Camel Spiders

Phew! That was a narrow escape thought Peter as he ran into the room. Tired and frightened, he put on the lights and shut the doors and windows tight. He even pushed against them with all his might to ensure that he had locked them properly. Slowly he looked under his bed and pulled the bed sheet off, then he picked up the mattress and dusted it, all the time casting furtive glances all around. Once he was convinced that he was alone, he placed the bed sheet on the bed again and then jumped on it. Then he stretched his hand towards his laptop vowing to learn everything there was to know about camel spiders. This is what his research revealed.

Solifugae is the term that is used to describe the camel spider. This term has been derived from Latin and actually means those that flee from the sun. Solpugida, Solpugides, Solpugae, Galeodea and Mycetophorae are some other names the order is known by. The name camel spider has been adapted simply because they are found in the desert.

Camel Spiders – What do they look like?

These spiders are usually light gray or tan in color, with their body lengths ranging from ½ to 4 inches (not counting their outstretched legs). Camel spiders have a rounded and segmented abdomen (hind portion of the body). Long hairs that glisten in the sunlight cover the legs and body of the camel spider. At first glance, you might feel that the camel spider has ten legs; closer inspection will reveal that these are not legs but front appendages or pedipalps. These appendages are sticky on the ends, which enable it to catch and hold prey. This is not all; it is because of these same appendages that the camel spider is able to climb smooth surfaces like glass. The camel spider has eight legs but uses only the back six for running and walking, the front two are used as antennas to feel where they are going. A noticeable feature of this spider is its large and paired jaws, which work like a combination of pliers/knife tool. It is used to grab and crush prey and then works in a sawing motion to chew prey into pulp.

Camel Spiders – Where do they live?

It is interesting to note that camel spiders are found in the hot desert regions of the world. This also includes the desert regions of Southwest Asia and the Middle East. Camel spiders retreat to areas under logs, rocks and other debris or burrow into the soil or sand to escape the daytime heat. Camel spiders are usually active only at night.

Camel Spiders – Are they dangerous?

I am sure you would be relieved to know that camel spiders do not have venom glands. It is due to this reason that they rely on their strong jaws and speed to avoid enemies and catch prey. Yes, camel spiders are aggressive creatures that are able to inflict a painful bite. Camel spiders usually bite when they are handled or cornered. If the species is large then it can easily puncture and tear skin, which may further cause infections.

Facts about Camel Spiders
Myths have surrounded this creature for some time now, so here are some facts.

• The diet of a camel spider consists of insects, scorpions, spiders, centipedes and sometimes small lizards too.
• The camel spider actually runs at about a mile per hour. It is not an excellent jumper but is able to climb and crawl up trees and over walls of buildings in search of prey.
• Camel spiders are unable to scream and the loudest noise they do make is from the sound of their jaws crunching prey.
• The camel spider likes to stay in the shadows during the day in order to avoid hot patches of ground and at night it runs towards any light sources, even campfires and flashlights.