Animal Profiles
Arachnids

Camel Spider

Solifugae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Camel spiders are fast-running arachnids of the order Solifugae. Large jaws and leglike sensory appendages give these hunters a distinctive appearance.

A camel spider (Solifugae) photographed on a white background after being found in Colorado, USA; species unidentified.

A camel spider (Solifugae) photographed on a white background after being found in Colorado, USA; species unidentified.

At a glance

Location
Solifuges occur mainly in desert and semidesert environments around the world.
Habitat
Desert
Diet
Carnivore
Food
These arachnids pursue and capture animal prey rather than building a spiderlike capture web.

Classification

Common name
Camel Spider
Browse group
Arachnids
Scientific name or taxon
Solifugae
Taxon rank
order
Order
Solifugae
Source classification
Arachnida

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • They belong to Solifugae.
  • The front leglike appendages are pedipalps.
  • Large jaws handle prey.

Habitat and range

Solifuges occur mainly in desert and semidesert environments around the world. The photograph shows an unidentified individual from Colorado, so it is not used to claim a species-specific range.

Appearance and adaptations

Powerful two-part jaws dominate the head. The leglike appendages held in front are sensory pedipalps; four pairs of walking legs provide movement.

Diet and behaviour

These arachnids pursue and capture animal prey rather than building a spiderlike capture web. Many species hunt mainly at night, when conditions in dry habitats are less severe.

Sources

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