Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada

Camel Spider look alike

I just joined this website today because the past two nights we have had a camel spider look alike in our house. The first one was about an inch in length but it was hard to tell because it was all squished up in a bookshelf corner on the ground. And the second one (last night) was about 3 inches in length. It had 2 part body, 4 sets of legs tiny red pinchers, long antennae type things and was white with a little fur. It has only been seen at night and has the same tendency to run really fast to shadows. If I had been thinking last night I would have taken a picture instead of just vacuuming it up. I live in tucson az. So I know that everything is coming out of hibernation right now. But some idea on whether or not it could harm my family and my dogs would be very useful. Thanks
Katie

see here

 
I agree.
I live in Tucson as well, and you give a very good description of a solpugid. They are of no concern to anything larger than they are:-) The "camel spiders" are steeped in mystery, superstition, and urban legend, however, so be careful where you get your information. The Internet is notorious for fueling false rumors. Please use only .edu and .gov sites when researching insects and arachnids.

 
thank you. I seriously lost s
thank you. I seriously lost sleep over them last night. I was so freaked out. I am not a arachniphobic, but two nights in a row has got me freaked out. I feel somethng brush against and I flip out. So now that I know what it is I really appreciate it! Maybe I will sleep with the lights off tonight!
katie