Sun Spider/Solifugae

Name: Sun Spider/Solifugae. The name derives from Latin, and means those that flee from the sun. The order is also known by the names Solpugides, Wind Spider or Camel Spider.
Size: Solifugids are moderate to large arachnids, with the larger species reaching 7 centimetres (2.8 in) in length.
Habitat: Most Solifugae inhabit warm and arid habitats, including virtually all deserts. Some species have been known to live in grassland or forest habitats.
Food: Solifugae are carnivorous or omnivorous, with most species feeding on termites, darkling beetles, and other small arthropods, although Solifugae have been videotaped consuming larger prey such as lizards. Prey is located with the pedipalps and killed and cut into pieces by the chelicerae. The prey is then liquefied and the liquid ingested through the pharynx.
Danger: Members of this order of Arachnida apparently have no venom, with the possible exception of one species in India and do not spin webs. Although they do not normally attack humans, these chelicerae can penetrate human skin, and painful bites have been reported. The greatest threat they pose to humans, however, is their bite in self-defense when one tries to handle them. There is essentially no chance of death directly caused by the bite, but, due to the strong muscles of their chelicerae, they can produce a proportionately large, ragged wound that is prone to infection.They are fast on land compared to other invertebrates, the fastest can run perhaps 16 kilometers per hour (10 mph).

Some Links to information about sun spiders:

• Solifugae, The Arachinid Order Solifugae.

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