Sun spiders, also known as camel spiders or wind scorpions, are fascinating creatures that have grabbed the attention of many people. These arachnids can be found in various parts of the world, from deserts to grasslands. In this article, we will uncover everything you need to know about these intriguing yet misunderstood animals.
Despite their alarming appearance, sun spiders are not as dangerous as you may think. While they are fast and possess powerful jaws, they are not venomous and do not pose a significant threat to humans. However, their bites can still be painful and may require medical attention.
As you delve deeper into the world of sun spiders, you will discover their unique features, such as their nocturnal habits and their ability to regulate body temperature. Stay tuned as we explore more about these captivating creatures and help you better understand their role in the ecosystem.
Sun Spider Basics
Scientific Classification
Sun spiders, also known as solifugae, belong to the class Arachnida in the phylum Arthropoda. Although they are commonly referred to as spiders, sun spiders are not true spiders. They are a unique group of arachnids that share some similarities with spiders and scorpions. The scientific name for sun spiders is Solifugae.
Sun spiders have several distinct features that set them apart from other arachnids:
- They have large, powerful jaws (chelicerae) that they use for catching and crushing prey.
- They have eight legs and two additional leg-like appendages called pedipalps that help them move and sense their environment.
- Unlike true spiders, they do not possess venom glands or silk-producing organs (spinnerets).
The habitat of sun spiders ranges across deserts, grasslands, and other arid regions around the world. They are primarily nocturnal creatures, preferring to hide from the sun during the day and hunt at night. Sun spiders are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of smaller insects and other arthropods.
If you ever encounter a sun spider, remember that they are more likely to be afraid of you than you should be of them. They might look intimidating with their large jaws, but they rarely pose a threat to humans.
Physical Characteristics
Size and Color
Sun spiders, known for their distinctive appearance, come in varying sizes. They typically range from 0.4 inches (1 cm) to 2.7 inches (7 cm) in body length. Size varies depending on the species. As for their color, these creatures can be found in shades of brown and beige, often exhibiting a golden color. Their hue helps them blend seamlessly with their natural environment.
Unique Body Parts
Sun spiders possess several fascinating body parts that set them apart from other arachnids:
- Jaws: Their powerful jaws or pedipalps are equipped with large pincer-like appendages. These jaws allow the Sun spider to grasp and crush its prey with ease.
- Segmented body: The Sun spider’s body is divided into two main sections – the cephalothorax and the opisthosoma (abdomen), creating a visibly segmented appearance.
- Malleoli: These organs on the Sun spider’s abdomen are unique to their species. They serve as sensory structures that help detect vibrations in their surroundings.
Habitat and Distribution
Known Habitats
Sun spiders, also known as solifugids or wind scorpions, are found in a variety of habitats around the world. These creatures are particularly common in hot, dry regions, such as:
- Deserts
- Semi-arid environments
- Dry forests
This preference for dry climates allows them to thrive in places like Arizona, Texas, Africa, and India.
Geographical Spread
Sun spiders have a wide geographic distribution, spanning multiple continents. Here are some examples of where you can find them:
- Arizona and Texas: Sun spiders are known to inhabit the arid regions of these two US states.
- Africa: Various species of sun spiders are found throughout the African continent, especially in its deserts and semi-arid regions.
- India: Sun spiders are commonly found in India due to its diverse habitats and dry climates.
To sum up, sun spiders have a vast range and are found in a wide array of habitats within hot and dry regions globally.
Behavior and Lifestyle
Diet and Predators
Sun spiders are voracious predators that are known to consume various prey. Some of the common prey they hunt include insects, lizards, and even other smaller arachnids. Being nocturnal creatures, these spiders usually hunt at night. Here are some examples:
- Insects: ants, beetles, and moths
- Lizards: small geckos and skinks
- Arachnids: smaller spiders and scorpions
Although sun spiders are skillful hunters, they also have predators of their own. Some animals that prey on them include birds, larger lizards, and even some mammals.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Sun spiders have a fascinating life cycle. The females lay eggs in burrows to protect them from predators. Once the eggs hatch, the spiderlings go through multiple growth stages before becoming adults.
