Numerous exaggerated tales about camel spiders exist, frequently accompanied by photographs purporting to depict spiders as large as half the height of a human.

 How Long Do Camel Spiders Live in Captivity?

Camel spiders typically live for about one year, both in the wild and in captivity. Much of this time—often five to six months—is spent in the egg stage. These arachnids, also known as wind scorpions or sun spiders, thrive in hot, dry desert conditions and are well-adapted to survive for months without food or water.

It’s worth noting that camel spiders have gained notoriety, partly due to misinformation. For instance, many exaggerated stories—often accompanied by photos claiming to show specimens half the size of a human—circulated widely after the Gulf War. In reality, they are not dangerous to humans; while they can deliver a painful bite, they are not venomous.

By comparison, some other arachnid species, such as certain tarantulas, can live for up to 20 years or more in captivity. The Chilean rose tarantula, for example, has been known to tilerummy survive for two years without eating.