Solifugae in Ely Nevada. - Ask Extension
Hi there,I've had a bit of an argument with some locals about Solifugae living here in Ely Nevada. I figured these weird spiders lived in hotter and m...
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Solifugae in Ely Nevada. #412075
Asked July 06, 2017, 2:39 AM EDT
Hi there,
I've had a bit of an argument with some locals about Solifugae living here in Ely Nevada. I figured these weird spiders lived in hotter and more dryer climates and not a place where we have cold and sometimes harsh winters. A person I know (who also lives in Ely) sent this picture to me to prove me wrong and it's making me more of a believer now since I've actually never seen them around. It looks like one to me but I just want to be sure and ask for an expert's opinion?. Thanks.
Matt
I've had a bit of an argument with some locals about Solifugae living here in Ely Nevada. I figured these weird spiders lived in hotter and more dryer climates and not a place where we have cold and sometimes harsh winters. A person I know (who also lives in Ely) sent this picture to me to prove me wrong and it's making me more of a believer now since I've actually never seen them around. It looks like one to me but I just want to be sure and ask for an expert's opinion?. Thanks.
Matt
White Pine County Nevada
Expert Response
Hi Matt,
Yes, we have Solifugae, also known as Wind Scorpions or Sun spiders in Northern Nevada. The key is they are small and not the species that can grow to the size of your hand that people know as vinegroons which are in the Middle East.
Our Solifugids are very beneficial in preying on many pest that home gardeners do not like.
https://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ag/2006/sp0608.pdf
See page 44.
I have attached a photo of one I found in my yard.
Thank you very much for clearing that up for me. Out of all the years I've lived here, I've never seen them around here. Now I want to see one haha.
They are really cool. Good luck in your searches, maybe you will find a House Centipede. They are amazing hunters, but mainly live in homes and sheds.