Some key points about sun spider reproduction are:
- Mating typically occurs at night.
- Females can lay several hundred eggs.
- Spiderlings molt and grow in size over time.
In general, sun spiders are fascinating creatures with nocturnal behavior, a voracious appetite, and a unique life cycle. Remember to observe them with caution and respect their space in the natural world.
Relation with Humans
Sun Spiders as Pest
Sun spiders, belonging to the order Solifugae, may occasionally find their way into your home. Though these creatures may appear intimidating, they are actually harmless to humans. Their bites are not venomous, and they primarily feed on insects and other small creatures. However, their presence can still be considered a nuisance.
One way to keep sun spiders away from your house is to maintain a clean environment. Clear away debris, and practice good cleanliness habits. Some additional methods for controlling sun spider populations include:
- Caulking: Seal any gaps and cracks in your home’s foundation and walls.
- Pesticides: Apply chemical treatments around your property, targeting potential entry points.
It’s essential to approach sun spider control responsibly, as excessive use of pesticides can harm other beneficial insects and the environment.
As Exotic Pets
Despite their reputation as pests, some individuals choose to keep sun spiders as exotic pets. If you’re considering the idea, there are a few factors to weigh:
Pros:
- They’re low-maintenance, requiring only a small enclosure with a controlled environment.
- As insectivores, sun spiders consume pests such as insects and other arthropods.
Cons:
- They might be difficult to find since they are not as popular as other pet species.
- Their bite, though not venomous, can still be painful and cause discomfort.
In conclusion, the relationship between humans and sun spiders can be viewed through two lenses – as pests and as exotic pets. Understanding how to manage their presence in your home, and the considerations for keeping them as pets, can provide a more harmonious coexistence.
Comparisons and Differences
Comparison with True Spiders
Sun spiders, also known as camel spiders or solpugids, belong to a different order than true spiders. While true spiders belong to the order Araneae, sun spiders are part of the Solifugae order. Here are some notable differences between the two:
- Webs: True spiders are known for their ability to spin webs, whereas sun spiders do not create webs.
- Fangs: Sun spiders have large, powerful jaws called chelicerae, while true spiders have smaller fangs called chelicerae as well.
A few examples of true spider species include:
- Black widow spider
- Orb-weaver spider
- Jumping spider
Comparison with Scorpions
Although they may appear similar, there are key differences between sun scorpions (another name for sun spiders) and true scorpions:
- Venom: Scorpions possess venomous stingers on their tails, while sun spiders do not have venom glands.
- Body structure: Scorpions have a well-defined body divided into two main parts: cephalothorax and abdomen, whereas sun spiders have a fused head and thorax known as cephalothorax.
Here’s a comparison table highlighting some differences between sun spiders, true spiders, and scorpions:
| Feature | Sun Spider | True Spider | Scorpion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webs | No | Yes | No |
| Venom | No | Varies by species | Yes |
| Body Structure | Cephalothorax | Cephalothorax + Abdomen | Cephalothorax + Abdomen |
| Order | Solifugae | Araneae | Scorpiones |
In conclusion, although sun spiders might appear similar to true spiders and scorpions, they are a unique group of arachnids with distinct features and characteristics. As you learn more about these fascinating creatures, it’s essential to understand their differences to appreciate their diversity and ecological roles.
Cultural References
Sun Spider in Comics
The Sun Spider character finds its roots in the world of Marvel Comics. One such instance is in the critically acclaimed movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This film introduces a variety of Spider-folk from different universes, including the fan-favorite character Miles Morales.
In addition to Miles Morales, a lesser-known character named Charlotte Webber is another example of someone using spider abilities in a unique way. Charlotte has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a condition affecting her joints and skin, which requires her to rely on mobility aids. However, as the superhero Sun Spider, she harnesses her powers to become a beacon of hope for people with disabilities.
