Windscorpions

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Solifugae: //ˌsɒlɪˈfjuːdʒiː//

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Images

Summary

Solifugae, also known as solifuges, are an order of arachnids characterized by their large chelicerae and pedal morphology. They are primarily found in arid environments and are known for their carnivorous diet, but are often subject to exaggerations regarding their size and aggressiveness towards humans.

Physical Characteristics

Moderately small to large arachnids, with body lengths ranging from a few millimeters to up to 7 cm (3 in). Species can grow to a length of 12–15 cm (5–6 in), including legs. They possess large chelicerae, elongated pedipalps, and eight legs but lack a tail. The body plan includes a prosoma and a segmented abdomen.

Identification Tips

Identification to species is extremely difficult due to the high variability within and between species. The presence of large chelicerae, the elongated pedipalps, and the absence of a tail can help distinguish them from true spiders and scorpions.

Habitat

Most solifuges inhabit warm arid places, primarily deserts, sandy areas, grasslands, and some forests. They can be found in microhabitats like sand dunes, rocky hillsides, and shrublands.

Distribution

Over 1,000 described species in about 147 genera worldwide, primarily found in the Americas, Southern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Absent in Australia and Madagascar.

Diet

Carnivorous, primarily feeding on various invertebrates, other arachnids (like spiders and scorpions), and small vertebrates. They may scavenge on dead creatures and hunt live prey.

Life Cycle

Typically univoltine, solifuges reproduce once a year, laying 50 to 200 eggs in a burrow. They undergo stages including egg, postembryo, multiple nymphal instars, and adults.

Reproduction

Reproduction can involve direct or indirect sperm transfer, with males using a spermatophore. After mating, females lay eggs and may guard them until hatching. Females do not feed during this time and rely on stored energy.

Ecosystem Role

Voracious predators in their ecosystems, solifuges help control populations of various invertebrates and small animals.

Cultural Significance

Solifuges have been subjects of urban legends and myths, sometimes exaggerated for entertainment or fear. They have been used in historical anecdotes related to human behavior in deserts.

Health Concerns

While not venomous, solifuges can inflict a painful bite if handled, but this is generally not medically significant. Reports of injuries or bites are often exaggerated or unsubstantiated.

Evolution

To be updated upon further phylogenetic studies; recognized as two groups (Australosolifugae and Boreosolifugae) based on geographic distribution and evolutionary lineage.

Similar Taxa

• Scorpiones
• Araneae

Misconceptions

Common misconceptions include their danger to humans and their large size, as well as mythical claims about them cutting hair.

Tags

• Solifugae
• Windscorpion
• Camel Spider
• Sun Spider