Camel spider, also called wind scorpion or wind spider, is an eight-legged, spiderlike creature commonly found in warm, dry areas. Camel spiders are not true spiders. But they are arachnids, a group of eight-legged animals that includes spiders and scorpions. There are more than 1,000 species (kinds) of camel spiders.
Camel spiders are found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. They are most common in warm, dry areas, such as deserts, dry plains, and mountains lacking in rainfall. Most species are nocturnal (active at night). During the day, they hide under stones or in burrows.
Camel spiders vary in size. The largest species reach as much as 5 inches (13 centimeters) long. Most species have long legs and run fast.
Camel spiders are aggressive predators (hunting animals). They typically feed on such insects as beetles and locusts, along with other small invertebrates (animals without backbones). Some species of camel spiders may hunt animals as large as lizards. Camel spiders hold prey with their fangs and leglike pedipalps. Unlike nearly all true spiders, camel spiders lack venom (poison) glands.
People have spread many false beliefs about camel spiders. For example, camel spiders are said to run as fast as horses. But camel spiders do not run that quickly. Some people believe that camel spiders rip open the bellies of camels. However, camel spiders do not attack large animals unless threatened. Also, their bite is not powerful enough to seriously injure camels. Some people believe that camel spiders attack sleeping people. But camel spiders pose little threat to human beings. In parts of Africa, camel spiders are said to cut the hair of sleeping people to use in lining their burrows. But camel spiders do not collect hair.
