The camel spider, which is neither a camel nor a true spider, is the subject of many exaggerated myths, the most sensational being its ability to emit a human-like scream. These arachnids, correctly classified under the order Solifugae, are also known as sun spiders or wind scorpions, reflecting their desert habitat and speed. Their imposing, hairy appearance and large size fuel the widespread belief that they are loud, aggressive predators. This article separates the fiction from the biological facts surrounding the sounds produced by this formidable arachnid.
Identity and Classification
Camel spiders are not members of the order Araneae, which contains true spiders, but belong to their own distinct taxonomic order, Solifugae. This classification places them within the class Arachnida, alongside spiders, scorpions, and mites. A defining physical characteristic is their massive, twin-jawed mouthparts called chelicerae, which can be up to one-third the length of their body. These jaws operate like powerful, vertical pincers, used for seizing and tearing apart prey. Solifugae also have four pairs of true legs, along with a pair of highly developed pedipalps that resemble an extra set of limbs used for sensing their environment. They are typically tan or brown and are found in arid and desert regions across nearly every continent.
Investigating the “Scream” Myth
The pervasive myth that camel spiders scream at their victims while giving chase is fundamentally false, rooted in a misunderstanding of arachnid biology. Camel spiders, like all arachnids, lack the complex respiratory and vocal apparatus necessary to produce a true, high-decibel vocalization. They do not possess lungs, vocal cords, or a diaphragm required to force air and create a mammalian-style scream or shriek. This sensational story gained massive traction and distribution in the early 2000s, often spread through viral emails and photos shared by military personnel stationed in the Middle East. The accompanying images frequently employed forced perspective, making the already large arachnids appear enormous. The intimidating visual, coupled with the stressful environment of the desert, easily gave rise to the exaggerated claims of aggressive behavior and loud, terrifying noises.
Real Sounds of the Camel Spider
While a true scream is impossible, some species of Solifugae are capable of producing a sound through a mechanical process known as stridulation. This sound is generated by rubbing specialized, file-like structures on two different body parts together, similar to how a cricket chirps. In camel spiders, the stridulatory organs are typically found on the chelicerae, the large jaw structures at the front of the body. When these jaws are rapidly rubbed against each other, the resulting acoustic signal is an abrasive, friction-based noise. This sound is often described as a faint buzzing, clicking, hissing, or rattling, but it is generally quiet and barely audible to a human ear at any distance. The sound is believed to be used as a form of defense, a territorial warning to rivals, or possibly during courtship rituals.
Assessing the Danger Level
Despite their aggressive appearance and formidable jaws, camel spiders pose no significant medical danger to humans. The most important fact regarding their threat level is that they are not venomous; they lack the venom glands and the specialized delivery system found in true spiders and scorpions. They subdue their prey, which consists of insects, rodents, and lizards, using pure mechanical force and digestive fluids. A bite from a camel spider can be painful due to the sheer power and size of their chelicerae, which can break the skin and cause a severe pinch wound. The primary danger from a bite is the possibility of secondary infection, not the injection of a toxic substance. Stories of camel spiders chasing humans are a misinterpretation of their behavior, as they are simply attempting to run into the shadow of a person or object to escape the intense desert sun.