A cairn found in Cohab Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park. Frank and Anne's Canyon Country Hiking and Camping Notebook.

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Arthropods 
 
 
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Velvet ant.
So often as we hike or camp in The West we tend to ignore the tiny critters under our feet or flying around our faces. Many are quite fascinating. We've collected a few of the more prominent arthropods that we've encountered. Because they often don't stay in one place long enough for a camera lens to focus, we don't have as many photographs as we'd like. Where possible we've included images from clip art collections.
This image is a velvet ant, taken in the Alcove Springs area of Canyonlands National Park in Utah.
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 Overview

Poisonous arthropods are actually a greater hazard than rattlesnakes.

  • Avoid scorpions, spiders, and centipedes by not placing your hands and feet where you cannot see.
  • Kick over rocks or logs before moving them with your hands.
  • Don't unpack your sleeping bag before you need it.
  • Always shake out clothing and footwear before putting them on.
 Books and Resources
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 Related Sites

There are many scary-looking desert arthropods that are not dangerous. Millipedes, whip scorpions, Jerusalem crickets, sun spiders, and tarantulas are examples of ferocious-looking creatures that are not a threat to humans.

Note: Remember to bookmark this site before you venture off down these side trails. They lead to other Web sites that we do not control. We cannot vouch for the content on, nor do we endorse, these sites. The following links are only intended to assist you in your quest for further related information. If you discover a broken link, or a link with inappropriate content, or know of a link that should be listed here, please let us know.

3D Insects

Bugbios
Shameless promotion of insect appreciation.

Cicadas
DesertUSA site.

The Desert is Bugged
Enjoy the activity known as Bug Lighting.

Discover the World of Insects
DesertUSA site.

Insects Hot List

Insects on WWW

White-Lined Sphinx Moth
DesertUSA site.

The Wonderful World of Insects

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This page was last updated Wednesday, December 5, 2007
   
 
   
 
A Canyon Country cairn.