Aetana

The aetana is a cool group of spiders from the Pholcidae family. You might have heard of them as daddy long-legs spiders. Guess what? By May 2019, there were 21 different kinds of these spiders. Stick around, and we’ll share some awesome facts about them!

Scientific Classification

List of Spiders Belonging To This Genus

  • Aetana abadae
  • Aetana baganihan
  • Aetana banahaw
  • Aetana fiji
  • Aetana gaya
  • Aetana indah
  • Aetana kinabalu
  • Aetana kiukoki
  • Aetana lambir
  • Aetana libjo
  • Aetana loboc
  • Aetana lozadae
  • Aetana manansalai
  • Aetana mokwam
  • Aetana ocampoi
  • Aetana omayan
  • Aetana ondawamei
  • Aetana paragua
  • Aetana pasambai
  • Aetana poring
  • Aetana ternate

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: They vary in size, ranging from 0.2-1 cm (0.08–0.39 in).
  • Color: These spiders are an ocherous yellow, with light brown legs covered in dark bands.
  • Other Characteristic Features: Like other members of the Pholcidae family, they have very long legs.

Eggs

The eggs are laid inside a silk sac, with each sac containing around 30 eggs.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings have comparatively shorter legs than adults, but eventually, they resemble adults as they mature.

The Web

Their webs are irregularly built, with them adding layers on top of existing ones.

Are Aetana Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Aetana spiders have venom. They use it mainly to snag their tiny meals. The venom of these spiders is not deadly to humans.

Can Aetana Spiders Bite?

They can bite, but they’re really gentle creatures. They’ll often try to run away rather than bite. But like all creatures, they might defend themselves if they feel super scared. Their bite, at worst, leaves behind a temporary burning sensation that passes quickly.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Aetana Spider

Aetana spiders hold a vital ecological role, especially in controlling aphid populations, which are known pests in agriculture and gardening. They inhabit Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, often in secluded areas like behind doors and under rocks. Their presence in such spaces keeps the ecological balance by preying on smaller insects and other spiders.

Natural Predators: Despite their venomous defense, Aetana spiders are preyed upon by birds and larger insects. This predatory relationship underscores their position in the food chain and their contribution to the ecological system.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The prey-predator dynamic is essential to maintaining ecological equilibrium. Aetana spiders utilize their venom to capture small insects, which forms a control mechanism for insect populations that might otherwise grow unchecked.

Relationship with Humans: Aetana spiders have a relatively peaceful coexistence with humans. They are typically found in undisturbed parts of homes and gardens, and while they can bite, they usually choose flight over fight. Their bite is not harmful to humans and is less significant than a bee sting.

Quick Facts

LifespanAround 3 years
DistributionSoutheast Asia, most notably the Philippines
HabitatSecluded areas such as behind doors and cupboards or under logs and rocks
Common Predators Birds
DietAphids, other spiders

Did You Know

  • German arachnologist Bernard A. Huber first described this genus in 2005.

In summary, the Aetana spiders, with their distinctive long legs and gentle demeanor, are intriguing creatures of the arachnid world.

The aetana is a cool group of spiders from the Pholcidae family. You might have heard of them as daddy long-legs spiders. Guess what? By May 2019, there were 21 different kinds of these spiders. Stick around, and we’ll share some awesome facts about them!

List of Spiders Belonging To This Genus

  • Aetana abadae
  • Aetana baganihan
  • Aetana banahaw
  • Aetana fiji
  • Aetana gaya
  • Aetana indah
  • Aetana kinabalu
  • Aetana kiukoki
  • Aetana lambir
  • Aetana libjo
  • Aetana loboc
  • Aetana lozadae
  • Aetana manansalai
  • Aetana mokwam
  • Aetana ocampoi
  • Aetana omayan
  • Aetana ondawamei
  • Aetana paragua
  • Aetana pasambai
  • Aetana poring
  • Aetana ternate

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: They vary in size, ranging from 0.2-1 cm (0.08–0.39 in).
  • Color: These spiders are an ocherous yellow, with light brown legs covered in dark bands.
  • Other Characteristic Features: Like other members of the Pholcidae family, they have very long legs.

Eggs

The eggs are laid inside a silk sac, with each sac containing around 30 eggs.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings have comparatively shorter legs than adults, but eventually, they resemble adults as they mature.

The Web

Their webs are irregularly built, with them adding layers on top of existing ones.

Are Aetana Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Aetana spiders have venom. They use it mainly to snag their tiny meals. The venom of these spiders is not deadly to humans.

Can Aetana Spiders Bite?

They can bite, but they’re really gentle creatures. They’ll often try to run away rather than bite. But like all creatures, they might defend themselves if they feel super scared. Their bite, at worst, leaves behind a temporary burning sensation that passes quickly.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Aetana Spider

Aetana spiders hold a vital ecological role, especially in controlling aphid populations, which are known pests in agriculture and gardening. They inhabit Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, often in secluded areas like behind doors and under rocks. Their presence in such spaces keeps the ecological balance by preying on smaller insects and other spiders.

Natural Predators: Despite their venomous defense, Aetana spiders are preyed upon by birds and larger insects. This predatory relationship underscores their position in the food chain and their contribution to the ecological system.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The prey-predator dynamic is essential to maintaining ecological equilibrium. Aetana spiders utilize their venom to capture small insects, which forms a control mechanism for insect populations that might otherwise grow unchecked.

Relationship with Humans: Aetana spiders have a relatively peaceful coexistence with humans. They are typically found in undisturbed parts of homes and gardens, and while they can bite, they usually choose flight over fight. Their bite is not harmful to humans and is less significant than a bee sting.

Quick Facts

LifespanAround 3 years
DistributionSoutheast Asia, most notably the Philippines
HabitatSecluded areas such as behind doors and cupboards or under logs and rocks
Common Predators Birds
DietAphids, other spiders

Did You Know

  • German arachnologist Bernard A. Huber first described this genus in 2005.

In summary, the Aetana spiders, with their distinctive long legs and gentle demeanor, are intriguing creatures of the arachnid world.