Camel spiders are 1 to 10 cm. long (not counting out-stretched legs) creatures. Even though they are called camel spiders, and despite their appearance, they are not spiders, scorpions, or insects. They do not have venom or silk glands to make webs. They actually belong to a group of Arachnids called Solifugae which is related to spiders.

These animals may bite if they are cornered or handled. However, they do not generally attack humans. They may however “chase” a human so that they can hide in the person’s shadow and get out of the sun. They can run up to 10 mph., but while they are doing this, they are not trying to attack the person.

Camel Spiders are found in the Middle East and Southwest Asia. They generally eat other venomous insects, spiders, scorpions, and centipedes. In the unlikely event that they are frightened and bite a human, they can deliver a painful pinch with their powerful jaws. The person bitten should get the wound treated to prevent infection as they would any other animal bite wound.