Guide to Camel Spiders in Arizona

Understanding Camel Spiders in Arizona

Camel spiders are arachnids that have become rather notorious in parts of the Southwestern United States, especially Arizona. Their appearance can be startling, and myths surround their threat to humans. Keep reading to separate fact from fiction regarding these intriguing desert dwellers.

What Exactly Are Camel Spiders?

While called “spiders,” camel spiders actually belong to a different order of arachnids known as solifugae. There are over 1,000 species of solifugids around the world, with about 155 in the United States.

In Arizona and surrounding states, the most common varieties are the banded camel spider and the red desert camel spider. They are not venomous or poisonous but can give a painful defensive bite.

Debunking Myths About Camel Spiders

Over time, a number of frightening but false rumors have spread about camel spiders:

• Myth: Camel spiders scream loudly
• Myth: They are extremely venomous to humans
• Myth: Camel spiders can run 25-30 mph
• Myth: They eat the stomachs of sleeping camels

While intriguing, none of these tales are based in truth. Camel spiders vocalize by rubbing body parts, cannot pierce human skin to inject venom, max out around 10-12 mph running speed, and subsist primarily on insects and small vertebrates.

Why the Camel Spider Got Its Name

So where did the name “camel spider” originate from? There are a few possibilities:

• Their tan coloration resembles the fur of camels
• They inhabit similar hot desert environments as camels
• They reportedly can bite camels while feeding

The bottom line - don’t let scary myths deter you – camel spiders are a unique creature worth understanding!

Physical Characteristics and Behavior

Now that fiction is separated from truth, what do camel spiders accurately look and behave like in Arizona’s deserts?

Appearance and Size

Tan, brown, or reddish in color, camel spiders have a segmented oval body with long spindly legs. They have two very large front appendages used for grasping prey. Size ranges from about 2-6 inches in body length.

Nocturnal Hunters

As arachnids, camel spiders share similarities with both spiders and scorpions. Unlike their spider cousins, camel spiders are not web builders. They hunt prey roaming the desert floors at night.

Preferring Desert Habitats

As names like “red desert spider” suggest, camel spiders thrive in dry, arid desert environments with plenty of hiding places offered by rocky soils, vegetation, and underground burrows.

Speed and Agility

While greatly exaggerated in myths, camel spiders are quite quick - using their speed at night to pursue insect meals like ants, flies, grasshoppers and beetles across sandy desert floors.

Staying Cool in the Shade

Insect prey becomes more scarce in extreme daytime heat. So camel spiders will hide tucked under rocks or buried shallowly underground until conditions improve, especially in summer.

Camel Spider Encounters and Bites

Camel spiders have developed an intimidating reputation in desert regions. But how much of a threat do they pose for Arizona residents and visitors?

Painful but Non-Venomous Bites

While not venomous, larger camel spiders have sharp fangs capable of inflicting a painful bite leaving small puncture wounds. These can become infected if not properly cleaned.

Bites typically only happen if spiders become trapped against human skin and feel threatened enough to defend themselves.

Hitchhiking Indoors for Moisture

As desert residents, camel spiders rely on ambient moisture. In dry conditions, they occasionally seek refuge inside houses or hide within bags, clothes, or shoes left outside overnight.

Indoor intrusions also often occur when spiders venture out during summer monsoons then get stranded once moisture evaporates.

Removing Unwanted Guests

While startling houseguests, indoor camel spiders pose minimal threat to people and pets. Without insect prey, they likely perish from starvation shortly after entering homes anyway.

Use cups and stiff paper to trap then release spiders outdoors away from structures. Sealing cracks around windows and doors helps prevent future wanderers.

COEXISTING WITH CAMEL SPIDERS IN ARIZONA

Now that you understand the truth about camel spiders in your Arizona backyard, you can coexist safely!

Appreciating Nature’s Pest Control

Camel spiders fill a valuable niche keeping desert insect populations in check – pouncing on dozens of prey nightly. Without spiders, pesky bugs would thrive out of control!

Admiring Their Adaptations

Solifugids have evolved amazing mechanisms to survive in dry climates, like respiratory systems trapping air moisture and hairy feet cushioning hot sands.

Leaving Space

While scary-looking, respect camel spiders’ space and right to call the desert home like you! Their reclusive nature means humans have little to fear from these intriguing creatures.

Simply take care not to directly disturb hidden spiders. Monitor shoes and clothing left outside. Stay vigilant of indoor appearances. And you’ll seamlessly share the Arizona deserts!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.