Solifugid
Solifugae
33.135, -117.034
Field Notes
Description:
These arachnids are NOT VENOMOUS as they don't have venom glands! They do have very strong jaws and can deliver a nasty bite. They have two eyes very close together. "Elongated pedipalps look like an extra set of legs, but are used as sensory organs, similar to antennae." This one was about 1 inch long.
Habitat:
Dry, rocky area of the backyard at nigh. Spotted while wearing a headlamp.
Notes:
"The names Camel Spider, Wind Scorpion, Sun Spider are sometimes used but are misleading, as the creatures are not closely related to either scorpions or spiders" - BugGuide. "They are generally considered beneficial since they feed on ticks, mites and other pest arthropods." - Natural History of Orange County, California. The pedipalps "function partly as sense organs similar to insects' antennae, and partly in locomotion, feeding and fighting." - Wikipedia
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