Ok, yuck. I love insects and arachnids. I have had pet tarantulas on and off throughout life. But solpugids? Oh my god, no. These little bad boys have been finding their way into the desert home. But how???

I found out a little about solpugids: they are related to spiders and scorpions, and are commonly mistaken for both. They are called "sand puppies" and "camel spiders"...these are the critters that have been freaking out the troops in Iraq. They are strong, aggressive and fast. They click and chitter. I do not like them. The only prop I can give them is their little aggresive claws always held straight out in front of them in a Superman pose...might have been cute on anything else. That and they are non-poisonous. Cold comfort. Look at those chompers!

Oh, and they seem to like the kitchen tile.