Oh, what a tangled web we weave: Ogre-faced

 

Photo Credit: Carl Moller

 

I was working in the lab late one night

When my eyes beheld an eerie sight.

For a monster with fangs and protruding eyes

Cast a net over me, then much to my surprise…

 

The monster slowly moved in the dark of night

With a hump on his back and a fear of the light.

Those eyes, those fangs – but eight pairs of legs…

“Are you an ogre, a spider? Please tell!” I begged.

 

 

The monster seemed to be having fun,

As if a party had just begun.

He opened his mouth and said to me,

“Just listen and you will see.”

 

 

“My eyes subdue my prey at night.

I’ve thorns on my legs for more than just fright.

I hide among twigs and sticks and vines.

You’ll never see me, until its time.”

 

 

“But that is not why I’m here tonight

It is the day that spirits take flight.

All Hallow’s Eve is among us now…

Join my fellows and I for our nightly prowl.”

 

 

We did the mash

We did the monster mash

The monster mash

It was a graveyard smash

We did the mash

It caught on in a flash

We did the mash

We did the monster mash

 

 

Now everything is cool, I’m part of the crew.

Ogre-faced spiders are no threat to me and you.

For insects, well thats another story…

For those who enjoy horror and gory.

 

 

We did the monster mash.

Please share your favorite Halloween monster! And check out this invasive species from DPI’s YouTube channel: the Mexican Red Rump Tarantula. Happy Halloween!

Oh, what a tangled web we weave: Trapdoors

Photo credit: floridapest.com

There’s no way out.

As smaller, less hairy relatives of the tarantula, trapdoor spiders definitely leave many humans in fear – that is, if a human is lucky enough to see one. These spiders are cunning and sly. There’s no denying that these large, terrestrial spiders are out for blood – large arthropod and lizard blood, that is.

Trapdoor spiders build tube-like tunnels in undisturbed areas. They build them along natural insect walkways – a prime location for capturing their prey. They build a “trapdoor” at the top of the tunnel, which they use to surprise their “dinner guests.” As arthropods and small lizards travel down the insect walkways, the trapdoor spider waits in its tunnel below, anticipating vibrations which signal that their guest has arrived – somewhat like a doorbell. When they receive this signal, the spiders are nothing less than supreme hosts. In fact, they welcome their guests in themselves – swiftly, I might add. Sorry Lurch, no need for you here.

These spiders’ bodies are equipped with tools to build their dwelling entirely on their own. Their mouth parts have digging rakes on them which are used to loosen soil. Then their spined, hind legs – which are mighty shiny – are used to roll the soil and toss it from the construction site. The doors to their dwellings vary. Some trapdoor spiders build “cork”-type doors, which are very thick and designed to fill the opening entirely. “Wafer”-type doors are merely silk and soil. Both door types have silk hinges which allows the host to open and close the door with ease.

Trapdoor spiders thoroughly enjoy their dinner guests. However, they sometimes receive guests which are unwelcome. Parasitic wasps occasionally attempt to break into the spiders’ home. In fact, they can chew right through the trapdoors. These wasps don’t just stop by for a bite – they’re interested in a full-course meal. In these times, the spiders use their tunnels as shelters. Sometimes they branch out or have multiple entry-points. The tunnels are also used by female trapdoor spiders as nurseries, raising babies in until they are about eight months old.

Welcome to the house of horrors. Sit back and relax…there’s no way out of here. 

Oh, what a tangled web we weave: The big, bad wolf

All fairytales have a happy ending, right?

This big, bad wolf is just as sneaky as the one who blew those pigs’ houses down. In fact, the wolf spider’s mottled brown coloring camouflages the creature entirely as it sneaks up on its prey. Wolf spiders are large and hairy, usually a half an inch to two inches long. These critters are sometimes mistaken as tarantulas. Stout bodies and long, thick legs keep the spider very low to the ground, even if it is walking or running. Wolf spiders are ground dwellers for the most part. However, they have very diverse hunting strategies. Wolf spiders mostly hunt at night on the ground and remain in silk-lined retreats during the day. Others live underground in burrows from which they ambush passing insects. A few make a funnel sheet web, but most don’t waste their time with webs – they simply overpower their prey. No matter where they are, wolf spiders prefer covered, hidden areas. This creates the element of surprise for their victims – something that wolf spiders enjoy. These predators have two large forward looking eyes – the better to see you with, my dear. They have excellent eyesight (they can see in ultraviolet) and are sensitive to vibrations. Although they are relentless hunters, wolf spiders do have a heart. They give their children piggy-back rides for a solid week after they are born – pigs, the irony.

Don’t fear, you’re in the clear – this big, bad wolf isn’t poisonous.

Check out this couple’s story of their first supposed wolf encounter – click here.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave: Jumping spiders

Warning: The following may make you jump out of your skin.

