Entomology (Study of Bugs)/camel spiders

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Expert: Teá Kesting-Handly - 10/25/2009


Question

wind scorpion
I live in central california, Carmel Valley (the one by Monterey, not the one by San Diego), books on insects and the internet list camel spider/wind scorpions as living in this area but when they recently showed up in my house no one I have spoken to, including many people that have lived here their entire lives has ever heard of or seen one before. The internet sites are vague on how big they get (1 1/2" - 6", some say larger but they don't seem like reputable sites, the one I captured and attached photo of here is about 1 1/2" but obviously just molted, he's getting darker and bigger every day. Also just how bad is their bite, their mouth and jaws look terrifying and the internet rates them from increadibly painful to similar to a wasp. I have found 6 of them, 4 of them inside the house. I have set off 'bug bombs' in the crawl spaces and attic. I'm assuming they are very rare since no one has ever heard of them here. I have tried spraying around the foundation with Lambda-Cyhalothrin (recommended to keep scorpions away) but that has no effect what so ever. So, questions are 1. How big do they really get in central california, 2. Is thier bite something to worry about (I have kids in the house) and 3. How can I get rid of them. Also, 4. Do they have a 'season', like tarantulas that are here all the time but only come out in October.

Thanks so much for any information, it's unnerving that no one seems to know anything about them and the internet information is just plain scary.
Phil

Answer
Phil,

Those Wind Scorpions are harmless. All Wind Scorpions can bite, but the ones in the US are closest to a bee sting. I wouldn't recommend handling them as some people can be highly allergic. In California, the biggest they can get seems to be about 2.5". I wouldn't be too concerned about their removal as there isn't any certain method to getting rid of them. Since they are harmless, there aren't any steps you should take. Most likely, they'll leave by themselves. I'm not really sure about their "season", as I've seen them in the southern desert region of Utah in August, but I've gotten reports of them from all over that region in April, June, and July. I think that since they're a rather uncommonly encountered insect, there is limited information on them.

Best,

Teá Kesting-Handly

Expertise

I can answer almost any question pertaining to Butterflies, Moths, Fireflies, dragonflies, scorpions, honeybees, wasps, and bumblebees. I specialize in Butterflies, Moths, and Scorpions and I will be able to tell you how to care for it, identifying it, keeping it healthy, and diagnose diseases or fungi infection of any sort (with scorpions, it is more difficult but I will try). I am very good with treating bites and stings, ask if you have any questions regarding that. PLEASE, NO QUESTIONS ABOUT PESTS OR ANYTHING TOO SMALL TO SEE AS I WON'T BE ABLE AND WON'T ANSWER YOU.

Experience

I work at the Museum of Science in Boston, Mass. as a Butterfly Garden volunteer. I have studied and raised butterflies and moths since 2003. I had a pet scorpion and usually large assortment of butterflies and moths and have a fair amount of information on all of them. I have successfully bred many species of butterflies and moths and can identify most on the spot. I have experience in treating fungal infections and disease in many insects.

Organizations
Museum of Science, Boston MA Harvard University's Pierce Labs, Cambridge, MA

Publications
www.buglifecycles.com

Education/Credentials
High School- 12th Grade Taken a Biology exam at a college advanced level (93/100 final score) Taken an Entomology college final exam at an advanced level (112/114 final score)

Awards and Honors
Bausch and Lomb science award

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