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Colombian Funnel Web Spider (Linothele megatheloides)

Step into the world of the Colombian funnel web spider! Part of the curtain web spider family, this critter loves to call Colombia its home. We’ve gathered some fun and interesting facts about this spider for you to explore.

Scientific Classification

Colombian Funnel Web Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: They range in size from 1 to 5 cm (0.4 to 2 inches).
  • Color: These spiders have a tan body with black legs.
  • Other Characteristic Features: Their fangs are strong enough to pierce fingernails and soft shoes.

Eggs

The eggs are kept in a protective cocoon spun by their mother.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings are yellow when they emerge from their eggs.

The Web

They build silk-lined burrows near crevices.

Are Colombian Funnel Web Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Colombian Funnel Web spiders have venom. Their venom can be pretty lethal, though only 10-15% of bites are life-threatening.

Can Colombian Funnel Web Spiders Bite?

They can! But these spiders are usually quite shy. While not aggressive by nature, these spiders will attack if they feel threatened.

Linothele Megatheloides

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Colombian Funnel Web Spider

The Colombian funnel web spider plays a vital role in controlling the population of insects, acting as a natural pest manager. Their nocturnal hunting habits and stealthy behavior make them formidable predators in their ecosystems.

Natural Predator: Birds, small mammals, and other larger spiders can pose a threat to the Colombian funnel web spider, serving as natural population controls within their environment.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: Within their ecological niche, Colombian funnel web spiders are apex invertebrate predators, managing insect populations, and thus influencing the health of their habitat.

Relationship with Humans: Human encounters with these spiders are infrequent due to their secluded nature. However, they hold ecological value by reducing pest insects. Awareness and caution are advised due to their venomous nature, but these spiders generally avoid human interaction.

Quick Facts

Lifespan20 years
DistributionSouth America, primarily Colombia
HabitatCrevices and holes in rocks, logs, and rotten trees
DietInsects such as cockroaches and crickets

Colombian Funnel Web Spider Image

Did You Know

  • Biologists Nicolas Paz S. and Robert J. Raven first described this spider in 1990.

In summary, the Colombian funnel web spider is an impressive species, with a long lifespan and a significant ecological role.

Step into the world of the Colombian funnel web spider! Part of the curtain web spider family, this critter loves to call Colombia its home. We’ve gathered some fun and interesting facts about this spider for you to explore.

Colombian Funnel Web Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: They range in size from 1 to 5 cm (0.4 to 2 inches).
  • Color: These spiders have a tan body with black legs.
  • Other Characteristic Features: Their fangs are strong enough to pierce fingernails and soft shoes.

Eggs

The eggs are kept in a protective cocoon spun by their mother.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings are yellow when they emerge from their eggs.

The Web

They build silk-lined burrows near crevices.

Are Colombian Funnel Web Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Colombian Funnel Web spiders have venom. Their venom can be pretty lethal, though only 10-15% of bites are life-threatening.

Can Colombian Funnel Web Spiders Bite?

They can! But these spiders are usually quite shy. While not aggressive by nature, these spiders will attack if they feel threatened.

Linothele Megatheloides

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Colombian Funnel Web Spider

The Colombian funnel web spider plays a vital role in controlling the population of insects, acting as a natural pest manager. Their nocturnal hunting habits and stealthy behavior make them formidable predators in their ecosystems.

Natural Predator: Birds, small mammals, and other larger spiders can pose a threat to the Colombian funnel web spider, serving as natural population controls within their environment.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: Within their ecological niche, Colombian funnel web spiders are apex invertebrate predators, managing insect populations, and thus influencing the health of their habitat.

Relationship with Humans: Human encounters with these spiders are infrequent due to their secluded nature. However, they hold ecological value by reducing pest insects. Awareness and caution are advised due to their venomous nature, but these spiders generally avoid human interaction.

Quick Facts

Lifespan20 years
DistributionSouth America, primarily Colombia
HabitatCrevices and holes in rocks, logs, and rotten trees
DietInsects such as cockroaches and crickets

Colombian Funnel Web Spider Image

Did You Know

  • Biologists Nicolas Paz S. and Robert J. Raven first described this spider in 1990.

In summary, the Colombian funnel web spider is an impressive species, with a long lifespan and a significant ecological role.