The creature commonly known as the camel spider is often misunderstood due to its intimidating appearance and misleading common names. Despite the terrifying tales that circulate, these animals are neither true spiders nor do they prey on camels. This distinctive arachnid has an exaggerated reputation that often overshadows the reality of its biology and behavior. Understanding this desert dweller requires separating scientific facts from the folklore surrounding its moniker.
The Solifugae Family: Defining the Creature
The camel spider belongs to the distinct arachnid order Solifugae, which means “those who flee from the sun.” This classification separates them entirely from true spiders (order Araneae) and scorpions (order Scorpiones). Solifuges, which include over 1,000 described species, are characterized by two main body sections, the prosoma and the opisthosoma. They lack the narrow waist, or pedicel, that defines a true spider’s body segments.
A prominent feature is their massive chelicerae, which are jaw-like appendages up to one-third the length of their body. These powerful jaws are used to chop and saw prey; solifuges are not venomous and do not inject venom. They use their first pair of legs as sensory organs, holding them aloft like antennae. This gives the appearance of having ten legs, though they only use the rear three pairs for walking. The largest species, which thrive in arid habitats across the globe, can reach up to 6 inches in length, including their legs.
Unpacking the “Camel Spider” Moniker
The name “camel spider” is a product of historical association and misunderstanding rather than biological accuracy. The “camel” part of the name likely originated from their shared habitat with camels in the arid regions of the Middle East and North Africa. Locals and travelers may have associated the two creatures because they were both conspicuous residents of the same harsh desert environment.
Another theory suggests the name arose from false folklore, claiming the arachnids would hide under camels for shade or attack their soft underbellies. The “spider” component is a misnomer derived from their general appearance as an eight-legged arachnid, leading laypersons to group them incorrectly with true spiders. They are also known by more descriptive names like “sun spiders,” referencing their tendency to be active during the day, or “wind scorpions,” alluding to their speed. These alternative names better reflect the animal’s movement, which can reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour.
Debunking the Desert Legends
Many sensational stories surrounding the camel spider are gross exaggerations that gained notoriety, particularly during conflicts in the Middle East. The most persistent myth claims they can run at speeds comparable to a human, sometimes cited as high as 25 miles per hour. This is far beyond their actual maximum speed of around 10 miles per hour, which is often misinterpreted as them aggressively chasing people.
In reality, if a camel spider appears to be chasing a person across the hot sand, it is likely seeking the cool shade cast by the person’s body. Another legend suggests they use a powerful anesthetic venom to numb sleeping soldiers before feeding on them, but solifuges are non-venomous. While their bite can be painful due to their powerful jaws, they primarily hunt insects, small lizards, and rodents. Dramatic tales of them disemboweling camels or leaping into the air to attack are simply untrue.