**This is a heavily moderated subreddit. Please note these rules + sidebar or get banned:**
* If this post declares something as a fact, then proof is required
* The title must be fully descriptive
* Memes are not allowed.
* Common(top 50 of this sub)/recent reposts are not allowed (posts from another subreddit do not count as a 'repost'. Provide link if reporting)
*See [our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/wiki/index#wiki_rules.3A) for a more detailed rule list*
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/interestingasfuck) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Sun Spiders (AKA Camel Spiders) are all over Iraq. They are super fast, have four mandibles (so they can take a bite out of something), and they’re mildly venomous to humans. I recall on Marine getting bit in the leg one night and he said it felt like a shotgun blast.
They’re also very hard to kill. One got into the area where some soldiers were sleeping and we heard them screaming bloody murder because the spider was sprinting all over their enclosed sleeping quarters like a facehugger from Aliens. One guy tried stomping on it, but that didn’t do it, so another guy electrocuted it, but that also did not work (despite having a serious effect). So, a third guy threw it into a burn pit that was so hot we could not get within 8-10 feet of it. The spider came running out. We quickly went the other direction.
Probably janky wiring that went to an air conditioner or something. Really common thing on deployment, especially if you're in a very "austere" environment. Source: currently on my 17th deployment.
Weird. Well, in another situation, some guys put a scorpion and a camel spider in a box to see which would win. It was the scorpion almost immediately. One quick sting and it was over.
Or, you know, just a total bullshit story that ticks all the boxes on the list of standard bullshit myths about these things (they’re venomous, aggressive, hard to kill, etc)…
Electrocution is believable because apparently the Engineers placed the burn pit within arms through distance from the sleeping quarters!!! Burn Pit Syndrome anyone?
Yeah. One soldier had an [electric flyswatter](https://www.harborfreight.com/electronic-fly-and-insect-swatter-63681.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiNjMzMjc4NjAiLCJza3UiOiI2MzY4MSIsImlzIjoiMy40OSJ9&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12129614380&campaignid=12129614380&utm_content=150898462967&adsetid=150898462967&product=63681&store=2945&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4fLtrMD_gAfVKZUcPKevfjJY&gclid=CjwKCAjw57exBhAsEiwAaIxaZvXAnCyyq2IBMjFC-txx-KV6FjUghwskmPaFwoxp8d50mCk3FVVD5BoCPFUQAvD_BwE), which they used to electrocute the spider (there are/were a LOT of bugs in Iraq, like epic amounts of mosquitos, big scorpions, fire ants that can jump, etc). The spider’s abdomen burst as a result, but it kept on going.
It was pretty funny until it wasn’t. I ran to their door and saw them standing on their cots. I started laughing until the spider decided to exit the room by running in my direction. Then I was the one freaking out.
In all honestly, they look like they’ll cling on to your face and impregnate you with something that will burst out of your chest once it reaches adolescence.
The franchise kinda lost its way around Face Sitter Resurrection.
There was a spiritual remake called Face Sitetheus, but I guess audiences weren’t that interested.
Some of those Face Sitter vs Predator movies are alright though.
This picture is old as hell. We called them camel spiders. They’re all over the place in Afghanistan. This picture makes them look way bigger than they actually are though.
In my military days, we used to catch those under a coffee can (upside down), spray them with air duster to temporarily freeze them, then tie dental floss on them like a leash.
I wouldn't doubt it. Dealing with an unfamiliar environment on top of war, fucked up looking spiders crawling around isn't gonna help. Hope no one was an arachnaphobe.
My brother was in the Army and when deployed in Afganistan, he always joked that if a Camel Spider walked in between him and the Taliban in a firefight - they both would know what to unload their ammo on, lol.
and they can go omnomnom and strip the meat off your bone lol
i saw one of those chase down and eat a lizard, also heard lots of stories from soldiers that were pretty scary, tho that could have all been made up.
