Camel Spiders in Arizona: Facts, Myths, and More About These Desert Dwellers

What are Camel Spiders?

Camel spiders, also known as wind scorpions or sun spiders, are a type of solifugid found in desert regions around the world. Despite their name, camel spiders are not technically spiders or scorpions. Around 40 different species of camel spiders can be found in the southwestern United States, with several native to the deserts of Arizona.

These nocturnal predators have a distinctive appearance with hairy, crab-like bodies and long spindly legs. They have enormous jaws and can move at incredible speeds, bursting forward to snatch up prey. Their bite can be painful to humans, although they are not venomous and pose little danger.

Camel spiders have developed remarkable adaptations that allow them to thrive in the intense, arid conditions of the Arizona desert. Read on to learn more about the biology and behavior of these intriguing creatures.

Physical Characteristics

Camel spiders have elongated, segmented bodies that bear some resemblance to a crab or spider crab. Adults range in size from 2-6 inches in length depending on the species, with legs spanning 5-10 inches. They have a sandy brown color that provides good camouflage against desert sand.

Other key physical features include:

• Two large, powerful jaws used to grasp prey
• No venom or silk glands
• Eight legs with multiple joints
• Two very long pedipalps that helpsense the environment
• Two eyes on the top of the cephalothorax
• Mouthparts on the underside of the body

Fast Movement and Reaction Speed

Camel spiders are extremely fast runners capable of bursts of speed over 10 mph. This allows them to chase down prey like insects, lizards, and small rodents across desert sand. They have excellent eyesight and can detect movements from long distances.

Research shows that camel spiders react instantly to visual stimuli thanks to rapid neural transmission. Their entire central nervous system is specially adapted to facilitate fast responses and movements.

Potent Jaws and Venom Rumors

The enormous jaws of a camel spider can appear quite intimidating. These jaws contain sharp fang-like appendages for seizing and tearing apart prey. Males use their jaws in combat against other males.

While a bite from those powerful jaws can certainly puncture skin and cause pain, there is no evidence that camel spiders are venomous. Some rumors claim their bite contains anesthetic-like venoms or even flesh-eating substances, but these are unsubstantiated.

Habitat and Behavior

Camel spiders occupy arid, desert regions throughout southwest America. In Arizona, they are most common in areas with compact sandy or soft soils in which they can burrow during the day. This includes deserts like the Sonoran Desert spanning southern Arizona.

These solitary creatures spend the daytime burrowed underground to escape the heat. They emerge at night to hunt for food at temperatures between 95-105°F when their prey is active. Camel spiders are not territorial and do not build permanent burrows.

Hunting and Feeding

With their lightning-fast speed, camel spiders are adept nocturnal hunters able to chase down a variety of prey. Small animals that camel spiders feed on include:

• Insects
• Scorpions
• Rodents
• Small lizards
• Spiders

Camel spiders are carnivorous and use their powerful jaws to crush prey. The stomach acid of camel spiders is incredibly acidic, with a pH of around 1. This allows them to dissolve bones and feathers when digesting prey.

Defense Mechanisms

To avoid becoming prey themselves, camel spiders rely on their speed and ability to sense vibrations through their legs. When threatened, they can run up to 10 mph to escape into a burrow. Camel spiders will also rear up in a defensive posture and use their jaws to pinch in self-defense.

Dealing With Temperature Extremes

Camel spiders employ several strategies to deal with the intense daytime heat of the desert. These include:

• Burrowing into cooler sand during daylight hours
• Emerging at night to hunt and forage
• Detecting breeze direction using sensitive hairs to avoid heat waves
• Raising body temperature above air temperature to avoid gaining heat
• Minimizing water loss with an insulating waxy covering

In cold weather, camel spiders are able to raise their body temperature through muscle contractions. This allows them to stay active even when temperatures drop close to freezing at night.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Mating between male and female camel spiders occurs during the spring and summer months. As they have no wings for aerial courtship, mating takes place on the ground. Males competing for females will use their jaws to wrestle one another.

