Solifuges: The Desert's Speedy Hunters

desert creatures · arachnids · speed demons · arthropod hunters

Masters of dry lands. Solifuges are arachnids that mostly live in hot, dry deserts and other dry climates around the world. They hunt at night, searching the ground for insects, spiders, and other tiny animals to eat.

Incredibly fast movers. These creatures scurry across the sand at amazing speeds, which is why they're called sun spiders and wind scorpions. Their speed made them legendary, with exaggerated stories claiming they could chase humans or vehicles, which is completely untrue.

Surprisingly small hunters. The biggest solifuges grow to about 5 or 6 inches long, including their legs. They're definitely not the monster-sized creatures that scary stories suggest.

Neither spider nor scorpion. Even though solifuges look like they might be related to spiders or scorpions, they're actually a completely different order of arachnids with their own unique body plan and behavior.

Harmless to humans. Urban legends claim solifuges are dangerous to people, but they're actually harmless and won't bother you. They're far too busy hunting insects to care about humans.