ant-like spiders
Posted by Lori Arnold on August 9, 2006
Q: We've lived in Colorado for 20 years and I've never seen an insect like this. It looks like a cross between an ant and a spider or even a scorpion without a stinger. It has two segments to it's body and is translucent with a darker/bigger end segment. It also has what looks like antennae. It has pinchers in the mouth area and when you get close it will face you and act like it is going to bite. It also moves very fast. What is this strange bug?
State: Colorado
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: Sounds to me that you've had an encounter with a windscorpion - not an insect. Although related to scorpions and spiders, it is neither and is in the order solifugae. Try googling this animal and see if this is what you've seen. An interesting animal and one that eats lots of insects and other creepy crawlies. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( August 10, 2006)