Camel spiders, often misunderstood creatures, frequently spark curiosity regarding their appearance and behavior. Their distinctive looks and common names, like “sun spiders” or “wind scorpions,” contribute to many popular misconceptions. This article aims to clarify some of the most common questions about these intriguing arachnids, particularly focusing on their leg count.
The True Leg Count and Why It’s Confusing
Camel spiders possess eight legs, consistent with all arachnids. This aligns them with true spiders, scorpions, and ticks. However, many people mistakenly believe they have ten legs due to the presence of two prominent leg-like appendages at their front.
These additional appendages are not true legs used for walking but are specialized sensory organs called pedipalps. Pedipalps are highly sensitive and are used for various functions, including detecting obstacles and prey, grasping food, and even during locomotion to feel the terrain. The camel spider’s dependence on these tactile senses is pronounced; their first pair of true legs may appear smaller and thinner, serving a sensory role alongside the pedipalps.
Beyond the Legs: What is a Camel Spider?
Camel spiders are not true spiders, nor are they scorpions, despite some of their common names. They belong to their own distinct order within the class Arachnida, known as Solifugae. While sharing arachnid characteristics like eight legs and a two-section body, they are separate from true spiders (Araneae) and scorpions (Scorpiones).
Camel spiders have large, powerful jaws, called chelicerae. These chelicerae can be up to one-third of their body length and are used to capture, tear, and cut prey. Unlike many spiders, camel spiders are not venomous; instead, they use their strong jaws to subdue prey and digestive fluids to liquefy their victims for consumption. Despite their intimidating appearance and common myths, most species are typically around 5-7 cm in body length, though some can reach up to 15 cm including their legs.
Where They Live and How They Behave
Camel spiders primarily inhabit arid and semi-arid regions across the globe. They are found in deserts and scrublands in areas such as the Middle East, southwestern United States, Africa, and parts of Asia and the Americas. Their preference for dry, hot climates is reflected in their scientific name, Solifugae, which translates to “those that flee from the sun.”
These arachnids are predominantly nocturnal hunters. They are known for their impressive speed, with some species capable of running up to 16 kilometers per hour (10 miles per hour) in short bursts. Camel spiders are carnivorous predators, feeding on a diverse diet that includes insects, other arachnids, and small vertebrates like lizards, small birds, and rodents.