Did you know there’s a special group of spiders called Eratigena? They live in places like Europe, Africa, and North America. Some spiders that used to have different names are now part of this group. Keep reading, and we’ll share some interesting facts about them!
They appear in a silken sac, the number being between 60 and 100.
They pass through several molting phases before maturation, after which they disperse to be on their own.
Most of them build messy and untidy webs resembling a funnel.
Yes, Eratigena spiders have venom. But don’t worry, it’s mostly harmless to humans.
Eratigena spiders can bite if they feel threatened. It might feel like a tiny pinch, but it’s usually not a big deal for most people. The hobo spider is known to be the most aggressive among the lot and their bite may be painful but not venomous.
Eratigena spiders play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, thanks to their predatory nature. They are primarily nocturnal, hunting during the night and resting during the day. Their presence in diverse habitats, from rocks and caves to human habitation, showcases their adaptability.
Natural Predators and Prey-Predator Dynamics: Despite their predatory nature, Eratigena spiders are not without their own natural enemies. They fall prey to wasps, ants, and other spiders, creating a balanced predator-prey dynamic in their ecosystems.
Relationship with Humans: Eratigena spiders, particularly the giant house and hobo species, often build their webs in human dwellings, including basements and dark corners. While their presence might be unnerving to some, it is important to remember their role in pest control, helping to keep populations of other insects in check.
| Lifespan | 2-3 years |
| Distribution | Continents of Europe, Africa, America, and Central Asia |
| Habitat | Rocks, caves, fields, basements, dark, dingy areas; the Giant house and hobo build webs in human habitation |
| Predators | Wasps, ants, and other spiders |
| Diet | Wasps, moths, and other spiders |
In summary, the Eratigena spiders, with their varied species and widespread distribution, are a testament to the adaptability and resilience of spiders.
Did you know there’s a special group of spiders called Eratigena? They live in places like Europe, Africa, and North America. Some spiders that used to have different names are now part of this group. Keep reading, and we’ll share some interesting facts about them!
They appear in a silken sac, the number being between 60 and 100.
They pass through several molting phases before maturation, after which they disperse to be on their own.
Most of them build messy and untidy webs resembling a funnel.
Yes, Eratigena spiders have venom. But don’t worry, it’s mostly harmless to humans.
Eratigena spiders can bite if they feel threatened. It might feel like a tiny pinch, but it’s usually not a big deal for most people. The hobo spider is known to be the most aggressive among the lot and their bite may be painful but not venomous.
Eratigena spiders play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, thanks to their predatory nature. They are primarily nocturnal, hunting during the night and resting during the day. Their presence in diverse habitats, from rocks and caves to human habitation, showcases their adaptability.
Natural Predators and Prey-Predator Dynamics: Despite their predatory nature, Eratigena spiders are not without their own natural enemies. They fall prey to wasps, ants, and other spiders, creating a balanced predator-prey dynamic in their ecosystems.
Relationship with Humans: Eratigena spiders, particularly the giant house and hobo species, often build their webs in human dwellings, including basements and dark corners. While their presence might be unnerving to some, it is important to remember their role in pest control, helping to keep populations of other insects in check.
| Lifespan | 2-3 years |
| Distribution | Continents of Europe, Africa, America, and Central Asia |
| Habitat | Rocks, caves, fields, basements, dark, dingy areas; the Giant house and hobo build webs in human habitation |
| Predators | Wasps, ants, and other spiders |
| Diet | Wasps, moths, and other spiders |
In summary, the Eratigena spiders, with their varied species and widespread distribution, are a testament to the adaptability and resilience of spiders.
Dr Richard J. Pearce (PhD) on September 6, 2019.
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