Take a look at this- NOT my pic

[Alex S.]

Eremobatid feeding on a small snake.

Alex S.

 

[JacenBeers]

Wow that is quite impressive.

 

[Henry Kane]

Whoa! Awesome Alex! Is that a N. American sp.?


Atrax

 

[Alex S.]

Hey Gary, yes, the Eremobatids are the common USA family and the largest of this family get up to about 2" in body length. Just imagine what the north African over 3" giant solifugids take down as prey

Alex S.

 

[Weapon-X]

re

wow! thats awesome alex maybe i'll get a few young egyptian solifugids now, i got a hamster that pisses me off--Jeff

 

[jwb121377]

Re: re

Originally posted by Weapon-X
wow! thats awesome alex maybe i'll get a few young egyptian solifugids now, i got a hamster that pisses me off--Jeff

I have a few co-workers that are under my skin... wonder if it would work for that as well?

 

[Alex S.]

Solifugae

Hehe, yeah, they are awesome predators that can take down some pretty large prey items. I encourage to get them though, as even with the short lifespan, its still incredible while their alive.

Alex S.

 

[JacenBeers]

Are they available at all in the pet trade?

 

[Alex S.]

Solifugae

Yes, they are available in the hobby, but only during the the summer and early fall. The main ones imported are those of the family Galeodidae, which include large species from northern Africa, usually being the species Galeodes arabs or Galeodes granti.

Alex S.

 

[GQ.]

I don't doubt that solifugids can take down large prey, but I highly doubt the solifugid killed this snake. The night snake was most likely a road kill. The solifugid just happened upon the snake and took advantage of a good meal. I've often times encountered other animals eating road killed snakes and lizards.

 

[Alex S.]

Solifugids and prey

Its possible, but solifugids are very, very rarely scavengers and pretty much only accept live, moving prey. Yes they are very capable of taking down prey this size as giant species, Galeodids, from northern Africa can take down birds and even small venemous snakes.

Alex S.

 

[GQ.]

Alex,

I just looked up the original thread that that picture came from at Kingsnake.com. The guy said the night snake was still moving a bit. That might make a bit more sense if solifugids don't usually like dead prey. The snake was most likely squirming on the road with a broken back when the solifugid came along and took advantage of the opportunity. Either way it is a still a cool picture.

 

[AlbinoDragon829]

Re: Solifugae

Originally posted by Alex S.
I encourage to get them though, as even with the short lifespan, its still incredible while their alive.

Alex S.

How long do they live?

 

[Alex S.]

Originally posted by GQ.
Alex,

I just looked up the original thread that that picture came from at Kingsnake.com. The guy said the night snake was still moving a bit. That might make a bit more sense if solifugids don't usually like dead prey. The snake was most likely squirming on the road with a broken back when the solifugid came along and took advantage of the opportunity. Either way it is a still a cool picture.

Hey GQ, yeah, because solifugids are full out predators only taking live/moving prey. It really shows you what amazing predators solifugids are as they can take down perfectly healthy snakes as well.

Alex S.

 

[Alex S.]

Re: Re: Solifugae

Originally posted by AlbinoDragon829
How long do they live?

Larger, healthy specimens can live up to a year, but usually no more than around 6 months. This short lifespan is an adaptation solifugids have for being such successful predators.

Alex S.