Ammotrechella stimpsoni
(Putnam, 1883)
Florida Camel Spider
Ammotrechella stimpsoni is a of solifugid (camel ) in the Ammotrechidae, commonly known as the Florida Camel Spider. It is one of the few solifugid species found in the southeastern United States, representing a group of more commonly associated with arid regions. The species was described by Putnam in 1883. Like other solifugids, it possesses large and is an active .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ammotrechella stimpsoni: //ˌæmoʊtrɛˈkɛlə ˈstɪmpsəni//
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Identification
Distinguished from other North solifugids by geographic range (Florida and southeastern coastal regions) and -level characteristics including the curved margin of the propeltidium. Separable from western North American ammotrechids by its restricted Atlantic coastal distribution. Identification to level requires examination of cheliceral and other detailed morphological features.
Habitat
Coastal and near-coastal environments in Florida and the southeastern United States. Associated with sandy soils and open, well-drained typical of the Florida peninsula.
Distribution
Recorded from Florida and potentially adjacent southeastern coastal states in the United States. The specific epithet 'stimpsoni' honors William Stimpson, a 19th-century .
Human Relevance
Occasionally encountered in Florida, where it may cause alarm due to its large size and formidable appearance. Not medically significant to humans despite impressive ; lacks glands. The 'camel ' reflects its arid-adapted relatives rather than any biological relationship to camels.
Similar Taxa
- Other AmmotrechidaeWestern North ammotrechids such as Ammotrecha and other share characteristics but occur in arid western regions rather than the humid southeastern coastal zone.
- EremobatidaeAnother of North solifugids, but with different cheliceral structure and primarily western distribution; eremobatids have a straight or concave propeltidial margin rather than the curved of Ammotrechidae.
Misconceptions
The 'camel ' perpetuates confusion with Middle Eastern solifugid and myths about these . Despite their appearance, solifugids are not spiders ( ) and do not possess . The Florida Camel Spider is not a dangerous animal, though its large can deliver a painful pinch if handled.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The specific epithet 'stimpsoni' honors William Stimpson (1832-1872), an marine biologist and who was one of the leading naturalists of his era.