The Sun Spider, or wind scorpion, is a fast-moving desert arachnid with enormous chelicerae (jaws) relative to its body size, capable of consuming lizards and other large prey. It is not a spider or scorpion but belongs to the separate order Solifugae. Despite horrifying internet legends, it is not venomous — it kills prey by crushing with its powerful jaws. It runs at remarkable speed across desert sand.
Habitat
Deserts, dry grasslands, and arid scrublands of the Southwest
Diet
Adults: insects, spiders, small lizards, and other arthropods
How common
Uncommon
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