Sun Spider in Cinema
Sun Spider is not quite as prominent in the world of cinema as it is in the comics. Nonetheless, there are elements of the character present in various productions. For instance, the movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse portrays various Spidersonas, unique superheroes inspired by the original Spider-Man.
One particular character that stands out is Silk, a superhero with abilities similar to Spider-Man but with the added aspect of having web-shooters incorporated into her costume. This small detail may remind you of the Sun Spider, showing the influence of the comics on the film.
As for the iconic Sun Spider wheelchair mech, it has yet to see its silver screen debut. Still, the concept of a superhero with a unique mobility aid is both inspiring and groundbreaking, making it ripe for future cinematic exploration.
To sum up, here are some key aspects of Sun Spider in cultural references:
- Connected to Marvel Comics and the movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
- Examples: Miles Morales and Charlotte Webber (Sun Spider)
- Unique traits: Sun Spider’s wheelchair mech and Latin-inspired Spidersona
- Comparisons: Spider-Man and Silk with their web-shooters
Keep these points in mind when exploring the exciting world of the Sun Spider and its numerous appearances throughout comics and cinema.
64 Comments.
I’m no expert, but the second solpugid looks almost exactly like this one, also from California, which is in the family Ammotrechidae.
Dear Bugman
I have found one of these (what you call) “magnificent” creatures in my home as i was packing to go to Paris. I live in Northern Colorado, and as I have read several of these posts, it seems like it’s supposed to be an aggressive spider/scorpion-like creature, however, the one found seems to be rather calm, almost tired, and is hiding in a piece of luggage I NEED to take with me. It is exactly how most of your other posts have described otherwise, however I don’t think I should keep it alive long enough to let it’s aggressive behavior come out, as I live with multiple people who suffer from arachnophobia.I fear and almost dread the thought of killing it without any reply from you first… PLEASE! before either it or my family wakes!
Why don’t you just empty the luggage with the Sun Spider outside instead of killing it?
Jerusalem cricket is pretty similar and walks like it’s crippled and very baked at the same time
One can definitely see how this critter could easily be confused for a potato bug!
i unfortunately mistook one of these for some kind of ferocious predator while i was residing in the desert (So. Cal Palm Springs area) and killed it. knowledge it half the battle. and know we know. they are QUICK and intimidating. had i known it was nonvenomous (who would have guessed? look that that thing!!) i would have relocated it elsewhere. a great example of mothers natures versatility. a wonderful BUG OF THE MONTH!
We are happy to have educated you on this efficient predator.
On june08 2013…
We find and one in our house in Levelland tx
These bugs will devour a cockroach in 1.5 seconds flat and spit out the hulls
Just for those of you with roach problems they ar your friends
Thanks for supplying firsthand information for our readers.
I too found one in my house and thought what in the world is that? It’s not a spider it’s not a scorpion. So I got a plastic see-through cup and gently put it over him but he actually threw the cup off and crawled under it. Then went under a chair so I threw the chair. So there he sat and I caught him again and slid an envelope under it so I could gently pick him up. His little sticky arms kept crawling up the cup so I took him way far up my driveway and let him go. I hope he doesn’t come back. I’m not sure that my relocation program worked for this little guy but I hope so.
On june08 2013…
We find and one in our house in Levelland tx
These bugs will devour a cockroach in 1.5 seconds flat and spit out the hulls
Just for those of you with roach problems they ar your friends
I caught one of these inside my house in the San Bernardino Mountains, about 5,000 feet altitude.
After some crazy searching, I believe this is what I caught. My cat was trying to catch it and it move incredibly fast. I have never seen one of these before. I actually thought it was related to the “potato” bug. Are they common in the mountains? If not, how did it get there?
We cannot say for certain how common they are, but they are found in your area.