Following mating, females lay between 20-100 eggs in a burrow or concealed spot. The eggs are tended for several weeks until they hatch into young camel spiders. Babies molt several times as they grow, eventually reaching full adult size in 1-2 years.

The typical lifespan of a camel spider in the wild is thought to range from 5-10 years. Their high speed and ability to escape threats helps them avoid predation and live for a number of years.

Interactions with Humans

Camel spiders have developed a fearful reputation thanks to urban legends exaggerating their size and threat. Contrary to myth, they cannot run at highway speeds, do not yell, and are not deadly to humans.

In reality, camel spiders pose very little danger to people. However, their bites can penetrate skin and should be treated to avoid infection. Wearing protective clothing reduces the small risk of being bitten.

Bites and Treatment

While not venomous, the powerful jaws of a camel spider can inflict a painful bite. Signs include:

• Puncture marks at the bite site
• Redness and swelling
• Mild bleeding
• Itching, pain, or soreness lasting a few days

Serious reactions are rare as there is no venom injected. Clean the bite area with soap and water. Topical antibiotic cream can be applied to prevent infection. Over-the-counter pain medication can help relieve pain and swelling.

Camel Spiders as Pets

Some people choose to keep camel spiders as exotic pets. Their speed and predatory nature can make them interesting to observe. However, they require very specific care to mimic desert conditions:

• Arid terrarium with plentiful burrowing substrate
• Rock shelters and hiding places
• Daytime heat around 90°F
• Cooler 70-80°F temperatures at night
• Low humidity below 40%
• Live prey like insects and occasional mice

Camel spiders have a reputation for being aggressive in captivity and attempting escape. They do not adjust well to frequent handling. Keeping them as pets requires expertise in meeting their specialized needs.

Myths and Exaggerations

Many myths and exaggerations surround camel spiders. Here are some common misconceptions:

• Myth: Camel spiders can run up to 30 mph. False - Their top speed is closer to 10 mph.
• Myth: Camel spiders scream loudly. False – They make quiet hisses but no loud screams.
• Myth: Camel spiders chase humans to bite and eat flesh. False – They only seek shade and do not actively hunt large animals or humans.
• Myth: Camel spider venom numbs flesh and kills instantly. False – They do not produce venom and bites are not deadly.
• Myth: Camel spiders can grow to be 6 feet long. False – The largest species reach about 6 inches body length.

While the jaws and speed of camel spiders may seem frightening, they do not stalk humans and will only bite in self-defense. Their reputation is often exaggerated on the internet and in rumors.

Camel Spiders vs. Other Arizona Desert Species

Tarantulas

Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders found in Arizona and other Southwestern states. Unlike camel spiders, tarantulas can produce silk and venom. Their bite is poisonous but rarely deadly. Tarantulas are slower moving ambush predators rather than sprinters like camel spiders.

Scorpions

Around 90 species of scorpions inhabit Arizona, including the dangerous bark scorpion. Scorpions can inject paralyzing venom with their stinger to subdue prey. Camel spiders lack venom and rely on speed and their jaws to overcome prey.

Vinegaroons

Also called whip scorpions, vinegaroons have front pincer claws and a whip-like tail with no stinger. Vinegaroons spray an acidic mist as a defense. Unlike camel spiders, vinegaroons do not attack prey by running but instead rely on their claws.

Sun Spiders

Sun spiders belong to the same taxonomic order as camel spiders but are a different family. Sun spiders have a more compact oval body and shorter legs than elongated camel spiders adapted for running.

Key Facts About Camel Spiders in Arizona

• Camel spiders live in hot, arid deserts and are most active at night.
• With their crab-like bodies and long legs, they are adapted for speed and agility on desert sand.
• They use their enormous jaws to grab and eat prey rather than spin webs or produce venom.
• Bites are painful but not medically significant for humans.
• Myths exaggerate traits like running speed, screaming sounds, and flesh eating.
• Camel spiders help control desert pest populations and play an important ecological role.

While their appearance may not be the most inviting, camel spiders are fascinating creatures well-adapted for survival in the harsh Arizona desert climate.

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.