Nick
04-01-03, 10:22 AM
http://home.wi.rr.com/torg/camelspider.jpg
Not all the enemy in Iraq are bipedal. This gruesome creature is at home in the deserts of the middle east and other parts of the world. Known to attach itself to the undersides of camels, it secrets an anesthetic-like substance then proceeds to eat its way into the camel's stomach, ultimately killing the animal.
The creature is very fast, having be clocked at speeds of up to 25 mph by US troops driving in humvees along the desert. One soldier noted that the mini-monster seemed to have a preference for running in the shade of
his vehicle.
Another soldier reported that while in camp, a camel spider tried to enter his mouth and as he swatted it away, the arachnipod took off "like a bat out of hell".
Some varieties of this formidable creature have a scorpion-like appendage on its rear, but it does not have the ability to sting like a scorpion.
From the website www.frgnews.com/spider.htm
Camel Spiders
Camel spiders are one of the fastest running arthropods. Although they have four pairs of legs, they run using only three pairs. The first pair of legs or pedipalpi are held up in front of them and used in a similar manner to the antennae of insects. They have very long, silky setae and are constantly moving in order to locate and pick-up prey. Despite their fearsome appearance and their strong bite, solifugids are unlikely to harm humans. In the past they were considered venomous and extremely dangerous but it is now thought that the only risk of injury resulting from them is caused by shock or infection following a bite. There is no evidence of venom in any part of their body.
Camel spiders are nocturnal predators of other arthropods including scorpions and are voracious feeders. Some species kill and feed on lizards and it is speculated that others kill mice and birds. They rely solely on their speed and stealth to catch their prey. In desert areas they are often attracted to lights at night in search of food and their appearance can cause alarm if they enter tents. It is rare to see them during the winter months and they are thought to hide or hibernate during cold periods.
http://www.frgnews.com/webfolders/ArticlesforFRG_files/image013.jpg
Yech! :eek2:
Not all the enemy in Iraq are bipedal. This gruesome creature is at home in the deserts of the middle east and other parts of the world. Known to attach itself to the undersides of camels, it secrets an anesthetic-like substance then proceeds to eat its way into the camel's stomach, ultimately killing the animal.
The creature is very fast, having be clocked at speeds of up to 25 mph by US troops driving in humvees along the desert. One soldier noted that the mini-monster seemed to have a preference for running in the shade of
his vehicle.
Another soldier reported that while in camp, a camel spider tried to enter his mouth and as he swatted it away, the arachnipod took off "like a bat out of hell".
Some varieties of this formidable creature have a scorpion-like appendage on its rear, but it does not have the ability to sting like a scorpion.
From the website www.frgnews.com/spider.htm
Camel Spiders
Camel spiders are one of the fastest running arthropods. Although they have four pairs of legs, they run using only three pairs. The first pair of legs or pedipalpi are held up in front of them and used in a similar manner to the antennae of insects. They have very long, silky setae and are constantly moving in order to locate and pick-up prey. Despite their fearsome appearance and their strong bite, solifugids are unlikely to harm humans. In the past they were considered venomous and extremely dangerous but it is now thought that the only risk of injury resulting from them is caused by shock or infection following a bite. There is no evidence of venom in any part of their body.
Camel spiders are nocturnal predators of other arthropods including scorpions and are voracious feeders. Some species kill and feed on lizards and it is speculated that others kill mice and birds. They rely solely on their speed and stealth to catch their prey. In desert areas they are often attracted to lights at night in search of food and their appearance can cause alarm if they enter tents. It is rare to see them during the winter months and they are thought to hide or hibernate during cold periods.
http://www.frgnews.com/webfolders/ArticlesforFRG_files/image013.jpg
Yech! :eek2: