Hobbies And Interests
The Name
The spider got its name because it is found in the desert where camels live. It is not true that this spider enters the stomach of the camel and lays its eggs inside. However, you are apt to see camel spiders in the vicinity of a dead camel, according to Camel-spiders.net.
Not Really a Spider
The camel spider isn't a scorpion or an actual spider, according to Camelspiders.net. It is a solifugae, which means that it is a creature that flees from the sun, seeking shade. Solifugae are arachnids that are characterized by their two-segmented chelicerae, which is very powerful, and by their speed, big appetite and nocturnal habits, notes Solpugid.com. This solifugae has an extra pair of legs.
Appearance
A camel spider may look swollen and appear unable to move. That's because it has over-eaten, which is characteristic behavior of a camel spider. Camel spiders spend a lot of time in their burrows and only come out to eat. They can run at 30 mph and have a scream that is petrifying to hear.
Camel spiders have eight legs, but only utilize three pairs of them or six legs. They are beige or brown and have a hairy body and legs. Males are not as big as females, but they have longer legs. Camel spiders can be 5 or 6 inches long. They come out at night and hunt because they are nocturnal. This spider can be imposing and scares people because of its large size.
Behavior
The camel spider will approach you if you are providing shade by making a shadow, which it seeks. This leads people to think that the camel spider is following them or going to attack. This isn't accurate. Camel spiders do not present a danger to humans. However, they will bite in self-defense and the bite is painful. The bite is not venomous. However, you should seek medical treatment when you are bitten by any spider, particularly if you don't know what kind of spider it was.