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
| Lifespan |
Around 3 years |
| Distribution |
Southeast Asia, most notably the Philippines |
| Habitat |
Secluded areas such as behind doors and cupboards or under logs and rocks |
| Common Predators |
Birds |
| Diet |
Aphids, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aetana spiders have an ocherous yellow body and are distinguished by their exceptionally long, light brown legs that feature dark bands. As members of the Pholcidae family, their most notable characteristic is this delicate, elongated leg structure in proportion to their small body, which measures between 0.2-1 cm.
Yes, Aetana spiders are venomous, but their venom is not considered medically significant or dangerous to humans. They use their venom primarily to immobilize small insect prey. A bite is highly unlikely and, if it were to occur, would typically only cause a minor, temporary burning sensation.
Adult Aetana spiders are small, with a body size that ranges from 0.2 to 1 centimeter (0.08–0.39 inches) in length. While their bodies are tiny, their leg span is considerably larger, giving them the characteristic lanky appearance often associated with other daddy long-legs spiders in their family.
Aetana spiders are typically found in Southeast Asia, with a high concentration of species documented in the Philippines. They prefer to inhabit secluded and undisturbed areas. You can often find them in sheltered locations such as behind doors, under rocks, or within other dark, quiet crevices in their environment.
An Aetana spider builds an irregular, messy web that lacks a defined pattern. Instead of constructing an entirely new web, they frequently add more silk layers on top of the existing structure. This behavior results in a three-dimensional, tangled web that efficiently ensnares small insects that wander into it.
Aetana spiders hold an important ecological role as natural predators that help manage pest populations. By preying on insects like aphids, which are known to damage agricultural crops and garden plants, these spiders contribute to a balanced local ecosystem and provide a form of natural pest control.
Aetana spiders protect their offspring by laying them inside a carefully constructed silk sac. Each individual egg sac contains approximately 30 eggs. The female spider often carries this sac in her jaws, providing direct protection from predators and environmental hazards until the spiderlings are ready to hatch.
Dr Richard J. Pearce (PhD) on May 14, 2022.
Spider Team
