Anyhow, I was just curious if one of my arachnid-enthused buddies (ok, Wes, mostly you...) could fill me in?? The body is about 3 inches long, I think it has/had 8 legs (though, 2 appendages could also be legs or something else - it's not obvious on this squished specimen), and two pincers at the head. It does NOT have a stinger-tail like a scorpion.
And for those of you considering coming to visit- don't get scared off. I found this dead outside the shops in town, not at a house, and it's the first time I've seen one. No one around was able to tell me what it was, so I don't figure it's too common.
Oh yeah, and God didn't give you a spirit of fear anyhow, so quit the quiverin'...
5 comments:
Here is one possibility:
The Spider Club of Southern Africa shows a picture of a six-eyed sand spider that resembles your specimen. Could you tell if sand was sticking to it?
The six-eyed sand spider (Sicarius hahnii) is a medium-sized spider of deserts and other sandy places in southern Africa.
SpidaTrap.com says, "Assays of its venom have led some to recognize this spider's bite as the most dangerous on record.
There is some question as to the danger posed by this spider. It is very shy and unlikely to bite humans, and there are few (if any) recorded human envenomations by Sicarius. However, toxicology studies have demonstrated that the venom is particularly potent, with a powerful hemolytic/necrotoxic effect, causing blood vessel leakage and tissue destruction. A bite is likely to produce a fatality."
What ever it was, at least it is now past tense.
Spider Club of Southern Africa shows a six-eyed sand spider that looks similar to your specimen. Could you tell if sand was sticking to it?
SpidaTrap.com also gives good info.
"The six-eyed sand spider (Sicarius hahnii) is a medium-sized spider of deserts and other sandy places in southern Africa.
Due to its flattened stance and laterigrade legs, it is also known as the six-eyed crab spider.
Assays of its venom have led some to recognize this spider's bite as the most dangerous on record.
There is some question as to the danger posed by this spider. It is very shy and unlikely to bite humans, and there are few (if any) recorded human envenomations by Sicarius.
A bite by this spider is likely to produce a fatality."
What ever it was, at least it is past tense.
OK, Steve - you knew I wouldn't be able to resist this one! From what I can see in this picture you posted, what you have there is a type of arachnid commonly referred to as a solifugid. This one in particular is often called a camel spider because they typically are found in the same deserts as camels (to include Iraq). They are quick and agressive but rarely try and attack humans. Their bite is strong and very painful but they are not considered venomous. The one you have there is about as big as they get. Some of them have been as much as 6 inches in total length but not more. Enjoy!! (we sure do miss you guys!!!)
OK, Steve - you knew I wouldn't be able to resist this one! From what I can see in this picture you posted, what you have there is a type of arachnid commonly referred to as a solifugid. This one in particular is often called a camel spider because they typically are found in the same deserts as camels (to include Iraq). They are quick and agressive but rarely try and attack humans. Their bite is strong and very painful but they are not considered venomous. The one you have there is about as big as they get. Some of them have been as much as 6 inches in total length but not more. Enjoy!! (we sure do miss you guys!!!)
Man, I hope I don't get bit by one whichever it is... that's for sure! It looks like it would be fairly painful. :-/
thanks!
Post a Comment