They give us a bug net to prevent malaria, but I'm a little more concerned about this guy that i found wandering around my bedroom. WHAT IS THIS?? Ten points to whoever can identify the species. Are those venom-filled fangs at the front? I think so!
This is a Solpugig, AKA a sun scorpion. It is not venomous, but is a fast, aggressive, nocturnal predator. It does not seek out humans, but will bite if disturbed. I saw many of these in Somali and Afghanistan.
Wow, thanks! I stared at it for quite some time, wondering "Is this a spider? Is this some kind of weird spider-scorpion hybrid? If I kill this thing, is its family going to come seek me out in the middle of the night for revenge?" Now I'm reading all about it on Wikipedia!
Yes this is the thing that has been coming in my house!! I'm so glad I know at least know what it is so I hopefully won't be as freaked out. Thanks Helen!
This is a Solpugig, AKA a sun scorpion. It is not venomous, but is a fast, aggressive, nocturnal predator. It does not seek out humans, but will bite if disturbed. I saw many of these in Somali and Afghanistan.
ReplyDeleteSteve Horosko, Army Entomologist, Retired
Wow, thanks! I stared at it for quite some time, wondering "Is this a spider? Is this some kind of weird spider-scorpion hybrid? If I kill this thing, is its family going to come seek me out in the middle of the night for revenge?" Now I'm reading all about it on Wikipedia!
DeleteCorrection: Solpigid.
ReplyDeleteCorrection2: Solpugid (stupid keyboard).
ReplyDeleteYes this is the thing that has been coming in my house!! I'm so glad I know at least know what it is so I hopefully won't be as freaked out. Thanks Helen!
ReplyDelete