What is a Sun Scorpion?

Sun scorpion is another name for a camel spider. The camel spider is not truly a spider; it is an arachnid known as a solpugid. These animals are closely related to scorpions and spiders, but they do not sting or carry venom.

The camel spider was brought into public awareness during the Iraq war in 2003. Exaggerated tales of its size and danger made Internet headlines and caused panic among families of soldiers in Iraq. The actual size of the camel spider is about 5 to 6 inches when stretched out. It is not aggressive and poses no threat to humans, though its strong jaws can give a painful bite.