The term ‘camel spider’ often conjures images of large, fast-moving creatures, leading to widespread confusion about their biological classification. Many people wonder if these desert dwellers are true spiders, given their arachnid appearance. Understanding the distinctions requires a closer look at the unique characteristics that define different groups of arthropods. This exploration will clarify whether camel spiders belong to the same biological order as the common spiders we encounter.
Defining a True Spider
True spiders, belonging to the Order Araneae, have distinct anatomical features. Their bodies are distinctly divided into two primary segments: a fused head and thorax, known as the cephalothorax or prosoma, and an abdomen, or opisthosoma. These two sections are connected by a slender pedicel, allowing for independent movement.
True spiders have eight legs, arranged in four pairs, which attach to the cephalothorax. A defining characteristic is the presence of spinnerets, specialized appendages at the posterior end of the abdomen. These extrude silk, used for purposes like web construction, egg sacs, or creating shelters.
Spiders also feature chelicerae, their mouthparts, equipped with fangs. These fangs typically contain venom glands, allowing spiders to inject venom into their prey for immobilization or defense.
Unmasking the Camel Spider
Camel spiders, classified under the Order Solifugae, are arachnids that often cause confusion due to their appearance. Their body plan features two main sections: a prosoma and a distinctly segmented abdomen, which typically comprises 10 segments.
These creatures appear to have ten legs, but actually possess eight true walking legs. The two foremost leg-like appendages are pedipalps, primarily used for sensory exploration, grasping prey, and manipulating their surroundings, rather than for walking.
A notable feature of camel spiders is their exceptionally large chelicerae, or jaws, which are the largest in proportion to body size among terrestrial invertebrates. They use these powerful, pincer-like structures to cut and tear prey. Unlike spiders, camel spiders are not venomous. They can measure up to 15 cm (6 inches) including their legs and reach speeds of up to 16 km/h (10 mph).
The Verdict: Not a Spider
Camel spiders are not true spiders, despite their common name and arachnid classification. Several biological differences distinguish them. True spiders (Order Araneae) have two distinct body segments, with an unsegmented abdomen joined by a narrow pedicel. Camel spiders, however, have a segmented abdomen.
Unlike true spiders, camel spiders lack spinnerets and cannot produce silk. True spiders use these specialized organs to extrude silk for various purposes. Their mouthparts also differ: true spiders use venomous fangs, while camel spiders rely on robust, pincer-like chelicerae to tear prey, as they do not produce venom.
While both are arachnids and share eight true legs, camel spiders possess prominent pedipalps that can make them appear to have ten legs, further setting them apart.
Beyond the Myth: What Else to Know
Camel spiders, also known as solifuges, are arachnids belonging to the distinct order Solifugae. This class also includes spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites. They primarily inhabit hot, arid regions globally, including deserts in the Middle East, Africa, and the southwestern United States. They are typically nocturnal, seeking refuge from daytime heat in burrows or under objects.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, other arthropods, and small vertebrates like lizards or rodents, which they overpower with their jaws. Many myths surround camel spiders, often exaggerating their size, speed, and danger to humans. They are not venomous to people, though their bite can be painful due to the mechanical action of their strong chelicerae.
A persistent myth is that they chase humans or camels. If a camel spider appears to run towards a person, it is often seeking shade, as they are drawn to shadows. While they can reach speeds of up to 16 km/h (10 mph), they rarely maintain such speeds for extended periods.