Have you ever heard of Palystes? It’s a special kind of spider found in places like the Pacific, Australia, India, and Africa. There are 22 different types of Palystes spiders. Keep reading, and we’ll share some interesting facts about them with you.
The eggs remain in a round silken sac having a length between 60 and 100mm (2.36 inches to 3.93 inches), which is intently guarded by the females until the spiderlings hatch.
After being with their mother for about four weeks, they disperse to be on their own.
Belonging to the huntsman spider family, they do not build webs but huts for their prey.
Yes, Palystes spiders are venomous. But their venom isn’t harmful to humans. It’s mostly used to catch their prey.
Yes, Palystes spiders can bite. However, their bites are usually not dangerous to humans and might feel like a bee sting. Gardeners have often been a victim of the female Palystes, especially during the period when the latter are possessively protecting their egg sacs.
Palystes spiders serve a critical ecological function by regulating the populations of their prey, which includes insects and geckos. Their hunting strategy, which does not rely on webs, allows them to control pests actively, providing a natural balance in their habitats.
Natural Predators: Despite their size and hunting skills, Palystes spiders are preyed upon by pompilid wasps, among other predators. These wasps paralyze the spiders and use them as living food sources for their larvae, illustrating the intricate relationships within ecosystems.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: The existence of Palystes spiders within their environment is a classic example of the complex food web dynamics. They keep insect and small lizard populations in check, while they themselves are a source of nourishment for their natural predators.
Relationship with Humans: Palystes spiders are generally not harmful to humans, with their bites likened to a bee sting. However, they can be a concern for gardeners, particularly when females are protectively guarding their egg sacs. Despite this, they are often considered beneficial due to their pest control attributes.
| Other Names | Lizard-eating spiders, rain spiders |
| Lifespan | Approximately two years |
| Distribution | India, Australia, the Pacific region, and Africa |
| Habitat | Homes, gardens, woodpiles, mine shafts, tree barks |
| Common Predators | Pompilid wasps |
| Diet | Insects, geckoes, and other spiders |
In summary, the Palystes spiders are a formidable presence in their ecosystems, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature.
Have you ever heard of Palystes? It’s a special kind of spider found in places like the Pacific, Australia, India, and Africa. There are 22 different types of Palystes spiders. Keep reading, and we’ll share some interesting facts about them with you.
The eggs remain in a round silken sac having a length between 60 and 100mm (2.36 inches to 3.93 inches), which is intently guarded by the females until the spiderlings hatch.
After being with their mother for about four weeks, they disperse to be on their own.
Belonging to the huntsman spider family, they do not build webs but huts for their prey.
Yes, Palystes spiders are venomous. But their venom isn’t harmful to humans. It’s mostly used to catch their prey.
Yes, Palystes spiders can bite. However, their bites are usually not dangerous to humans and might feel like a bee sting. Gardeners have often been a victim of the female Palystes, especially during the period when the latter are possessively protecting their egg sacs.
Palystes spiders serve a critical ecological function by regulating the populations of their prey, which includes insects and geckos. Their hunting strategy, which does not rely on webs, allows them to control pests actively, providing a natural balance in their habitats.
Natural Predators: Despite their size and hunting skills, Palystes spiders are preyed upon by pompilid wasps, among other predators. These wasps paralyze the spiders and use them as living food sources for their larvae, illustrating the intricate relationships within ecosystems.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: The existence of Palystes spiders within their environment is a classic example of the complex food web dynamics. They keep insect and small lizard populations in check, while they themselves are a source of nourishment for their natural predators.
Relationship with Humans: Palystes spiders are generally not harmful to humans, with their bites likened to a bee sting. However, they can be a concern for gardeners, particularly when females are protectively guarding their egg sacs. Despite this, they are often considered beneficial due to their pest control attributes.
| Other Names | Lizard-eating spiders, rain spiders |
| Lifespan | Approximately two years |
| Distribution | India, Australia, the Pacific region, and Africa |
| Habitat | Homes, gardens, woodpiles, mine shafts, tree barks |
| Common Predators | Pompilid wasps |
| Diet | Insects, geckoes, and other spiders |
In summary, the Palystes spiders are a formidable presence in their ecosystems, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature.
Mumpi Ghosh on September 9, 2019.
Spider Team
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