I caught one of these inside my house in the San Bernardino Mountains, about 5,000 feet altitude.
After some crazy searching, I believe this is what I caught. My cat was trying to catch it and it move incredibly fast. I have never seen one of these before. I actually thought it was related to the “potato” bug. Are they common in the mountains? If not, how did it get there?
This site was very helpful! My family saw a Potato Bug just last night in our basement. Come to find out it was actually a Sun Spider!
I find one of them suckers in my garage every year. Like one a year. My son found one just last night..it was the smallest one yet.
We find these things every year in our home. When we first moved in we saw tons, now not so much(probably because the environment is disturbed more due to many occupying the home than before there was only 1 person in a big home. The weird thing is is we find them in the bath tub and bathroom sink only(I assume they are more places but once they find their way to the porcelin tubs they cant escape. Please tell me how they get thee and more about them. I have a great picture of one of the more recent finds. to whom can I send that for correct identification?
I saw 3 of these spiders in my house, not at the same time. they are really scary looking.
farm near Sannieshof North West.
I used to find them all around the house when I lived in Victorville. They used to scare the hell out of me when I didn’t expect them. They may not have venom but They can bite hard.
I just found one of these on my bathroom wall. Once I realized it was not a real scorpion (which I do kill when I find them in my house because they terrify me) I captured him in a glass and a thin piece of cardboard and let him go outside.
While it is more humane to catch and release creatures that have wandered inside the house, there is an added advantage of not needing to clean up the mess that is produced by squashing a harmless creature. Now your Sun Spider can prey upon insects and other small arthropods in your yard, hopefully keeping things in balance.
Yes this one too , we always called this a sand puppy to we used to catch them when we were little , here in Utah . haven’t seen one in year’s though . They were pretty big to i remember 🙂 Anyway love the sight , it was helpful and you really never here or see these thing’s around here anymore .
We just found one in our driveway, during the middle of the day, in Clinton, UT! I hadn’t seen one in over 20 years! It’s alive, but seems to be injured…
I just had one crawl from my ankle to my ear lobe.
i found one of these hiding under the base of my oscillating fan. Scared me at first,but a fascinating creature. Kat from Colorado
I found 2 of these spiders in my basement bathroom. No one has been down here actively for some time. However, my wife and I are going to move in down here as our daughter and son- in- law live apstairs. How do I discourage them from living here?
We don’t provide extermination advice, and Sun Spider or Solifugids are perfectly harmless. We would recommend properly sealing the basement from the outside, including foundation cracks and spaces near windows and doors.
I think this may be what I am seeing in my basement bathroom. I live in the basement and am really freaked out as the ones I am seeing are rather large. I am not going to let them crawl all over me!!
I sprayed watered down peppermint oil as well as lemon and orange oil everywhere. I have a cat that lives with me in the basement so other sprays are not an option.
I hope the oils work or I’m outta here!
I think this may be what I am seeing in my basement bathroom. I live in the basement and am really freaked out as the ones I am seeing are rather large. I am not going to let them crawl all over me!!
I sprayed watered down peppermint oil as well as lemon and orange oil everywhere. I have a cat that lives with me in the basement so other sprays are not an option.
I hope the oils work or I’m outta here!
We see them all of the time down where we camp near the sand dunes at Cherry Creek which is located in Juab County, Utah. We also just ran into a few at Goblin Valley (also in Utah) just this past April 2015 when we went camping over Easter weekend. They still exist in the gully that is behind my Parents house which is in Sandy, UT. We also used to find them ALL of the time in the back field leading down into the gully when we were younger and would dig underground caves to make “huts” when we were younger. They are nasty looking and still scare me to death to this day.
Hi all,
We saw same insect in Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Zimbabwe in March 2015. We thought that is a spider and could be dangerous so we stay away from it. Size is approx. 5-6 cm long.
We found another spider in our bedroom, called Flattie spider, approx. 2-3 cm long.