Eyes like headlights help them focus on their prey as they prepare to leap up to 40 times their body length to capture their victim. Jumping spiders are named for their highly coordinated jumping ability which they also use to travel from plant to plant. Not only are they quick and volatile, but their vision is remarkable as well. Jumping spiders can see up to 320 degrees with their four pairs of eyes. The two large eyes in front can focus on objects and see in color – there is no hiding from these predators. Most are harmless but their bite can be painful.

These spiders are generally 5 to 10 mm long but some species can grow up to 23 mm. The females are usually larger. Most species are brightly colored or patterned and have stout bodies with short legs. But these short legs don’t keep them down. In fact, the males often dance for the females before mating – at least these females allow their counterpart to survive this ritual, unlike the black widow.

So if you find one of these critters in your home and you grab a tissue to remove it – gently of course – be prepared for the inevitable. Just as soon as you have built up your confidence to handle the situation and are close enough to scoop the spider, it will jump away! Unfortunately, you probably won’t know where “away” is and will frantically swat the air and your clothing until you are assured that the agile arachnid is not on your body. If you are rather squeamish, perhaps you should leave it as part of the festive décor. After all, it is Halloween.  

Share with us your favorite spider story!

Oh, what a tangled web we weave: Widows

Their red hourglass is world-renowned; along with their disturbing mating ritual. Females sometimes kill and eat their counterparts after mating. Beware: these man-eaters are on the prowl and the black widow’s bite is serious. It is reported to be 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake.

Widow spiders usually dwell under rocks or in logs and are found in every continent in the world, except Antarctica. They can be found in outdoor buildings like sheds or barns, in water meter holes and under any item or structure, like grills and sand boxes that have been undisturbed for a length of time. There are four species of widow spiders in Florida: the southern black widow, the northern black widow, the red widow and the brown widow. Female widow spiders range from 8-15 mm in body length. Males are much smaller, sometimes just 2 mm. Most have shiny abdomens that are predominantly black with red markings, although some may be pale and/or have lateral stripes. All widows have moderately long, slender legs.

Historically, the majority of bites by black widows occurred in outhouses and the biters were female. However, like the recluse, black widow bites now occur most frequently when the spider is trapped against human skin, either by reaching under objects where the spider is hiding or when putting on clothing, gloves or shoes containing the spider. “Oh here she comes, watch out boys, she’ll chew you up!”  

Oh, what a tangled web we weave: The Recluse

Chilean recluse

Withdrawn, estranged, hidden from society – these are the words that come to mind when thinking of someone or something recluse. However, hidden things can only stay masked for so long…right?

Recluse spiders can be seen worldwide – so to speak. They are present, but usually very well hidden. We may not see them but they are definitely aware of us as they have six eyes arranged in three pairs. Many recluse species have a violin-shaped pattern on their head, and they are often referred to as “fiddlebacks.” Recluse spiders hunt their prey, unlike some other spiders. They usually leave their flimsy web in search of their next victim. The bite of recluse spiders can be ugly. Human bites usually occur when people who are sleeping roll onto the spider or put on clothes into which the spider has crawled. Symptoms start 2-6 hours after the bite. Blisters frequently appear at the bite site, accompanied by severe pain, itching and swelling. The bite could possibly result in the death of skin cells with a sunken wound, leaving a scar. But keep in mind, almost all reported cases of brown recluse bites have not been confirmed. These estranged arachnids have no breeding population in Florida. However, they have been found a few times in Alachua, Bay, Duval, Jefferson and Leon counties. Be on the lookout for this masked creature. Remember – we may not see them, but they are watching.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave: Daddy-longlegs

Look closely, this is not just a photo of a pumpkin. (Click on photo to enlarge)

Enjoy the first of this spooky series: Learn all about spiders that may creep and crawl into your path this Halloween…

Nightmares? Don’t come running to this daddy. Most of you have seen this long-legged creature that is rumored to be the most poisonous in the world – if only its fangs were large enough to penetrate human skin: daddy-longlegs. As a child, their lengthy legs were intimidating and seemed to go on for miles. They popped up around logs and under rocks. Caution was encouraged as we were dealing with the most poisonous creature in the world. What if their mouth was large enough? Could we be bitten? WRONG! Daddy-longlegs do not even have venom glands, fangs or any other means of poisoning their victims. In fact, daddy-longlegs aren’t spiders at all. These Arachnids most commonly referred to as daddy-longlegs belong to the order Opiliones. They are also called harvestmen and opilionids. Daddy-longlegs have one body segment and only two eyes. They don’t produce silk, and are therefore only found in webs if they are being consumed by a spider. Some people say daddy knows best, but in this case, leave it to the experts. Daddy-longlegs are harmless.

Wandering widows

Female southern black widow

Their red hourglass is world-renowned; along with their disturbing mating ritual.

