Wind Scorpion: All You Need to Know Simplified

Wind scorpions are among the most fascinating yet misunderstood creatures on our planet. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll get to know these captivating arachnids and unravel some of the mysteries surrounding them. While they may have an intimidating appearance, it’s essential to understand that wind scorpions are generally not harmful to humans.

These arachnids, also known as solifugids or camel spiders, are intriguing subjects for study and discussion. Throughout this guide, we’ll look into their fascinating characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. You’ll come to see how the world of the wind scorpion is full of surprise and wonder.

So, whether you’re a curious nature enthusiast or a budding scientist, this extensive resource is perfect for you. We invite you to dive into the world of wind scorpions, where every page unveils new insights and discoveries. Let’s get started on this exciting journey together!

Myths and Facts

Wind Scorpion vs Camel Spider

You may have heard of the infamous Wind Scorpion, also known as the Camel Spider. The truth is, these are two different names for the same creature, a member of the Solifugae order. They are neither true scorpions nor spiders, despite the names. Often feared for their frightening appearance, here are some facts to clear up any myths:

• Wind Scorpions can not jump large distances, contrary to popular belief.
• They do not chase after people purposefully, but may unintentionally follow you due to their attraction to shade.
• They have powerful jaws capable of crushing small insects, but their bite is not considered to be venomous.

By knowing these facts, you can better understand Wind Scorpions and not be alarmed when you come across them.

Sun Spider vs Solifugae

Sun Spider is another common name for these creatures, and they belong to the order Solifugae. To clarify any confusion, let’s compare features of these arachnids:

Sun Spider / Wind Scorpion / Camel Spider

• Large, reddish-brown arachnids
• Nocturnal hunters
• Strong jaws (chelicerae) for crushing prey
• Two large, front leg-like structures (pedipalps) used for sensing and digging

Common Myths

• Venomous bites: While they can bite, their jaws are not venomous.
• Large size: Despite some exaggerations, they typically grow up to 6 inches, including legs.
• Speedy hunters: While fast, they do not run at speeds of 30 mph, as some stories claim.

Now that you’re familiar with the facts about these fascinating arachnids, you’ll be better equipped to appreciate their unique characteristics and not be misled by misconceptions. Remember to always treat wildlife with respect and care, regardless of their appearance or reputation.

Physical Characteristics

Size

Wind scorpions are relatively small creatures, with body lengths ranging from 0.4 to 2 inches (1 to 5 cm) depending on the species. Despite their compact size, they have powerful, horizontally-oriented jaws that can deliver a strong bite.

Speed

You’ll be amazed by the speed of wind scorpions, as they can reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour (16 km/h). Their swift movements are due to their long, slender legs, which allow them to cover ground quickly and catch their prey with ease.

Appearance

The appearance of wind scorpions is quite unique. They have a blend of features from both scorpions and spiders, which sometimes leads to confusion. Here are some key characteristics to help you identify them:

• Their color ranges from light brown to sandy beige, which helps them blend into their desert habitats.
• They have eight legs like spiders but lack the typical segmented tail with a stinger seen in true scorpions.
• They possess two large, pincer-like pedipalps near their mouth that are used for capturing prey.
• Wind scorpions have large, forward-facing jaws that are used to crush and tear their food.

In summary, wind scorpions are small, fast, and have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from both scorpions and spiders.

Behavior

Scream

Wind scorpions are known for their distinct “scream.” This high-pitched sound is produced when they feel threatened or disturbed. You might hear their scream if you accidentally come across one in your home or yard.

Speeds of Up to 30 Mph

Another fascinating feature of wind scorpions is their speed. They can reach speeds of up to 30 mph, making them one of the fastest arthropods in the world. This speed allows them to quickly escape from predators and catch their prey.

Breeding

Wind scorpions have a unique mating behavior. The male initiates the mating process by capturing and immobilizing the female using his pedipalps. Once the female is restrained, the male deposits spermatophore on the ground and guides the female over it. After successfully mating, the female lays her eggs in a protected area like a burrow.

Burrow

Wind scorpions dig burrows to provide shelter, protection, and a place to lay their eggs. These burrows are typically found in sandy or loose soil, making them difficult to see by predators. They also use their burrows as a hiding place during the day, as they are primarily nocturnal creatures.

Habitat

Wind scorpions, also known as camel spiders or solifuges, can be found in various habitats. They prefer living in dry and warm rocky areas. You might encounter them in deserts, grasslands, or even forests.

In cities, wind scorpions may be found in buildings, shelters, and under debris like wood or garbage piles. These nocturnal creatures are active at night, particularly when temperatures are above 75 degrees. You can inspect your surroundings with a flashlight during the night to locate them. While doing so, remember to wear protective gloves and boots for your safety.

