Camel Spider (Sun Spider)
Solifugae (order)
low risk
arachnid
Overview
Large, fast-moving arachnids of the order Solifugae found throughout the arid regions of the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. Not true spiders, they are notorious for their alarming speed, large chelicerae, and fearsome reputation — though they are non-venomous and medically significant only through mechanical bite wounds.
Body length 5–7 cm, pale golden-brown or tan matching desert sand. Enormous chelicerae (jaw appendages) make up one-third of body length. Eight legs plus two sensory pedipalps giving the impression of 10 legs. Covered in fine bristles.
Prevention Strategies
- •Seal gaps around doors, windows, and utility entries
- •Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts prey insects (and thus camel spiders)
- •Clear debris, woodpiles, and rocks from around structures
- •Use door sweeps and window screens
- •Wear gloves when working in sandy or rocky ground
Control Methods
- •Glue traps placed along walls and entry points
- •Perimeter pyrethroid spray treatment
- •Reduce prey populations (insects) to discourage foraging near structures
- •Manual removal using a container and stiff card
- •Clean bites thoroughly and seek medical attention for secondary infection
Interesting Facts
- •Urban legends of camel spiders growing to the size of dinner plates and running at 50 km/h are exaggerated — reality is impressive enough
- •They chase human shadows not to attack but to shelter in the shade
- •Chelicerae contain no venom gland — they are purely mechanical weapons
- •Order Solifugae contains 1,000+ species across many families