Widow spiders can be found on every continent in the world, except Antarctica

These venomous spiders usually dwell under rocks or in logs. They readily adapt to human environments. Black widows can be found in outdoor buildings like sheds or barns, in water meter holes and under any item or structure, like grills and sand boxes that have been undisturbed for a length of time.

And according to a recent report, they may also take up residence in your produce.

A woman in Wisconsin found a black widow spider in her grapes just a few days ago.

This not-so-sweet surprise in her produce has brought to light the importance of properly handling poisonous pests.

It’s fairly common to find a little soil in greens or a worm in an apple. However, finding poisonous, deadly spiders in our produce is not something that many people have ever encountered. Although highly unlikely, it’s possible.

Spiders potentially serve as the protectors of our produce. Widows, in particular, feed on pests which may be harmful to produce, such as flies, grasshoppers, beetles and caterpillars. However, the black widow’s bite is reported to be 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake. Therefore, we must protect ourselves from this particular species.

There are four species of widow spiders in Florida: the southern black widow, the northern black widow, the red widow and the brown widow.

The male black widow, as you can see, is much smaller.

Female widow spiders range from 8-15 mm in body length. Males are much smaller, sometimes just 2 mm. Most have shiny abdomens that are predominantly black with red markings, although some may be pale and/or have lateral stripes. All widows have moderately long, slender legs.

Historically, the majority of bites by black widows occurred in outhouses and the biters were female. However, black widow bites now occur most frequently when the spider is trapped against human skin, either by reaching under objects where the spider is hiding or when putting on clothing, gloves or shoes containing the spider. Widow spiders are generally very timid and only bite in self-defense when they accidentally contact humans.

Have no fear; we’ve got the spider expert here! Dr. G.B. Edwards shared what to do if you find an arachnid in your asparagus, or anywhere else. These activities may seem excessive, but they could help protect our agriculture and natural environment:

Determine where the produce came from. It is important to track the critter back to its source. Check to see if there is a country of origin label.

• If the spider is local, it can be released.
• If it is from another state or country, the spider should be preserved in alcohol and sent to a professional arachnologist for identification.
• If it is not a spider, but some kind of insect, the specimen should be sent to a taxonomic entomologist instead. Call 888-397-1517 for more information.

Bringing in foreign pests and diseases from other states or countries can harm our food supply and our natural resources. When you travel, please don’t pack a pest.

Even if you are unsure if the spider or insect is venomous, caution is always recommended. When removing the critter, or when engaging in daily activities where a spider could be lodging, wearing gloves is a good form of protection, and always look before you reach your hands into hidden areas.

The black widow received its name as a result of its famous and rather disturbing mating ritual – females sometimes kill and eat their counterparts after mating. Although their behavior is a bit unnerving for some, spiders are an important part of our ecosystem. Protect yourselves from wandering widows, but respect the contributions these creatures provide our environment.

Click here for more information about black widow spiders and other venomous spiders in Florida.

That itsy bitsy spider could be a venomous species.

(Latrodectus bishopi, the red widow)

“The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout, down came the rain and washed the spider out,
out came the sun and dried up all the rain and the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.”
(The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Western nursery rhyme)

Florida is home to a plethora of spider species, as the state’s subtropical climate contributes to its biodiversity. Spiders are often discovered residing in homes, offices, barns and other places where they could come in contact with humans. Many spiders are beneficial to the environment and not harmful to humans. However, some species of spiders are venomous, and serious health problems could result from their bite. Two main types of venomous spiders occur in Florida: widow spiders and recluse spiders. Although some species of widow spiders are native to Florida, nonnative species of widow spiders and recluse spiders have been introduced into the state.

Check out this pest alert on venomous spiders in Florida from DPI’s resident spider expert Dr. G. B. Edwards. This pest alert is helpful in identifying widow and recluse spiders and their bite symptoms. Dr. Edwards recently received an e-mail from a Florida man who had been bitten by a widow spider and was able to avoid severe symptoms from the spider bite because he had read the venomous spiders pest alert. Dr. Edwards also recently assisted a car dealership manager in the Florida panhandle who called for information on how to eradicate an infestation of brown widow spiders at the dealership. Dr. Edwards’ success in assisting and educating the public is a prime example of the purpose of the division, and the dedication of DPI staff to serving Florida consumers and protecting Florida’s environment—even from itsy bitsy spiders.

For more information, see Dr. Edwards’ venomous spiders pest alert, or view these related links:
Spiders and Other Arachnids
Spiders on the Web
Black Widow Spiders
Recluse Spiders
Myths of the Brown Recluse
UF Pest Alerts

Dr. Edwards can be contacted at GB.Edwards@freshfromflorida.com, or 352-372-3505 ext. 194.

Have questions or comments? Call our toll-free helpline at 888-397-1517.