Camel Spiders: They Don't Scream and They Don't Eat Camels
Heard the horror stories about Camel Spiders? Most are myths. Learn about the US Wind Scorpion, why they chase your shadow, and why they aren't venomous.
If you served in the military in the Middle East, you've heard the stories. "Camel Spiders grow to the size of a dinner plate! They scream when they run! They eat human flesh while you sleep!"
Let's bring it back to reality.
We have Camel Spiders right here in the US (mostly in the Southwest deserts: Arizona, Nevada, California). We call them Wind Scorpions or Sun Spiders.
They are ugly, but mostly harmless
First off, they aren't technically spiders. They are Solifugids. They don't have venom. Zero. They can't kill you. They don't spin webs.
Why they "chase" you
This is the funniest myth. People swear a Camel Spider chased them across the yard.
It was chasing your shadow.
These guys hate the sun. If you are standing in the desert, you are the only shade for miles. When you run, the shade moves, so they run after the shade. They just want to cool off, not eat your leg.
Can they bite?
Yeah, they have massive jaws (chelicerae) that look like crab claws. If you pick one up, it will pinch you hard enough to draw blood. But that's it. Wash it with soap and water and you'll be fine. No hospital trip needed.
If you find one in your garage, just sweep it out. It's probably eating the roaches you actually hate.