Camel Spiders are one of the scariest-looking arachnids around. But are camel spider bites dangerous, or are they victims of a bad reputation? Let’s find out…
There are many rumors surrounding camel spiders and how dangerous their bites are. The reality is something completely different. Camel spiders have no venom that can be toxic but their bite is strong and can hurt. The simple answer is that their bites are not dangerous but can be painful.
Camel spider bite force
While camel spiders are not venomous, they have a very nasty bite. They do not bite humans unless they are provoked or feel threatened.
When they bite, their bite can hurt. This is because they have large jaws that are nearly a third of their body weight.
Their jaws are strong, which gives them the force to bite their prey and crush them into pulp. Their bite is death for insects and small animals. Even though they bite very hard, they cannot harm humans. Their bites can be painful because of the bite force.
Can camel spiders hurt you?
There are many myths surrounding the camel spiders. These myths became popular during the Gulf war when American soldiers were in the Middle East.
The rumors stated that camel spiders are aggressive and attack humans when they sleep. The rumors state that they use their venom to numb the flesh and then chew up human flesh.
There are also rumors that these spiders can run faster than humans and are half the size of humans. All these rumors are just myths – they are not true.
The first thing to know is that camel spiders are not really spiders. They are known as solifugids because they belong to the order Solifugae.So, they do not have venom and hence their bite cannot cause any harm. They also don’t chase humans or eat human flesh.
If they are provoked or when they feel threatened, they can bite to defend themselves. Since they have strong jaws, their bite can be painful. It is not dangerous, but can hurt.
There is a small possibility of an infection developing at the wound site. Only 9% of spider bites can cause infections. Camel spider bites are not dangerous, and you need not worry about being bitten by these spiders.
Camel spider size
Myths about the camel spider state it to be huge and capable of even eating a camel. This is not true.
A camel spider is a large creature, but not as large as the myths make it out to be it. While the size can vary from species to species, the largest ones do not exceed 6 inches.
The length includes the length of the body and the legs. There are many small species of this spider that are under half an inch. The spider, on average, weighs around 2 grams.
What’s the biggest spider in Afghanistan?
The camel spider is the largest spider found in Afghanistan. While this spider is found across the world, it grows to its largest size in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Even though it’s not really a spider, most people think it is. So, they will tell you that it is the largest “spider” in Afghanistan.
Where are camel spiders found?
Camel spiders are arachnids that belong to the order Solifugae. They are also known as sin spiders or wind scorpions.
These spiders are found in dry climates. There are 147 genera in this order and more than 1,000 species of camel spiders.
This spider is found across the world. In fact, you will find this spider in every corner of the world except in Australia and Antarctica.
It thrives in the Middle East and grows to its largest size in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. The desert climate suits the spider very well.
Where do camel spiders live in the United States?
In the United States, the camel spider can be found in the south western part of the country. They thrive in places with a dry climate.
Deserts are great for Camel Spiders because they are fast and ferocious (for their size). They’re able to compete for prey even against the tough guys like scorpions and tarantulas.
How fast are camel spiders?
Camel spiders are quite fast and are known for their speed. They can run at a speed of 10 miles per hour.
This makes them dangerous for smaller animals and insects. They ruthlessly hunt down their prey and pulp it using their powerful jaws.
The camel spider has a trachea through which it breathes. This allows it to up its metabolic rate, so it can run fast for a long time.
Can you outrun a camel spider?
A camel spider runs at a speed of 10 miles an hour. On average, humans run at a speed of 5-6 miles per hour.
But most humans can run fast when chased. So, it is possible to outrun a camel spider.
In a desert, this may be difficult because running on sand is not so easy. While humans find it tough, a camel spider can run easily.
However, there is nothing to fear. Camel spiders do not chase humans to attack them or eat them.
In the hot sun, the camel spider runs towards humans or large animals for shade. There is nothing to fear if a camel spider runs towards you, it is only looking for shade.
Camel spider bite symptoms
Camel spiders are not venomous, but are gifted with powerful jaws. They can bite victims really hard.
While smaller animals can be killed, larger animals would only be injured. If you are bitten by a camel spider, it is like being bitten by any non-venomous animal.
The symptoms of a camel spider bite are:
- The powerful jaws can inflict injury and tear apart the skin.
- The wound caused by the camel spider bite can cause bleeding.
- There is a possibility that the bacteria in the camel spider’s mouth can cause an infection. This can be very unpleasant.
- If the skin is pierced, the pain can be severe. The bleeding can also be profuse and would need medical attention.
- The bitten area would turn red and would be inflamed.
- Itchiness is a possible symptom.
- Some people may experience a mild fever.
- In very rare cases, a person bitten may experience anaphylaxis with breathing problems and dizziness. Such cases need immediate hospitalization.
It must be noted not all persons get all these symptoms. There may be only slight pain with a skin tear in most cases.
Are camel spiders aggressive?
Yes, the camel spider is an aggressive arachnid. It is known to attack preys and chomp them down ruthlessly.
While it does not attack humans, provoking it can lead to being bitten very badly.
Is a camel spider a good pet?
Camel Spiders make easy, hardy pets. But they aren’t for everyone. One reason in particular is that they are not suitable for handling. Even if they don’t bite you, their incredible speed makes it really easy to drop them.
In truth, they are often aggressive creatures and are known for having powerful jaws. Trying to touch one can result in a bad bite delivered with its powerful jaws.
They are nocturnal predators and keeping them in a home as a pet can be boring. They like to live in dry climate and will not thrive in people’s homes unless humidity is monitored carefully.
FAQ relating to camel spider bites
If you wanted to know more about camel spiders and their bites, then you can go through the FAQs given below. The questions and answers will help you get more facts.
How do you treat a camel spider bite?
If you are bitten by a camel spider, there is no need to panic. This spider is non-venomous and its bite is not poisonous or harmful.
However, the spider has strong jaws and the bite can be painful. If you are bitten, then you can consider the following treatment options:
- You need to sanitize the wounded area immediately. This will prevent any bacterial infection of the wound.
- To sanitize the wound, wash it with a mild soap and water or a disinfectant solution.
- Once the wound is cleaned and/or washed, allow it to dry.
- You can apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent any chance of an infection.
- It is advisable to apply a bandage on the bitten area to prevent it from touching clothes and causing pain.
- When you use a bandage, you need to change it.
Can camel spider hurt you?
Yes, the camel spider’s bite is painful and can hurt a person. But the bite is not venomous and hence it is not dangerous.
What attracts camel spiders?
During the day time, the camel spider is attracted by shade. This arachnid does not like the sun and prefers to be in the shade. It sometimes runs behind humans not to harm them, but to hide under them.
At night, the camel spider is attracted to light. It can be found near light sources (street lamps, etc.) because insect prey gathers around them.
Can camel spiders hurt dogs?
Since the camel spider has no venom, it cannot kill a dog. However, its bite can cause a deep wound and can be painful.
Small puppies can be hurt very badly if bitten by pretty much anything, and as such need immediate treatment to prevent complications. There are many rumors surrounding camel spiders and how dangerous their bites are. The reality is something completely different.
Camel spiders have no venom that can be toxic but their bite is strong and can hurt. The simple answer is that their bites are not dangerous but can be painful.