I’ve found 2 of these in my house here in Fresno CA and about three more outside over a period of about 18 months. Is there a good way of keeping them out of the house? They are pretty creepy & I don’t want to find one in the bed! I’ve been putting diatomaceous earth & boric acid around the house & selected places indoors.
Seal up the gaps near your windows and doors.
I live in Fresno as well and I have been in my house 7 years and I have seen 3 in my 7 years. They are very creepy and I thought it was a camel spider at first. Matter of fact I just killed one tonight.
We have them in Rustenburg North West too.
I live in Kearns utah when my mom let the dog in this big ugly bug had hitched a ride on Trina ‘s back which is our great pyrenees. Dog. I had never ever seen one be for and hope I never do again .my niece and nephew wanted to keep it as a pet. When mom asked her what she would do with it she sweetly replied I would just Love it grandma. We chose to let my husband take it on a road trip and he let it go in the Nevada desert.
I seen these critters like every week they have been hiding in my garage,kitchen,closet,bathroom and couch
Found one of those ugly suckers in Southern California. ?
Do they bite ? Are dangerous, do they make webs ?. So many questions !!
They might bite. They are NOT dangerous. The do NOT make webs. All the answers you desire.
Found one of those ugly suckers in Southern California. ?
Do they bite ? Are dangerous, do they make webs ?. So many questions !!
Looking at another website I saw a picture of a bigger one. I realize I’ve had a big one and now a little one. I imagine I’ll have more ? I’m afraid of spiders what can I do to discourage them at my house. ?
My daughter just found one of these sun spiders….it was very aggressive towards her when she touched it. My question is how dangerous is this thing and how did it get to my yard I live in California? What can I do to get rid of them? Will they hurt my dogs or cats? Please help. Thank you Teressa
Solifugids are native to Southern California and they are not dangerous. According to BugGuide: “They lack venom, but the strong jaws may inflict a sharp bite in self-defense if handled. The most common species are quite small and can hardly be felt except for a slight “pinch”. Larger members (e.g., Eremorhax spp.) have been known to draw blood. Immediately disinfect the bite.” We do not provide extermination advice.
This website was really helpful in identifying the bug we saw on our pre-camp trip. When one of our leaders first saw it she decided to show us all. I freaked out but one of the other girls picked it up, proceeding to chase me. The only reason I freaked out was because I had never seen the kind of bug before. I had no clue if it was poisonous or not, so I asked the leader who took it away from my “friend” to please look for bugs that had the same description as this bug. She found this site and emediately called me over to look at the picture of the Sand Puppy. I’m glad we found this site, because I now know that the bug wasn’t poisonous, but it was creepy. Thanks!
I have seen one last year and one again this year in Southern BC Area.
I am thankful to find out they are not poisonous but have not seen any outside , just in our house
I have seen one last year and one again this year in Southern BC Area.
I am thankful to find out they are not poisonous but have not seen any outside , just in our house
I keep finding these mainly in my bathroom. This morning one was crawling on my foot,
I brought it in to work to check on google. I live in Grand Junction, Colorado, they call
this a desert but there’s mountain all around us.
This insect gives me the creeps!
One of these insects walked into my home in Randvaal Area; Midvaal South Africa. I did not kill it but it scared the bejeebers out of me. First time I have seen one like this.
Solifugae are common in northern Iran, where they grow to the size of your palm and are known as camel spiders. I can assure you, though they may not inject poisonous venom, their bite is eye-wateringly painful. They are described by naturalists as having the strongest jaws for their size in the animal kingdom. We know someone who was hospitalized after being bitten on his foot through his wellington boot. They are also aggressive and have no fear of chasing you. I was once asked to bring back live specimens for a London Zoo, but declined as I was told they do not survive in captivity. Fearsome, yes, but they form part of the world we live in, so no need to cause them harm.
Thanks for supplying firsthand information for our site.
