The Camel Spider (Galeodes arabs), also called the Arabian wind scorpion or sun spider, is neither a true spider nor a scorpion but belongs to the order Solifugae. Adults grow to 6–8 cm in body length (with legs up to 12 cm) and are instantly recognizable by their oversized, forward-projecting chelicerae—powerful “jaws” they use to seize and macerate prey. They thrive in hot, arid environments across the Arabian Peninsula, emerging at night to hunt insects, small rodents, lizards, and even other arachnids under cover of darkness. Despite urban legends, they are not venomous; a bite can be painful and may bleed (due to their strong jaws) but does not inject toxins. Camel spiders are exceptionally fast and agile, using their long pedipalps as sensory feelers, and they play a valuable role as apex invertebrate predators in desert ecosystems.

The Camel Spider (Galeodes arabs), locally called جمل العقرب (“camel scorpion”), is classified by the IUCN as “Threatened with extinction” (Endangered). Endemic to the desert and semi-desert habitats of the Middle East, it thrives in arid landscapes but faces major threats from habitat loss. These large, metallic-hued predators—also known as wind scorpions or sun spiders—emerge at night to hunt insects, lizards, and small rodents, using their powerful chelicerae to macerate prey. Although painful if handled, they are non-venomous, relying on digestive fluids rather than toxins. In Abu Dhabi, Camel Spiders are legally protected under Federal Law No. 24/1999, and EAD actively monitors their populations within and beyond protected areas ead.gov.ae.