Mar 25, 2007

Addition to the Pantheon

Robin requested that I revisit the camel spider (sun spider, solpugid), since her cat once dragged one into her Tucson, AZ, house. It was still alive and a little larger than a mouse.

I'm never visiting the Southwest US again.

The picture below is of an Egyptian variety, known as the Egyptian Giant Solpugid. What amazes me is that, to the best of my knowledge, a solpugid-headed god never made it into the ancient Egyptian pantheon. I don't see why not, given their appearance and the fact that they can outrun some people (10 mph!). I can see some god called Solpugek among the ranks of Amen, Anubis, Set, and Sobek. Man, I would have made the best vizier!

Photo source: National Geographic

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Those things are amazing to watch! I've kept them twice, but they do so poorly in captivity. I don't know anyone who's kept one for longer than six months.

Anonymous said...

Hi friends,

Just last night I watch "Life In The Undergrowth", which totally and absolutely changed my paradigm on insect life. I had no idea tiny little creatures such a spiders, ants, slugs, butterflies, wasps, etc etc, are so intelligent and amazing. Like little aliens from outerspace, with the capacity to do such awe inspiring things. I will never look at another insect with fear or disgust, they are amazing creatures who have my utmost respect. If you too are interested in learning about the insect world I highly encourage you to rent this film (you can get it on netflix).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/programmes/lifeintheundergrowth/

Thanx uglyoverload for bringing respect to all the "less desirable" creatures of this fasinating world XD

Alan said...

Stop with the spiders. Seriously.

Raging Wombat said...

Jade: Why do you think that is?
Anonymous: thanks for that link!
Alan: sorry.

Anonymous said...

I've had one of these; it didn't live long either. (AWESOME pet though -- but one of the only two critters I've ever owned that I refuse to touch). However, I have heard that the conventional wisdom to feed them constantly due to their allegedly fast metabolisms may be what contributes to their early demise...

That, or maybe they just have really short lifespans and all of the ones you see for sale are adults that are just about on their way out.

Arachnophile said...

Interesting, I've never even heard of them being kept in captivity. Got to love 'em arachnids of all shapes and sizes.

Anonymous said...

that is so hairy! at least you can't see it's bolax! LOL \^o^/!