Sun Spider, Camel Spider, or Wind Scorpion
Scientific Name: Solifugae (Order)
Order & Family: Order Solifugae; families vary by region (e.g., Eremobatidae in North America)
Size: Usually 1 to 6 inches (2.5 to 15 cm) including leg span.
Natural Habitat
Arid and semi-arid environments including deserts, scrublands, and occasionally residential buildings in dry climates.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; primarily eats insects, spiders, and occasionally small lizards or rodents using powerful crushing mouthparts (chelicerae).
Behavior Patterns
Mainly nocturnal hunters that move extremely quickly (giving them the name wind scorpion). They are not true spiders and do not spin webs or produce venom.
Risks & Benefits
They are beneficial to ecosystems as pest controllers. They pose no serious risk to humans as they lack venom glands, though they can deliver a painful mechanical nip if handled.
Identified on: 6/19/2026