Creature Feature

Camel Spiders

Fast Facts Order Solifugae Related to both spiders and scorpions ~1000 species Prefer dry, sandy areas Solifugid means ‘escaping from the sun’ Found in Northern Africa and in the Middle East Reach up to 6 inches in length Covered with hairs and spines - helps them to move fast and sense vibrations in their surroundings

Hunting Carnivorous Run up to 10 mph Have a very high metabolic rate Diet includes small rodents, spiders, insects, termites, and small lizards Not strong enough to kill larger mammals, but occasionally they capture small birds Nocturnal and burrow during the day

Reproduction Can involve direct or indirect sperm transfer Male flings the female on her back and inserts the spermatophore Females dig burrows and lay eggs They then guard them until they hatch

Common Myths They are venomous – Bites can become infected Chase people – Actually following their shadows Can jump 3 ft high Can disembowel camels