Super Spiders

This pair of uglies, sent in to us by Mike Strevens from Brighton are commonly known as Camel Spiders.

"Subject: FW: Camel Spider found in Iraq--This is a huge spider!!!!

Yuck. I sure am glad we don't have these here. Although we probably will after this war.....

This picture is a perfect example of why you don't want to go to the desert. These are 2 of the biggest I've ever seen. With a vertical leap that would make a pro basketball player weep with envy (they have to be able to jump up on to a camels stomach after all), these bastards latch on and inject you with a local anesthesia so you can't feel it feeding on you. They eat flesh, not just suck out your juices like a normal spider."

Original source

Actually they aren't spiders at all. They are Solpugids, a member of the arachnid family.

The myths:
1. Camel spiders can move at speeds over 30 MPH, screaming while they run.
2. Camel spiders can be as large as a frisbee.
3. Camel spiders venom is an anesthetic that numbs their prey.
4. Camel spiders can jump three feet high.
5. Camel spiders get their name because they eat the stomachs of camels.

The Facts:
1. Camel spiders top speed - 10 mph. (still pretty quick)
2. Size: Up to 6 inches
3. They have no venom.
4. They don't jump.
5. Called camel spiders because they live in the desert.

They may have no venom but they can still give you a nasty nip and may carry infections.

Thanks to camelspiders.net for the extra info!