Wind Scorpion, Sun Scorpion, Sun Spider, or Camel Spider

Photos of a Solifugae specimen found in Connell, WA in 2002

Eastern Washington holds some good arid habitat for these rare, but curious, creatures. This one was actually found in town, discovered as it climbed a painted block wall very much like a spider. Solifugids (Solifugae or Solifugidae) are not well studied, and much remains to be learned about them. The fact that windscorpions have so many names seems an indicator of how much is known about them.

 

  These two photos demonstrate the sucker capability of the two enlarged pedipalp. The creature is able to climb glass with the use of those suckers.

 

 

  This creature is supposed to have the strongest jaws of any animal in the world when compared to its bodyweight. Fortunately, it did not bite me.

On level ground, this arthropod can run like the wind, which is why it has received the name "Wind Scorpion." Although it looks similar to a scorpion, it lacks the crab-like claws in front and has no venomous tail. Its jaws are very powerful, however, and capable of inflicting quite a bite.

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