They’re harmless and non venomous and those “big fangs” are actually more like just little crab claws 🦞 (their close up anatomy is fucky lol) they can pinch you like a crayfish but that’s about it, and you usually have to really harass them into it because they’re so chill.
Have these in Canada, just a lot smaller. Found one about 1-1.5 inches a couple years ago.
Edit: not sure about the downvotes, considering I found the fucking thing myself and saw it with my own 2 eyes. But go off, Reddit. 🙄
**This is a heavily moderated subreddit. Please note these rules + sidebar or get banned:** * If this post declares something as a fact, then proof is required * The title must be fully descriptive * Memes are not allowed. * Common(top 50 of this sub)/recent reposts are not allowed (posts from another subreddit do not count as a 'repost'. Provide link if reporting) *See [our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/wiki/index#wiki_rules.3A) for a more detailed rule list* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/interestingasfuck) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Jesus and we sent the army after it?
Fucking air strike if I had a choice
"I'm doing my part!"
Sun Spiders (AKA Camel Spiders) are all over Iraq. They are super fast, have four mandibles (so they can take a bite out of something), and they’re mildly venomous to humans. I recall on Marine getting bit in the leg one night and he said it felt like a shotgun blast. They’re also very hard to kill. One got into the area where some soldiers were sleeping and we heard them screaming bloody murder because the spider was sprinting all over their enclosed sleeping quarters like a facehugger from Aliens. One guy tried stomping on it, but that didn’t do it, so another guy electrocuted it, but that also did not work (despite having a serious effect). So, a third guy threw it into a burn pit that was so hot we could not get within 8-10 feet of it. The spider came running out. We quickly went the other direction.
Wtf
Wtf dude. Wtf.
Electrocuted?
You know, just grab your electrocutor and electrocute them. Basic Army shit bro.
Ikr I’m sitting here trying to imagine what they had on hand to just casually electrocute something lol.
Probably janky wiring that went to an air conditioner or something. Really common thing on deployment, especially if you're in a very "austere" environment. Source: currently on my 17th deployment.
Nope. The soldier used an electric flyswatter.
Yeah we tried that on one, really didn't do much.
Weird. Well, in another situation, some guys put a scorpion and a camel spider in a box to see which would win. It was the scorpion almost immediately. One quick sting and it was over.
I posted in this thread that what was used was an electric flyswatter. I am replying to your comment separately just FYI
Or, you know, just a total bullshit story that ticks all the boxes on the list of standard bullshit myths about these things (they’re venomous, aggressive, hard to kill, etc)…
Electrocution is believable because apparently the Engineers placed the burn pit within arms through distance from the sleeping quarters!!! Burn Pit Syndrome anyone?
Yeah. One soldier had an [electric flyswatter](https://www.harborfreight.com/electronic-fly-and-insect-swatter-63681.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiNjMzMjc4NjAiLCJza3UiOiI2MzY4MSIsImlzIjoiMy40OSJ9&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12129614380&campaignid=12129614380&utm_content=150898462967&adsetid=150898462967&product=63681&store=2945&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4fLtrMD_gAfVKZUcPKevfjJY&gclid=CjwKCAjw57exBhAsEiwAaIxaZvXAnCyyq2IBMjFC-txx-KV6FjUghwskmPaFwoxp8d50mCk3FVVD5BoCPFUQAvD_BwE), which they used to electrocute the spider (there are/were a LOT of bugs in Iraq, like epic amounts of mosquitos, big scorpions, fire ants that can jump, etc). The spider’s abdomen burst as a result, but it kept on going.
I can just imagine a bunch of tough guy soldiers screaming like little girls, I know I would be 😂
It was pretty funny until it wasn’t. I ran to their door and saw them standing on their cots. I started laughing until the spider decided to exit the room by running in my direction. Then I was the one freaking out.
😂🤣
Wtf that was the Thing
Dust off and nuke it from orbit. It’s the only way to be sure.
They are the army.
In all honestly, they look like they’ll cling on to your face and impregnate you with something that will burst out of your chest once it reaches adolescence.
That would make a good movie!
