Windscorpions look similar to scorpions, and are said to "run like the wind." Solifugids also go by the common names sun spiders or camel spiders, but in truth, they are neither spiders nor scorpions.
Description:
As arachnids, windscorpions have two body regions and four pairs of legs. At first glance, a windscorpion seems to have 5 pairs of legs; the first set is actually the pedipalps, used for feeding and mating. The first pair of legs functions as feelers, similar to an insect's antennae. Windscorpions tear their prey apart with large, scissor-like chelicerae.
The name for this order, Solifugae, comes from the Latin for "flee the sun." Most windscorpions are, indeed, nocturnal. Those that are active during the day can usually be seen darting from shadow to shadow. Windscorpions dig burrows, where they take shelter.
Many windscorpions specialize in certain types of prey. Some species are known to feed on termites, and others on bees. Larger windscorpions can consume lizards or mice. Though they can and will bite in defense, windscorpions are nonvenomous and not considered dangerous.
Habitat and Distribution:
The majority of windscorpions live in warm, arid areas, like the southwestern U.S. Worldwide, the order Solifugae includes some 900 species; about 235 species of windscorpions live in the U.S.
Major Families in the Order:
- Family Ammotrechidae - Curve-faced Solifugids
- Family Eremobatidae - Straight-faced Solifugids
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