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Jack Swords
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When we lived in Todos Santos we were told they were called "matavenado" (kill a deer). This term was also applied to a large harmless spider. Of
course the tarantulas were dangerous and the snakes were all coral snakes. As a biology teacher I took on the task of education only to receive the
endearing nick name of "loco gringo" as I handled each to illustrate their harmlessness. Maybe someone was listening, hope so.
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David K
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Potato Bugs aren't quite as sacry looking... plus they smell like their name and move slow if at all...
The Wind Scorpion/ Camel Spider/ Matavenado (Deer Killer) is a fast mover, no time to smell it! 
[Edited on 7-24-2011 by David K]
[Edited on 12-29-2017 by David K]
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rob
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Many thanks to all for taking the trouble to respond - who needs Wikipedia?
There is definitely a culture here in rural Baja that tends to dramatize the danger of - well - DANGEROUS-looking species to humans. Of course, even
twenty years ago, being bitten by some nameless thing could have meant a painful death - so its merely evolution at work . . . there are old
rancheros, there are bold rancheros, but there are NO old, bold rancheros.
(with apologies to Capt Mike)
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mcfez
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| Quote: | Originally posted by rob
Many thanks to all for taking the trouble to respond - who needs Wikipedia?
There is definitely a culture here in rural Baja that tends to dramatize the danger of - well - DANGEROUS-looking species to humans. Of course, even
twenty years ago, being bitten by some nameless thing could have meant a painful death - so its merely evolution at work . . . there are old
rancheros, there are bold rancheros, but there are NO old, bold rancheros.
(with apologies to Capt Mike) |
After spending years in Baja back county...I have yet to see a snake. Scorpions....just saw them for the first time a year ago.
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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David K
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Deno, go into the back country in the month of April... that is when you will see snakes! On year (2003) we saw 3 rattlesnakes on the same trip (in
three different places in Baja).
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SiReNiTa
Special Correspondent
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These creatures, although not venemous, are very fast and aggresive, the bite hurts a heck of a lot but that's about it. Adrian got bit by one of
these little buggers last year when Izaak was a new born, freaked the hell outta me but nothing bad came of it 
Live life as well as you can,
don\'t regret the things that once made you smile,
learn from your mistakes,
and thank God for every second he gives you upon this earth.
Visit me at
Http://BajaScents.Scentsy.com.mx
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mcfez
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| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Deno, go into the back country in the month of April... that is when you will see snakes! On year (2003) we saw 3 rattlesnakes on the same trip (in
three different places in Baja). |
Why? We have them critters here in the farm....up to four feet long. Gopher snakes. Strong as heck.
I am sure there are snakes in Baja...but I am unlucky to see them. I think its because I make my wife walk ahead of me on the trails .... 
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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Skipjack Joe
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Jack Swords
Of course the tarantulas were dangerous and the snakes were all coral snakes. As a biology teacher I took on the task of education only to receive
the endearing nick name of "loco gringo" as I handled each to illustrate their harmlessness. Maybe someone was listening, hope so.
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You handled coral snakes? 
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Jack Swords
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Didn't mean to give that impression....any and all snakes (excepting rattlesnakes) were called coral snakes and considered dangerous and therefore
killed.. So handling any snake the assumption was it was a coral snake, it wasn't. The point being that most snakes are harmless and beneficial and
should not be killed. Same with tarantulas, etc.
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mcfez
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Jack Swords
Didn't mean to give that impression....any and all snakes (excepting rattlesnakes) were called coral snakes and considered dangerous and therefore
killed.. So handling any snake the assumption was it was a coral snake, it wasn't. The point being that most snakes are harmless and beneficial and
should not be killed. Same with tarantulas, etc. |
Absolutely
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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Bajachillin
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Rattlesnakes around house or camp, relocated. Rattlesnakes any where else, left alone. But be forewarned. Pick one up in front of you sister and she
might feint.
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vgabndo
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The banded sand snake is consistently called 'coralito' and thought dangerous.
Undoubtedly, there are people who cannot afford to give the anchor of sanity even the slightest tug. Sam Harris
"The situation is far too dire for pessimism."
Bill Kauth
Carl Sagan said, "We are a way for the cosmos to know itself."
PEACE, LOVE AND FISH TACOS
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Skipjack Joe
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Jack Swords
The point being that most snakes are harmless and beneficial and should not be killed. Same with tarantulas, etc. |
Couldn't agree with you more.
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Von
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Love the smell of potato bug in the mornin mmmmm~m~m
READY SET.....................
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Bugman
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I know I am a little late to the party on this one but being an entomologist I will confirm that it is a solpugid (sun spider). They look pretty mean
but really nothing to worry about. They only bite if defending themselves and are not venomous. 
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BajaNomad
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A dozen or more (?) threads on here in the past asking about - or discussing - Sun Spiders, Camel Spiders, Wind Scorpions, and what the locals in Baja
seem to refer to as Mata Venado (Matavenado) - "deer killer".
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=47246
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=38330
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=33295
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=27185
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=23503
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=14092
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_spider
One of Russ' pictures:
[Edited on 7-28-2011 by BajaNomad]
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DENNIS
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That thing has three eyes. Very creeepy. Even a Buddhist wouldn't let this guy hang around too long.
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Bugman
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There are actually a few rather similar looking creatures that are getting confused in these threads and it can be hard to tell them apart if you
don't know what to look for. The pic just a couple posts above mine is not a sun spider but a vinegarroon. I guess the bottom line is that although
these guys look pretty nasty they don't live up to their looks. It is still a good idea to handle with care as some can bite and the vinegarroons can
spray a vinegar smelling liquid. They are not gong to hurt you though. 
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Bajajorge
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I haven't got the vaguest, foggiest.
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