Aw Obelisk, they're misunderstood.....
Desert camel spiders create ‘urban legends’
by Senior Airman Grace Hall
379th Expeditionary Medical Group Public Health
07/26/02 - OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (AFPN) -- Many people deployed for the war on terrorism have heard of the dreaded camel spider and how this monster-of-a-creature can viciously attack everything in its path. Stories even exist of camel spiders eating people’s flesh in the middle of the night without them noticing until they wake up.
Unfortunately, these “urban legends” are what most people believe. Few actually know what the camel spider is truly like.
The name “camel spider” is not entirely accurate. They are not exactly spiders; they are solifugids -- sort of a cross between a spider and a scorpion. They vary in size, between 1 to 6 inches, depending on the species, sex or age.
They do not spin webs and most types (more than 500 species) do not have venom. There is one species that may live in the Southwest Asia area that has a type of venom that causes temporary paralysis in the victim. All species have four pincer-like jaws used for crushing prey. The main risks presented by camel spider bites are shock or infection.
Despite their fearsome appearance and strong bite, camel spiders are unlikely to harm humans. Generally, they prefer to stay away from people. So, they are not likely to make a meal out of someone; however, if they are backed into a corner or feel threatened, they will aggressively fight back.
Although they only use three of their four pairs of legs for running, camel spiders are one of the fastest running arthropods and can reach speeds up to 10 mph. They rely on this speed to catch prey.
Oftentimes, people only catch a glimpse of the camel spider as it dashes across the desert floor in search of food. They feed on other spiders, scorpions, lizards, mice and some small birds. Once they have caught their prey, they use their crushing jaws to kill it.
Camel spiders are nocturnal predators coming out primarily at night in search of food. They are attracted to light and will appear most frequently on roads or paths. During the day, camel spiders spend most of their time hiding in burrows or under objects looking for shade.
When they do come out during the day, camel spiders avoid the heat by running from shadow to shadow, even if it belongs to a human. If a camel spider runs toward a person’s shadow and he or she tries to run away, the spider will chase the shadow. So, it appears to be chasing people when it is actually not.
If people see a camel spider, do not try to get rid of it themselves, said officials with 379th Expeditionary Medical Group public health section at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The spider will move on its own; camel spiders do not spend much time in one place.
Chemicals such as bug sprays are not recommended as they most likely will do nothing but make the spider angry, said officials.
Officials also warn against trying to capture a camel spider to serve as a pet or mascot. Avoidance is the key.
http://www.af.mil/news/Jul2002/n20020726_1187.shtml
