Monday, May 26, 2008

Solfugids

This is an entire arachnid order that I've never seen alive in their natural habitat. Kenya has a few large species of the camel spider, or solfugid, that I am extremely hopeful about seeing and photographing. Truth be told I'll be more than happy to find just one small specimen. The solfugids are a really strange ancient group, their closest living relatives are thought to be scorpions. Even though 99% of species lack venom, their scissor like jaws (largest jaw/body ratio in the living world) make up for this by quickly tearing prey apart.



I thought about solfugids today after stumbling across this youtube video. Youtube is an unbelievably good source for unique glimpses of the natural world via amateur video. The soldiers were probably trying to fight these animals, but something else happened. As far as I know this is the only video of solfugids mating and their method is scarily unique, even among arachnids.

**Caution** Video contains adult language/commentary.
See the video here:

2 comments:

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what a strange insect, I have never seen it even in a picture, thanks for sharing the existence of this insect, it is really an interesting specimen

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