Friday, June 20, 2014

Windscorpion

Cute little thing, isn't it? But alas, tis dead. I found its well-preserved remains within a plastic pitcher that I bought at our local thrift store. This critter is commonly called a windscorpion. I'm not real familiar with the order (Solifugae) other than they are arachnids, like scorpions, spiders, ticks, mites, and harvestmen (eight legs in common).  

Here are some comments about windscorpions from Bugguide.net: "They lack venom, but the strong jaws may inflict a sharp bite in self-defense if handled. The most common species are quite small and can hardly be felt except for a slight 'pinch.' Larger members (e.g. Eremorhax spp.) have been known to draw blood. Immediately disinfect the bite....Solifugae are the subject of many urban legends and exaggerations about their size, speed, behavior, appetite, and lethality."



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