnids called Solifugae, which also earn them the names sun spiders or wind scorpions. Like all arachnids, they have eight legs, but they lack the silk-producing glands and venom found in true spiders.
Identifying Solifugae
The Solifugae have a distinct appearance. Their most defining feature is a massive pair of jaws, known as chelicerae, which can be up to one-third of their body length. These powerful jaws are used to seize and tear apart their prey with a chopping or sawing motion.
In North America, the body length of these arachnids rarely exceeds two inches, though the total span including their long legs can reach up to six or eight inches. Their bodies are covered in fine hairs, giving them a fuzzy or bristly look. They appear to have ten legs, but the first pair are actually elongated pedipalps, which function more like feelers to search for and manipulate prey.
These organisms are known for their incredible speed, which contributes to the name “wind scorpion.” Solifugae can move with agility, reaching speeds up to 10 miles per hour in short bursts. This combination of speed and large jaws makes them highly effective predators.
Geographic Distribution in Texas
Solifugae thrive in hot, dry environments, which dictates their distribution across the Lone Star State. They are most commonly encountered in the desert and semi-arid landscapes of West Texas, including the Trans-Pecos region and areas near the Chihuahuan desert. This habitat preference means they are frequently sighted in places like Big Bend National Park and other desert grasslands.
They seek out areas with open, sandy soil where they can easily burrow for refuge and nesting. While most abundant in the western half of the state, sightings can occur in the outskirts of cities like Austin where the terrain transitions to more scrubland. Encounters in highly developed or humid, coastal areas are much rarer due to their specific need for dry, sparsely vegetated land.
Assessing the Danger Level
Despite their reputation, camel spiders are not venomous and pose a negligible threat to human health. They do not possess venom glands and cannot inject toxins. The common myths suggesting they chase people or disembowel camels are untrue, often stemming from misidentification or exaggerated stories.
A bite from a camel spider can be painful due to the strength of their large jaws, which are capable of breaking human skin. Any medical significance relates to the possibility of an open wound becoming infected, not from a toxin. They are voracious predators, using speed and powerful mouthparts to consume insects, lizards, and small rodents. Solifugae only bite humans if they feel threatened or are accidentally handled. They often run toward a person to seek shade from the sun, which is likely the source of the “chasing” myth.