Guess what? The American house spider is a popular spider many people meet! Even though its name says “American,” it’s also found in places like Pakistan and Myanmar. These spiders like being near humans. We’ve got a bunch of cool facts about them to share with you. Let’s get started!
Each female has the capacity of producing approximately 17 egg sacs, which have a brown color and are pear-shaped. 100-400 eggs come out from a single sac that remains with their mother for a certain span.
The juvenile spiders hatch within a span of 7 to 10 days after which they gradually disperse.
They build tangled and messy webs close to the dwellings of human beings.
Yes, but their venom is not harmful to humans, unlike their relatives, the black widow.
While bites are rare, they can occur, typically feeling like a small pinch. Though not dangerous, bites can cause pain, swelling, itching, and redness for a few days. Caution is advised when dealing with these tiny beings.
The American house spider plays a vital role in controlling the population of various insect species, contributing significantly to maintaining ecological balance. They are expert hunters, using their tangled webs to trap prey. Their presence in homes can help in reducing the number of pests, making them an ally in natural pest control.
Natural Predator: These spiders face threats from various predators, including other spider species like pirate and jumping spiders, as well as assassin bugs. These predators help keep the population of American house spiders in check, preventing overpopulation and ensuring a healthy balance within their ecosystem.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: The American house spider is both a predator and prey, sitting in the middle of the food chain. Their role is crucial as they help to control insect populations while providing food for other predators.
Relationship with Humans: While some may find their presence in homes unwelcome, American house spiders are generally harmless to humans. Their bites are rare and not medically significant. Understanding their role in the ecosystem and their generally benign nature can lead to a more harmonious coexistence.
| Other names | American House Spider, cobweb spider, domestic spider |
| Lifespan | Not known |
| Distribution | Central Americas, Mexico, northern and southern parts of Canada |
| Habitat | In the interior and exterior of buildings, in sheds, stables, and barns as well as on culverts and bridges |
| Predators | Other spider kinds like the pirate spiders (of the Mimetus genus) and jumping spiders (of the Metacyrba undata and Phidippus variegatus). Another predator includes the assassin bug that mostly feeds on the spiderlings |
| Diet | Mosquitoes, flies, wasps, ants, butterflies, cockroaches and grasshoppers |
In summary, the American house spider, though small and often overlooked, plays a crucial role in our ecosystems.
Guess what? The American house spider is a popular spider many people meet! Even though its name says “American,” it’s also found in places like Pakistan and Myanmar. These spiders like being near humans. We’ve got a bunch of cool facts about them to share with you. Let’s get started!
Each female has the capacity of producing approximately 17 egg sacs, which have a brown color and are pear-shaped. 100-400 eggs come out from a single sac that remains with their mother for a certain span.
The juvenile spiders hatch within a span of 7 to 10 days after which they gradually disperse.
They build tangled and messy webs close to the dwellings of human beings.
Yes, but their venom is not harmful to humans, unlike their relatives, the black widow.
While bites are rare, they can occur, typically feeling like a small pinch. Though not dangerous, bites can cause pain, swelling, itching, and redness for a few days. Caution is advised when dealing with these tiny beings.
The American house spider plays a vital role in controlling the population of various insect species, contributing significantly to maintaining ecological balance. They are expert hunters, using their tangled webs to trap prey. Their presence in homes can help in reducing the number of pests, making them an ally in natural pest control.
Natural Predator: These spiders face threats from various predators, including other spider species like pirate and jumping spiders, as well as assassin bugs. These predators help keep the population of American house spiders in check, preventing overpopulation and ensuring a healthy balance within their ecosystem.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: The American house spider is both a predator and prey, sitting in the middle of the food chain. Their role is crucial as they help to control insect populations while providing food for other predators.
Relationship with Humans: While some may find their presence in homes unwelcome, American house spiders are generally harmless to humans. Their bites are rare and not medically significant. Understanding their role in the ecosystem and their generally benign nature can lead to a more harmonious coexistence.
| Other names | American House Spider, cobweb spider, domestic spider |
| Lifespan | Not known |
| Distribution | Central Americas, Mexico, northern and southern parts of Canada |
| Habitat | In the interior and exterior of buildings, in sheds, stables, and barns as well as on culverts and bridges |
| Predators | Other spider kinds like the pirate spiders (of the Mimetus genus) and jumping spiders (of the Metacyrba undata and Phidippus variegatus). Another predator includes the assassin bug that mostly feeds on the spiderlings |
| Diet | Mosquitoes, flies, wasps, ants, butterflies, cockroaches and grasshoppers |
In summary, the American house spider, though small and often overlooked, plays a crucial role in our ecosystems.
Dr. James Watuwa on February 2, 2019.
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