When it comes to homes, wind scorpions can enter through small openings, such as gaps under doors or windows. They are usually in search of food or shelters to hide from predators. To avoid them in your home, ensure that you seal any gaps and maintain a clean environment. Moreover, it’s essential to remove rocks, wood, or debris piles in your yard, as these may serve as hiding places for wind scorpions.

In brief, wind scorpion habitats include:

• Deserts, grasslands, and forests
• Cities: buildings, shelters, debris piles
• Homes: they can enter through small openings and hide under debris

Diet and Predators

Wind scorpions, also known as camel spiders or solifugids, are fascinating creatures with unique dietary habits and an interesting list of natural predators. In this section, we’ll explore their feeding behaviors and the animals that prey on them.

Wind scorpions primarily feast on various insects and other small arthropods, including:

• Spiders
• Termites
• Ants
• Beetles

They are voracious eaters and use their powerful jaws to crush their prey. At night, they actively seek out food using their incredible speed and agility, making them efficient hunters.

However, wind scorpions also have their fair share of predators. Some examples are:

• Birds
• Reptiles, such as lizards and snakes
• Other arthropods, like scorpions and larger spiders

To provide a clearer insight into their dietary habits and predators, let’s take a look at the following comparison table:

It’s important to remember that while wind scorpions may appear intimidating, they are a natural part of the ecosystem, keeping insect populations in check and serving as a food source for other animals. So next time you encounter one, appreciate their role in the greater web of life!

Encounter with Soldiers

In Afghanistan, soldiers once had an unexpected encounter with wind scorpions. These arachnids are known for their impressive speed and unique appearance. They might seem frightening, but they pose little threat to humans.

As you might have heard, wind scorpions are not true scorpions but belong to a different order, called Solifugae. They may share some similarities, but these creatures have no stinging tail or venomous bite. While the soldiers in Afghanistan might have initially been alarmed by their presence, they soon realized that wind scorpions are generally harmless.

• Speed: Wind scorpions are fast runners, reaching speeds of up to 10 mph.
• Size: They can grow up to 3 inches in length, making for an alarming sight.
• Diet: These arachnids are predators that feed on various insects and other small creatures.

In comparison to true scorpions, wind scorpions have a few notable differences:

As you can see, while wind scorpions might have an intimidating appearance, the likelihood of any harm coming from them is quite low. Soldiers in Afghanistan quickly learned this and dismissed the wind scorpions as a potential threat.

Significance in Arachnology

Wind scorpions are an intriguing group of arachnids that have captured the attention of arachnologists. They are part of the Solifugae order, which consists of more than a thousand different species.

Their unique physical features and behaviors set them apart from other arachnids. For instance:

• Wind scorpions have large chelicerae (jaws) that can generate considerable force.
• Unlike many arachnids, they do not possess venom glands.
• They are fast runners, capable of speeds up to 10 miles per hour.

These arachnids also exhibit interesting behavioral traits, like:

• They feed on various insects and other small creatures.
• They are known to be nocturnal, avoiding direct sunlight.
• During mating, the male will perform intricate dances to attract the female.

Given their diverse range of species and fascinating characteristics, wind scorpions serve as valuable subjects for arachnology research. By studying these creatures, you can gain insights into their unique adaptations and the environments they inhabit. This knowledge can help expand our understanding of arachnid evolution and contribute to the broader field of arachnology.

Threat to Humans

Bite

Wind scorpions might look intimidating, but their bites are not as harmful as you might think. They do have strong jaws that can inflict painful wounds in self-defense or, in rare cases, if they feel threatened by you. However, it’s crucial to remember that wind scorpions are not typically aggressive towards humans. In most cases, they will avoid human contact and prefer to hunt their prey, such as small insects.

Poison

A common misconception is that wind scorpions are venomous creatures. Contrary to popular belief, they do not possess any poison or venom in their bites. Although their bite can be painful, it is not dangerous or life-threatening. The primary concern after being bitten is managing the pain and preventing any possible infections. Make sure to clean the wound thoroughly and consult a medical professional if any signs of infection occur.

In Popular Culture

Wind scorpions have captured the imaginations of many over the years. Let’s take a look at some notable examples in popular culture.

In the world of literature, Hathai Ross’s 2013 novel, The Wind Scorpion, explores the adventures of an entomologist who becomes entangled in a web of mystery and danger involving these unique creatures. This work highlights the allure and fascination surrounding wind scorpions.

Film and television have also embraced wind scorpions as intriguing subjects. For instance, you might come across documentaries that enlighten viewers on the natural history and behavior of these fascinating arachnids. They often showcase wind scorpions as swift predators capable of handling difficult environments.