One bit my dog and he doesn’t feel good. He was under my bed
Don’t these often carry a parasite that emerges when you try to kill the sand puppy?
my cat was bit “OMG!!! FIRST he was Dazed then he was comatosed I thought he was dead then he had BAD SPASM for about 30 seconds. Then he was unconsious with fever all day. THEN he comes out of fever and shock .. straight into PARALIZATION. I CRYED MY EYES OUT . ANYWAY I PUT HIM IN HIS LITTLE BED THINKING THE WORST , THAT HE WASNT GOING TO MAKE IT “, THAT I LOST HE . I WAS SO EXUASTED FROM CRYING AND FREAKING OUT THAT WHOLE DAY! THAT I JUST FELL OUT… NEXT THING I KNOW I WAS AWAKENED BY “”CAT!!! ” HE WAS PLAYING AND RUNNING AROUND BEAUTIFULY” !!! LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED ” I CRIED WITH JOY!!!! I JUST HUGGED”! HIM SO TIGHT….. WELL…. CALL IT A MIRICAL I DONT KNOW. THE SPIDER IS IN A ZIPLOCK TO TAKE TO THE EMERGENCY VET BUT IT WAS A SUNDAY AND BEING 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND ! I WAS HELPLESS . THAT SUN , CAMEL, OR WIND SCORPION!! IS AN INTERESTING SPIDER TO SAY THE LEAST. I ENDED UP WALKING OUT IN THE DESERT AND LETTING HIM GO AND TOLD HIM HE WASNT WELCOME IN MY HOME!! THANKED HIM FOR NOT KILLING MY CAT.
wow. you are so beautiful and fun and funny and kind. thank you for not just squashing him/her it. im so glad you were blessed with many more happy moments with your cat . lol. what a telling. 🙂 I’m thinking of ordering one and will make certain it’s home is escape proof. I had charge of a Vietnamese Centipede once. I honestly rehomed it because every single day and night especially night when i couldn’t keep eyeballs forever intent upon it i was having terrors of it getting out and me moving to east of you’ll never find me and selling the house anonymously to escape the soon to be hurled at me law suits for scaring some mother in law out of her morning slippers
That is NOT a sand puppy. I’ve seen actual sand puppies and they are not arachnids. They have a long worm parasite in them. They are actually called Jerusalem Crickets. These solpugids aka camel spiders aka wind scorpions aka sun spiders are NOT sand puppies.
Also, those two from limbs on the solpugid above are pedipalps, not legs, so this is an arachnid. They, as well ac actual sand puppies are not venomous, but have nasty bite. I have killed sand puppies with my father, and he killed a solpugid today, so he knows the difference very well. Sand puppies are usually about 4 inches long, but solpugids tend to be just a little bigger.
Found one under our bed, was biting my fiance… Clovis New Mexico
It is found in Pakistan also.
Since your group does not believe in extermination, can you please send a crew to rehome our black widows? This seems to be a spider horder situation…
While we do not endorse wholesale extermination, we also understand that there are circumstances that require intervention. We do not provide extermination advice, so if your individual decision is to hire a relocation service to move your Black Widow population, you will need to research the best company for you. We do not dispatch crews.
My chickens like to eat them in Plymouth Utah. I have seen three this year.. And I haven’t seen them before, for 20 years.. I’m not sure if they are poisonous I’ve heard to stay away from there Pinchers.. the one we have is a lot more fatter and definitely not 4 inches maybe 2..
I just found one of these crawling on my bedroom floor to the bathroom. Wondering if it hitched a ride on my shoe or pants leg from my barn in the back yard. I picked it up with a bath towel bunched up and carried it outside to roam the front yard. Hope it is a pest eater and will help clean up any pests in Falcon, CO!
I found sun spider around my home it’s 10 cm long and active. Can sell this peace of solifugid or not?
Wow, haven’t seen one for years. Used to see them when I was 14, now 54, me and my friends would go scrounging at the dump for bike parts, and go kart parts in West Ogden.