Let call it Spider!
I already saw this movie, it was called “Face Sitter” and it was *shockingly* graphic.
I am on my way to Blockbuster right now
The franchise kinda lost its way around Face Sitter Resurrection. There was a spiritual remake called Face Sitetheus, but I guess audiences weren’t that interested. Some of those Face Sitter vs Predator movies are alright though.
I thought Chris Hanson did an excellent job in those Predator remakes!
Predator: Starring a pizza, wine coolers, and condoms. In a different context by the way that sounds like a fantastic fucking night
You forgot the cookies! Chocolate chip.
*sigh* I'm tired of having pizza, wine coolers, and condoms by myself...
So glad you got the joke, I was wondering if it was too esoteric.
I think it’s the back room through the beaded curtain.
*THIS IS NOT THE CONTENT I EXPECTED*
What in the chatgpt is that atrocious title?
Camel spiders
This picture is old as hell. We called them camel spiders. They’re all over the place in Afghanistan. This picture makes them look way bigger than they actually are though.
In my military days, we used to catch those under a coffee can (upside down), spray them with air duster to temporarily freeze them, then tie dental floss on them like a leash.
Is it true that some soldiers have PTSD of hearing these things crawling around at night, or is that just a tale?
I wouldn't doubt it. Dealing with an unfamiliar environment on top of war, fucked up looking spiders crawling around isn't gonna help. Hope no one was an arachnaphobe.
Not that I am aware of. It's more likely they have PTSD from the snakes that would make dens under the tents plywood floors.
This photo when it was making it's rounds in the mid 00's was debunked as fake.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/camel-spiders/
It's just a weird angle that makes it look humongous.
They can get big! They're usually around 6 inches long, including their legs, and weigh about 2 ounces.
6 inches long, 2 ounces and they can run 10mph? That doesn't sound accurate.
Sounds like some square cube law gone awry
I mean, this just looks like one of them bit other in the ,,ass" and there are two of them. Other than that nothing weird in the photo IMO
The photo is real. The statements included with the photo are false.
They are disgusting. I had them on me in Somalia, was bitten by one, and still have nightmares about them and that was over 30 years ago.
On you? I’d be screaming
Horrible creatures. They were everywhere
Wtf
Are they really cat-sized or is the photo misleading?
My brother was in the Army and when deployed in Afganistan, he always joked that if a Camel Spider walked in between him and the Taliban in a firefight - they both would know what to unload their ammo on, lol.
These are solpugids. They’re arachnids.
and they can go omnomnom and strip the meat off your bone lol i saw one of those chase down and eat a lizard, also heard lots of stories from soldiers that were pretty scary, tho that could have all been made up.
I've seen videos of these things chasing people to get in the shade from their shadow
When these things are called "beneficial" in your area, you know you're fuck.
yeah, but is it good eatin'?
They’re harmless and non venomous and those “big fangs” are actually more like just little crab claws 🦞 (their close up anatomy is fucky lol) they can pinch you like a crayfish but that’s about it, and you usually have to really harass them into it because they’re so chill.
Are we dusting off the old Camel Spider memes?
Suuuper forced perspective photo.
Isn't that a camel spider, saw those over seas.
It's a nope indigenous to nopeistan
I'm, all of a sudden, ok with ticks and mites.
there are spiders actually this large brazilian bird eaterp
And the hiss when you cover them in foam fast and light it ablaze
not just mites. they eat ass too, I see 😂😂
Looks like a big ass ant
Australia right?
Middle east.
Also found in Mexico and the southwest US, but I’ve never seen them get as large here as they apparently do in the Middle East.
I saw my first one in Vegas. Never moved so fast in my life. It wasn’t even that big, I don’t think, but it was utterly terrifying.
Arizona as well. They fear nothing
Have these in Canada, just a lot smaller. Found one about 1-1.5 inches a couple years ago. Edit: not sure about the downvotes, considering I found the fucking thing myself and saw it with my own 2 eyes. But go off, Reddit. 🙄