Camel Spiders
Howdy Gardening Enthusiasts!
We have been gone on vacation for the past two weeks, so did not publish a Gardenline Tip during that time. But we're back on track again, so here you go...
DO YOU HAVE ANY MILITARY ACQUAINTANCES IN IRAQ WHO HAVE SEEN THIS SPIDER???
A couple of weeks ago -- in these email tips -- I referred you to SNOPES.COM for information debunking the email chain about mosquito control. As I was researching their website I was reminded of another myth that I thought needed some debunking about the so-called Camel Spiders that are in Irag, and whose bite has a paralyzing effect.
I’ve been forwarded the same picture about a dozen times from people via the internet, and while the picture is quite striking (hideous, if you hate spiders or their ilk) the first time I saw it, I had my suspicions. The picture below is the one I’ve gotten numerous times via email, and just so happens to be the one the SNOPES.COM sort of debunks as well.
Yes, they are known as Camel Spiders and yes they are members of the Arachnid family, but they aren’t truly spiders. They are from the same family of insects as Scorpions, or solpugids, large non-spider arachnids found in desert regions. Entomologists write that Solpugids have no venom, not even an anesthetic effect, and are strictly predatory on smaller creatures.
Anyhow, if you want to read the whole story from Snopes, please click on the link below.
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| Randy Lemmon is the host of the GardenLine radio program on Newsradio 740 KTRH. Randy has been doing GardenLine in one capacity or another since December of 1995, for all three of the now Clear Channel AM stations - KTRH, KPRC & KBME. When Randy took over GardenLine, he replaced long-time Houston radio veteran and GardenLine originator, Bill Zak. For those who remember that far back, GardenLine was a weekly radio staple on KTRH from 10 a.m. to Noon Mondays through Fridays - along with a Saturday show as well. Now GardenLine is heard exclusively on Newsradio 740 KTRH on weekend mornings. |
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