In the realm of music and art, you may find songs, paintings, and sculptures inspired by wind scorpions. These creations often emphasize their distinct features, such as their powerful jaws and agile movements. Artists from various fields appreciate their unique characteristics and incorporate them into their work.

To summarize, wind scorpions have held a special place in popular culture, weaving their way into literature, film, television, music, and art. Their distinct features and behaviors in the natural world continue to inspire and fascinate creators and audiences alike.

Resources

Books

One of the available books on the topic of Wind Scorpions is titled “Wind Scorpion: All You Need to Know” (ISBN: 9780992676728). This book is in English and its paperback version is available for purchase. The book is published by Greenslopes Direct and it offers an easy-to-read format that is suitable for readers of all levels.

Some of the features of this book include:

• Comprehensive coverage of Wind Scorpion biology and behavior
• Information on their habitat and distribution
• Tips on how to safely deal with a Wind Scorpion encounter

Purchase

If you are interested in purchasing the Wind Scorpion book, you may do so through various retailers, both online and offline. Remember to always compare prices and ensure the edition is up-to-date. Make sure to check for any promotional offers or discounts before making a purchase.

Trial

Unfortunately, there is currently no trial version available for this book. However, considering its value for money and the wealth of information provided on Wind Scorpions, you may find the purchase to be a worthwhile investment.

Now that you have the necessary resources at your fingertips, explore the world of Wind Scorpions and educate yourself on these fascinating creatures.

Reader Emails

Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.

Letter 1 – #9995: Sun Spider or Wind Scorpion

Unknown bug looks like some type of spider.
May 13, 2010
Hi, my name is nick and I live in the Inland part of California that is still very much so a desert despite the heavy population and unnatural vegetation and irrigation that comes with it. I was cleaning up after doing some automotive work in my driveway at about 9:00 PM and saw this little critter going up my driveway into my garage. At a glance I thought it may be a Katydid or Cricket but when I looked closer I knew that it couldn’t be either of those. I decided to capture him as I have never encountered such an insect before. To be quite honest I am quite intimidated by this jumpy critter. Haha If it is of any help at all, he was crawling along with a few earwigs, which are extremely common in this area. There is an expansive range of hills located within a blo ck of my neighborhood and it is home to many types of birds, insects and snakes. I would appreciate it very much if you could give me and my brother some insight as to what this interesting and frightening creature is. Thank you for your time.
Nick
Northwestern America United States California

Dear Nick,
We absolutely love Solpugids, commonly called Sun Spiders or Wind Scorpions.  The lighting and composition on your photo is quite elegant.

Dear Daniel,
I appreciate your rapid response to my question, and thank you for complementing my camera work.  The little guy certainly isn’t so scary now that I’ve learned the nature of these spiders.  The solifugae order certainly has an extensive and interesting history, and I am glad to know that they are not venomous or flesh eating for that matter!  Haha I had a hard time photographing the little bugger so I transferred him from the container I originally captured him with into a checkbook carton covered with plastic wrap, I then put a 15watt fluorescent desk lamp over the carton, and about 20 pictures later I had 2 that were usable.  After I was done I let him go in my backyard, and watched him scurry away at an impressing rate of speed.  I can fully appreciate him now that I know more about him, and I definitely look forward to seeing more of these guys as the weather warms up.  I appreciate your time, and thank you for providing such a valuable resource to the world!

Letter 2 – Solpugid: Sun Spider or Wind Scorpion

Crazy aggressive spider??
Hello,
I live in Southern California and today as I was walking through my kitchen this bug charged out to the middle of the floor to within 6 inches of my foot and raised up two front legs and acted very aggressively. I backed up a step and the bug pursued me (I first thought it was a scorpion). I captured it and looked at it closer. It has 8 legs, two large antennae (look more like legs) and at least 4 large black fangs. I think it is a spider of some kind but it has kind of a cricket like abdomen. Anything I put in front of the bug is immediately acted aggressively upon and bitten. What is this thing?? I have sent along a picture. My wife is freaking out 🙂
Thanks for your help
Colby

Hi Colby,
Had you scrolled a little way down our homepage, you would have found a recent letter with a photo of a Solpugid, also known as a Sun Spider or a Wind Scorpion, though they are neither spiders nor scorpions, but related to both. They are without venom, and are harmless unless you are small enough to be prey, in which case their aggressive behavior would quickly dispatch anything in their paths. If you really want to freak out your wife, click the solpugid link in the alphabatized list on the left of the www.whatsthatbug.com homepage to see a Middle Eastern relative of our puny Southern California family representative. These monsters are known as Camel Spiders and we have an amazing photo with an equally amazing letter.

