From the Latin language, the phalanx spider is translated as "running away from the sun." In different countries this terrestrial animal is called differently - camel, bihorch, salpuga, wind scorpion. This species is most common in hot and warm countries of the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.
The phalanx spider is a rather large arthropod, its length can reach 70 millimeters. The animal has a sandy yellow, brown, whitish color. His body is divided into three departments - the abdomen, chest and head. This is a distinctive feature of spiders of this species. The head is convex and very large. The chest is divided into three segments. The abdomen consists of nine to ten segments. Three pairs of limbs are attached to the head. They correspond to two pairs of jaws and mandibles. The remaining segments are attached to three thoracic segments. The first pair of limbs, facing forward, is located at the front edge of the head. In its functions, it corresponds to stings and is called chelicera. These oral appendages are quite large, with powerful claws and swollen main segments. In shape, the forelimbs resemble thick large claws. Their role is to capture and chop food. The second and third pair of segments (pedipalpi) resemble tentacles, which, when walking, work like legs. The hind limbs are much longer than the rest. Below, on their basins, are five pairs of distinctive organs (pendant). Their functions could not be reliably determined. It is believed that these are the senses. Pedipalps, legs and chelicerae are covered with a powerful head shield. An eye tubercle with two convex pupils is located on the front edge of the head shield.
Representatives of this species of spiders can be found in arid areas (Mongolia, Gobi Desert, Greece, North Caucasus, Spain, Central Asia, Crimea, Lower Volga region). These animals are predators by nature, so they go hunting mainly at night. They feed on a variety of insects and small arthropods: beetles, termites, wood lice, and also lizards. Attacking their victim, spiders emit a sharp squeak to intimidate the enemy. Some individuals are so maneuverable that they can overcome the scorpion. Arthropod is capable of speeds of more than 16 km / h. During the day, the phalanx spider hides in a shelter - it can be the burrows of rodents and other animals. Moreover, its location arthropod changes every night. However, it is not so difficult to see the phalanx. It is necessary to make a big fire, and the sopulga itself will come running into the bright light.
The phalanx spider is voracious and indiscriminate in food, especially for fertilized females. Mating games take place at night. During mating, the female is so inert that the male has to drag her along. Fertilization is carried out in a spermophore manner. The phalanx male releases a sticky liquid containing sperm, then, with the help of a chelicera, it picks it up and sends it to the genital opening of the spider. After intercourse, the female becomes very active. After a certain time after absorbing food, it lays eggs in a shallow pit. An adult can reproduce from 40 to 200 larvae. Two or three weeks later, young spiders appear. At first they are sedentary, devoid of hairs and articulation and covered with a transparent thin shell. Three weeks later, molting begins, the integument is dissected and harden. With the appearance of hairs, the phalanx spider can move. The female is next to the cubs and brings them food until the babies are strong.
The spider has no poisonous glands. However, his bite can cause serious consequences for a person. Large individuals can easily bite through human skin. Since rotting food debris remains on the chelicera, with a bite they can get into the wound and cause inflammation. Therefore, when attacking the phalanx, it is necessary to treat the damaged area with an antiseptic solution. In 1992, the animal was listed in the Red Book.