Camel Spider Bites: Are They Poisonous or Just Myths and Legends?

Understanding Camel Spiders and Their Venom

Camel spiders, also known as wind scorpions or sun spiders, are a unique and often misunderstood group of arachnids. They have a formidable appearance and legends of their venom being lethal to humans are common.

However, the reality about camel spider venom and bites is more complex. Here we’ll explore camel spider facts so you have accurate safety information about this intimidating critter.

Are Camel Spiders Venomous?

Yes, camel spiders do have venom. All spiders produce venom, which helps them immobilize prey for feeding. Camel spider venom is primarily used to paralyze small insects and arthropods which the spider then eats.

However, most camel spiders pose very little risk to humans. Their venom is not medically significant, meaning it does not cause serious illness or death in people. Only one species of camel spider has venom that could potentially be dangerous.

The Giant Camel Spider

The largest species of camel spider is also nicknamed the “wind scorpion.” Giant camel spiders can grow up to 6 inches in leg span. They are found in desert regions of the Middle East and Central Asia.

The giant camel spider does have venom that contains compounds possibly toxic to people. However, these spiders rarely bite humans. And there are no confirmed cases of life-threatening envenomation occurring.

Smaller camel spider species have venom even less toxic to mammals like humans. Their tiny jaws and short fangs make it physically difficult for them to bite through human skin anyway.

What Happens if a Camel Spider Bites You?

Considering their fearsome legends, you may be surprised to learn camel spider bites are extremely uncommon. Provoking a threatened spider—by handling it carelessly for example—would be necessary for most bites to occur.

If a camel spider does bite, you may experience the following symptoms:

• A stinging or numbing sensation
• Mild swelling and redness
• Itching around the bite
• A small puncture wound or scratches

These symptoms are mild compared to venomous spider bites. The area could be sore or itchy for a few days but serious complications are very rare from camel spider bites.

What to Do After a Camel Spider Bite

If you are bitten by a camel spider, the first step is washing the area thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic cream and cover it with a clean bandage.

Monitor yourself for an hour afterwards for signs of allergic reaction, including swelling, hives, trouble breathing and dizziness. If any reaction develops, seek medical attention promptly.

Without complications, leave the bandage on for 24 hours. After removing it, continue washing the site daily and apply antiseptic. If redness spreads or pus develops, see your doctor for potential infection.

Camel Spider Bite Myths and Exaggerations

Stories of camel spiders being lethal or having horrific effects on humans are pure myth. However several urban legend-type claims about their venom persist.

Myth: Camel Spiders Eat Flesh

False! Camel spiders eat small insects and arthropods, not flesh. Tales of them consuming animals or people are completely fabricated. Their jaws and digestive systems are designed for much smaller prey than that.

They could take an exploratory nibble of a person but do not feed on flesh or blood. A sleeping person could potentially get an insect-hunting spider crawling on them which may have spawned this myth.

Myth: Venom Melts Flesh

Also false. As already covered, most camel spider venom isn’t even toxic to humans, let alone flesh-melting. None of their venom contains compounds that can digest tissue or skin.

At worst a bite may sting, itch, swell slightly or get infected like any puncture wound. Any skin ulceration associated with camel spiders would stem from an infection, not venom necrosis.

Myth: Camel Spiders Chase People

These solitary, shy spiders spend daytime hiding in burrows, only coming out at night to hunt. While fast moving, they do not chase, attack or leap at humans or animals many times their size.

Viral videos showing them running alongside troops or jeeps in desert settings gave rise to this myth. If exposed, the spiders may briefly sprint for new cover which was misinterpreted as charging at people.

Protecting Yourself From Camel Spiders

Avoiding camel spider bites when traveling through their desert habitats comes down to caution, protective clothing and securing your accommodations.

Shake Out Gear and Check Bedding

Given their propensity to hide in clothing or bedding left on the ground, thoroughly shaking out any gear before use is wise. Always check sheets/sleeping bags for spiders before retiring for the night as well.

Wear Gloves and Boots Outdoors

Gloves protect your hands while sturdy boots deny spiders access up trouser legs when hiking or camping. Long sleeves and pants also limit exposed skin during desert adventures.

Tucking pants into socks/boots creates another barrier. Wear light colors to spot spiders more easily and avoid reaching blindly into dark crevices.

Secure Your Campsite

Eliminate clutter around your campsite and keep tents tightly zipped when not in use. Shake shoes out before putting them on. Bring a flashlight to scan the ground at night.

Stowing gear properly, remaining vigilant of your surroundings and respecting spiders’ space keeps everyone safest.

While an intimidating sight, these shy creatures pose minimal risks with proper precautions. Their horrifying reputation is seriously overblown compared to actual camel spider facts. So explore desert environments confidently knowing how to protect yourself!

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.