Letter 3 – Sand Puppies, Sun Spiders, Wind Scorpions, and Camel Spiders

Hi,
I live in Southern California… East of Riverside. I found a bug in my garage that I’ve never seen before… and have no idea what it is. It is about 1 1/2 long, yellowish-tan in color (except for the abdomen which is darker). On a larger scale it has a head like an ant. Each of its feet are like a combination of around six spikes with an extra claw appendage growing out of the middle of the spikes. It has no wings.
It almost looks like a huge relative of an ant or termite.
Any ideas.
Thanks,
Scott

Dear Scott,
It sounds like it could be a wind scorpion or solpugid. We often get photos of them from our readers especially those in drier climates. Check out the newly revamped Whats That Bug? website at www.whatsthatbug.com and simply click on wind scorpion. Let us know if that is your critter. Here is a photo recently sent in but the letter is lost.

Letter 4 – Solpugid: AKA Sun Spider or Wind Scorpion

looks like a tailess scorpian with large feelers
Wed, Apr 8, 2009 at 10:23 PM
it looks like a scorpion with out a tail. the back and its feelers are brown it has eight legs that get smaller the closer tyou get to its head. has pincers that look orange brown. a tube shaped body and a round diamond shaped head.
its about 3/4 inch long (includeing feeler)
strange bug
red rock, arizona

Dear strange bug,
We frequently have to come to our own defense when we have difficulty identifying some submissions. Though we state again and again that we do not have science backgrounds and that we received our higher education in art, the level of expectation of some of our readers far outdistances our ability to satisfy their needs. We that said, your drawing is unmistakably a Solpugid, a predatory relative of both spiders and scorpions, but without venom. The common name in the U.S. for a Solpugid is either a Sun Spider or a Wind Scorpion. In the Middle East, Solpugids grow quite large and have gained an unfair reputation as bloodthirsty beasts called Camel Spiders that gnaw and gnash at our armed forces. These internet rumors are simply not true.  We also hope your drawing will help to dispel the rumor that we are a serious insect identification website.

Letter 5 – Sun Spider or Wind Scorpion

Searched for 1 month, Cant identify this Insect with 8 legs
Location: Great Falls MT
November 27, 2010 5:20 pm
Well hello. My name is Dawn and I live in Montana, for now. We are in need of your assistance. My 8yr old Kyle and I have a great hobby of finding bugs and learning anything we can about them. We have been big fans of your site from about the time he was 2; even bigger fans of the bugs we find. Your site has helped us identify a pipe-wive swallowtail caterpillar, a horn worn, a green lynx spider, hobos, wolf, and brown recluse spiders. We have always had much success. But we are stumped. A coworker learned of our ”weirdness” she called it and brought me in a bug to help name. She found it in the packaging of her new washer and dryer-cardboard. I have had it in a mason jar with cardboard and chunks of paper for over a month. IT is still alive thankfully. So here goes: its got 3 main parts (head, thorax, and abs) but the thorax is small and questionable, ab is dark gray with darker horizontal stripes, head and 8 legs are fleshy tan in color, legs are thicker towa rds the ab, head is tear-shaped with eyes centered and close, it has long ”feelers” or antenna in front, AND HERE IS THE FINALE, it has a mouth (or two) like a bird, they look like pinchers like an earwig would have but its sarrated and it has two side by side and they can move seperately. Whew. Its hard to explain. we will try to attach a picture but its from my BB and is not the greatest. We are grateful for your help. And thank you for such a wonderful site, we use it often!
Signature: Mother&Son Bug Explorers

Dear Mother&Son Bug Explorers,
Though your digital file is small and the image is quite blurry, we can see enough from the outline that when combined with your literal description (especially the description of the mouth) leaves little doubt that this is a Sun Spider or Wind Scorpion, an Arachnid in the order Solifugae.

Letter 6 – Wind Scorpion caught in vacuum cleaner

Subject: Yuck! What is it?
Location: Pasadena Ca USA
May 3, 2014 12:50 am
Found three of these in my house tonight . I might have stepped on the first smaller one. Then caught two more with my hand held vacuum and cups. They are so fast and creepy! Can you please tell me what they are?
Signature: Calujan

Dear Calujan,
Commonly called a Wind Scorpion, this arachnid lacks venom, so it is not really considered dangerous, however, even without venom, they are adept predators that will help keep your yard free of other unwanted creatures.  Though they don’t have venom, a large specimen might deliver a painful bite if carelessly handled.  We suspect the recent heat wave in the Los Angeles area is the reason you have suddenly noticed these Wind Scorpions.