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Wind Scorpion


Wind Scorpion
Photo Information
Copyright: SC Davidson (azleader) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 51 W: 2 N: 185] (903)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-08-21
Categories: Insects, Desert, Spiders
Camera: Sony DSC-F717
Exposure: f/7.1, 1/250 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): RARE or SIGNIFICANT contributions to TN 3 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-08-24 1:05
Viewed: 513
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
"Wind Scorpion" or "Camel Spider" or "Sun Spider":
Solpugid (Solifugae)

Neither a spider nor a scorpion, a solpugid is a cross between the two. It has the legs of a spider with two large leg-like extensions over the head, called pedipalps, that you can see in this picture. On a scorpion where there would be claws solpugids have sticky ends on their pedipalps used to hold their prey. Also, they lack a scorpion's stinger.

Though not a particularly good picture, this hairy guy was photographed in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona USA near the town of Apache Junction. This one is about 2 inches (5 centimeters) long.

Solpugids are voracious predators that feed on all types of small arthropods. They are primarily nocturnal hunters.

Solpugid factoids:
They are the fastest non-flying bugs in the world. They can run at an astounding 10 miles per hour (16 kilometers per hour). When in their running stance their abdomen is raised high up by their rear legs and they remain low to the ground in front. They are probably the inspiration for speedy spidery monsters in hollywood movies.

For their size they have the strongest jaws of any animal on Earth. Though non-poisonous their bite can be quite painful.
Lycaon, erve, jrobertop, Nephrotome2 has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Not to many Solifugae are seen here. Well captured, they are notoriously fast runners, aren't they?

  • Great 
  • erve Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 57 W: 5 N: 50] (269)
  • [2007-08-24 2:41]

Hi steve, Never seen one of these before, nice capture, id love to see one in action.

TFS

Ewan

Hi Steve,
Splendid shot! Great spider!
Very good nuance and sharpness.
Excellent details and POV.
Well done!
Congratulations!
José Roberto

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1761 W: 29 N: 5136] (16820)
  • [2007-11-17 6:49]

Hi Davidson,
This really does look very scary and the hairy body is so frightening. Very sharp image with perfect lighting and focus. It would have looked even better if only the eyes could be seen IMHO. Anyway, a great image done with a fine POV and superb composition. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

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