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White Lady (Leucorchestris arenicola)

The white lady spider is a member of the huntsman family and lives in Namibian deserts. They have a pretty creamy color and are sometimes called the dancing white lady because of their tap-dancing moves. Even though their eyesight isn’t the best, they use starlight to find their way. Stay with us for more cool facts about them!

Scientific Classification

White Lady Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: They are 5 inches (12.7 cm) long, with a leg span, twice the size of their body, measuring around 10 inches (25.4 cm).

White Lady Spider Size

  • Color: They have a creamy, white body.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The females are heavier with a shorter leg span than their male counterparts.

Eggs

The female white lady spiders lay 60-80 eggs.

Spiderlings

Not all of them survive to be an adult and a maximum of 2 spiderlings out of all eggs manage to thrive.

The Web

The white lady spider doesn’t make any web but prepares silk-lined burrows that are 11 – 15.7 inches long.

Are White Lady Spiders Venomous?

Yes, White Lady Spiders have venom. They mainly use it to catch bugs to eat.

Can White Lady Spiders Bite?

They sure can! If they feel threatened, they might give a bite. If they bite, medical consultation within 3 hours is recommended.

White Lady Spider Picture

Ecological Importance and Behavior of White Lady Spider

The ecological role of the white lady spider is significant. They contribute to the control of insect and small vertebrate populations, maintaining the delicate balance of the desert ecosystem. Their hunting strategy involves a combination of patience and agility, as they ambush unsuspecting prey.

Natural Predator: Despite their prowess, white lady spiders are not without threats. Natural predators include birds, lizard species, and larger mammals that can detect and unearth their burrows.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The interplay between the white lady spider and its prey is a fascinating dance of life and death. They primarily feed on smaller spiders, including those of the same species, beetles, moths, and geckos. This predatory behavior is crucial for keeping potential pest populations in check.

Relationship with Humans: Human encounters with the white lady spider are uncommon due to their remote desert habitats. However, when interactions occur, it is essential to treat these spiders with respect and caution to avoid any defensive bites.

Quick Facts

Other NamesDancing White Lady Spider
DistributionNamibia
HabitatDesert
DietSmaller spiders or even the same species, beetles, moths, and geckos
LifespanMales: 1-2 months
Females: Around 6 months
ICUN Conservation StatusNot listed

Did You Know

  • Prior to the mating season, the males find the burrows of the females and make vibrations on the sand with their legs. This serves as a signal, with the female relying on it to distinguish her potential prey from mates. If she fails to perceive it, the female could attack the males mistakenly and kill them. Although, post-mating, most of the male spiders get eaten.
  • In 1962, the arachnologist, Reginald Frederick Lawrence, described the species for the first time.

Dancing White Lady Spider

In summary, the white lady spider is a desert-dwelling huntsman spider known for its unique courtship dance and navigational abilities.

The white lady spider is a member of the huntsman family and lives in Namibian deserts. They have a pretty creamy color and are sometimes called the dancing white lady because of their tap-dancing moves. Even though their eyesight isn’t the best, they use starlight to find their way. Stay with us for more cool facts about them!

White Lady Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: They are 5 inches (12.7 cm) long, with a leg span, twice the size of their body, measuring around 10 inches (25.4 cm).

White Lady Spider Size

  • Color: They have a creamy, white body.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The females are heavier with a shorter leg span than their male counterparts.

Eggs

The female white lady spiders lay 60-80 eggs.

Spiderlings

Not all of them survive to be an adult and a maximum of 2 spiderlings out of all eggs manage to thrive.

The Web

The white lady spider doesn’t make any web but prepares silk-lined burrows that are 11 – 15.7 inches long.

Are White Lady Spiders Venomous?

Yes, White Lady Spiders have venom. They mainly use it to catch bugs to eat.

Can White Lady Spiders Bite?

They sure can! If they feel threatened, they might give a bite. If they bite, medical consultation within 3 hours is recommended.

White Lady Spider Picture

Ecological Importance and Behavior of White Lady Spider

The ecological role of the white lady spider is significant. They contribute to the control of insect and small vertebrate populations, maintaining the delicate balance of the desert ecosystem. Their hunting strategy involves a combination of patience and agility, as they ambush unsuspecting prey.

Natural Predator: Despite their prowess, white lady spiders are not without threats. Natural predators include birds, lizard species, and larger mammals that can detect and unearth their burrows.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The interplay between the white lady spider and its prey is a fascinating dance of life and death. They primarily feed on smaller spiders, including those of the same species, beetles, moths, and geckos. This predatory behavior is crucial for keeping potential pest populations in check.

Relationship with Humans: Human encounters with the white lady spider are uncommon due to their remote desert habitats. However, when interactions occur, it is essential to treat these spiders with respect and caution to avoid any defensive bites.

Quick Facts

Other NamesDancing White Lady Spider
DistributionNamibia
HabitatDesert
DietSmaller spiders or even the same species, beetles, moths, and geckos
LifespanMales: 1-2 months
Females: Around 6 months
ICUN Conservation StatusNot listed

Did You Know

  • Prior to the mating season, the males find the burrows of the females and make vibrations on the sand with their legs. This serves as a signal, with the female relying on it to distinguish her potential prey from mates. If she fails to perceive it, the female could attack the males mistakenly and kill them. Although, post-mating, most of the male spiders get eaten.
  • In 1962, the arachnologist, Reginald Frederick Lawrence, described the species for the first time.

Dancing White Lady Spider

In summary, the white lady spider is a desert-dwelling huntsman spider known for its unique courtship dance and navigational abilities.