Camel spiders eat live birds by liquefying the birds in their mouths and sucking the meal down their throats. The video presents the facts and myths about these interesting animals as part of a Brain Scoop playlist on Insects and Other Invertebrates. The resource also includes tips on what to do if you are being chased by an eight-inch camel spider.

Concepts

insects, desert animals, arachnids, insect anatomy

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Discuss why they are named camel spiders or sun scorpions when they aren't camels, spiders, or scorpions
• If possible, interview someone who has seen these in the desert, typically military personnel

Classroom Considerations

• Preview the video and consider the maturity of your pupils before sharing

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Shares the only known video of a camel spider eating
• Discusses the future of research on these animals

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4