The Different Characteristics of Camel Spiders
Solifugids or popularly known as camel spider is somehow
admired by other people.Researchers
say that this spider evolved in the Mesozoic Era, 265 million years ago.
Some say that their ancestors are the primordial scorpion that came from
the sea many years ago. The appearance of this spider is somehow close
to scorpions because of its body structure. Rumors say that these spider
is a cross breed of insects, scorpions and spiders. These spiders can be
found in some tropical islands. The dessert of Middle East for example,
is the common place where these creatures live. Like scorpions, they
live under rocks and sand in order to restrain themselves from the heat.
The usual color of a camel spider is reddish-brown. The
structural size of their body is between 1 – 4 inches. Their shape is
similar with other spiders for they have bulbous abdomen and have 8 – 10
legs. However, the two legs in front is use for holding and catching
their prey. The ends are sticky in order to grip and eat their food
properly. They also use these legs for directional purposes. The six
other legs are use for crawling and running.
Their body is also covered with hairs like a typical
spider. They use their hair to sense vibration and in order to escape.
The speed of this spider is tremendously fast. Some say that the
constant speed of this spider is 10 miles per hour. The chelicera, or
known as their jaw is like a combination of different tools you can see
in our house. It has a grip like a pliers and sharp as a knife. Unlike
scorpions, camel spiders use the massive strength of their jaws to crush
their food. They usually produce a hissing sound due to the grinding of
their jaws.
There are over thousands of solifugids in this world. As
mentioned earlier, they can be found in some tropical and hot regions of
the world. Some of these spiders hunt their food in nighttime in order
to avoid the extreme heat of the sun. They usually use their speed in
order to catch their prey. Some tourists and local residents of these
countries fear this creature. Different stories had come up that a camel
spider can crush a limb in no time. However, experts say that these
spiders are harmless unless you provoke them in doing so.
Names like wind spiders, sun spiders and beard cutters
are the common nicknames for these spider. Rumors and stories grew
bigger because of the myths about camel spiders. Pictures had been taken
to either add information or scare other people. In order to avoid being
attack, it is better to leave the spider alone as it pass by. A camel
spider’s bite can be very painful due to its powerful jaws. Therefore,
touching or teasing these spiders is strictly prohibited. If bitten by
this creature, it is better to consult a doctor in order to avoid
infections.
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