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!
Size: They aremoderately big, though this varies from one species to the other. For instance, the giant House spider (Eratigena atrica) is between 15mm and 18mm (0.59 inches -0.70 inches). The hobo, on the other hand, is smaller, being 7 mm to 14 mm (0.27 inches -0.55 inches), long. Females are larger than their male counterparts.
Color: The species belonging to this genus mostly have a brown body, though the stripes, spots, or dots vary.
Other Characteristic Features: They have approximately six teeth with those nearer the spider’s body being small in size. The giant house has hairy legs, palps, and abdomen, while, the hobo has an oblong abdomen.
Eggs
They appear in a silken sac, the number being between 60 and 100.
Spiderlings
They pass through several molting phases before maturation, after which they disperse to be on their own.
The Web
Most of them build messy and untidy webs resembling a funnel.
Are Eratigena Spiders Venomous?
Yes, Eratigena spiders have venom. But don’t worry, it’s mostly harmless to humans.
Can Eratigena Spiders Bite?
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.
Ecological Importance and Behavior of Eratigena Spider
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.
Quick Facts
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
In summary, the Eratigena spiders, with their varied species and widespread distribution, are a testament to the adaptability and resilience of spiders.
An Eratigena spider is typically brown, often with varying patterns of stripes, spots, or dots on its body. Physical characteristics differ by species; for example, the giant house spider has noticeably hairy legs and abdomen, while the hobo spider is identified by its oblong-shaped abdomen and distinct markings.
The size of Eratigena spiders varies, but they are considered moderately large. The giant house spider (Eratigena atrica) has a body length of 15mm to 18mm, while the smaller hobo spider (Eratigena agrestis) measures 7mm to 14mm. Females are consistently larger than their male counterparts.
Yes, Eratigena spiders do have venom, but it is considered mostly harmless and not medically significant to humans. While a defensive bite is possible if the spider feels threatened, the effects are typically minor and do not cause serious issues for the vast majority of people who are bitten.
Most spiders in the Eratigena genus build messy, untidy webs that are shaped like a funnel. This web is not sticky but acts as a tripwire system. The spider typically hides in the narrow, tube-like part of the funnel, waiting to ambush prey that walks across the flat sheet.
Eratigena spiders are commonly found in diverse regions, including Europe, North America, and parts of Africa. Many species in this genus, such as the giant house spider, have adapted well to human environments and are frequently encountered in homes, sheds, and gardens where they can build their funnel webs.
A female Eratigena spider typically lays between 60 and 100 eggs in a single clutch. She protects these eggs by wrapping them in a dense, silken sac. After hatching, the spiderlings will go through several molting stages before they mature and eventually disperse to live independently.
Yes, an Eratigena spider can bite a person, but it is a rare occurrence that happens defensively when the spider feels trapped or threatened. The bite itself is often compared to a small pinch and is generally not a cause for concern, as their venom is not potent to humans.
Dr Richard J. Pearce (PhD) on September 6, 2019.
Spider Team
