The wood spider is known to bite and attack humans and other animals. It is unknown what causes them to do this, but females of the family are known for aggressively protecting their eggs and young from perceived threats.
They are invasive species that are transplanted from Asia. As adults, the Pennsylvania wood spider doesn’t build webs. Instead, they hunt and forage to find food. Their diet is mainly insects and invertebrates.
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How Do I Describe the Wood Spider?
Sparassids are eight-eyed spiders. The eyes appear in two largely forward-facing rows of four on the anterior aspect of the prosoma.
Many species grow very large – in Laos, male giant huntsman spiders (Heteropoda maxima) attain a leg span of 25–30 centimetres (9.8–11.8 in).
People unfamiliar with spider taxonomy commonly confuse large species with tarantulas, but wood spiders can generally be identified by their legs, which, rather than being jointed vertically relative to the body, are twisted in such a way that in some attitudes the legs extend forward in a crab-like fashion.
On their upper surfaces, the main colours of the Pennsylvania wood spider are inconspicuous shades of brown or grey, but many species have undersides more or less aposematically marked in black-and-white, with reddish patches over the mouthparts.
Their legs bear fairly prominent spines, but the rest of their bodies are smoothly furry. They tend to live under rocks, bark and similar shelters, but human encounters are common in sheds, garages and other infrequently-disturbed places.
The banded huntsman (Holconia) is large, grey to brown with striped bands on its legs. The badge huntsman (Neosparassus) is larger still, brown and hairy.
The tropical or brown huntsman (Heteropoda) is also large and hairy, with mottled brown, white and black markings. The eyesight of these spiders is not nearly as good as that of the Salticidae (jumping spiders).
Nevertheless, their vision is quite sufficient to detect approaching humans or other large animals from some distance.
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What Does a Wood Spider Look Like Compared to Other Spiders?
- The spiders are larger than other spiders of the same family.
- The hairy legs of these crabs are similar to those found on tarantulas.
- The members of this family tend to be smaller than tarantulas.
- Â Most spiders that hunt prey have two claws.
- They also have eight eyes, divided into two rows.
How Do I Describe the Behavior of the Spider Wood?
There are reports that members of different genera, such as Palystes, Neosparassus et al. have caused severe bites to humans. There are many different effects, including:
- Local swelling and pain
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Uneven pulse rate
- Heart palpitations
The bites can have a systemic neurotoxic effect, particularly if they are repeated or severe. The formal study of spider bites can be complicated by several factors, including:
- Unpredictable infections
- Dry bites
- Shock
- Nocebo effects
- Medical professionals misdiagnose bites
- Misidentification of specimens by the public
Spider wood is known to bite and attack humans and other animals. It is unknown what causes them to do this, but females of the family are known for aggressively protecting their eggs and young from perceived threats.
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How Do I Describe Mating In Wood Spiders?
Recently, it was discovered that males of Heteropoda Venatoria (a wood spider species that travels easily around the globe) make a sound on the substrate when they detect the chemical (pheromones) left behind by nearby females of their species.
The males use their legs as vibration transmitters to send vibrations to the surface. The majority of the sound is generated by the abdominal muscles. They can be identified by the frequency and pattern of the sound bursts.
The sound is often heard as a ticking rhythm, similar to a quartz-style clock. It fades in and then out, and can be detected by humans in quiet environments.
Where is the Habitat of the Pennsylvania Wood Spider?
Sparassidae members are found in tropical and temperate climates around the world. Some species are native to colder climates. For example, the green huntsman ( Micrommata viescens), is native to Northern Europe and Central Europe.
Many subtropical areas of the world have accidentally been introduced to tropical species such as Heteropoda Venatoria and Delene cancerides, which are not native to New Zealand.
They are invasive species that are transplanted from Asia. As adults, the Pennsylvania wood spider doesn’t build webs. Instead, they hunt and forage to find food. Their diet is mainly insects and invertebrates.
They can travel extremely quickly, often using a springing jump while running. They can travel very quickly and often use a jumping spring while running.
The females are also known to have a “clinging” reflex when picked up. This makes them more difficult to remove and more likely to bite. Females will defend their eggs and young with fierceness.
If provoked they will usually make a warning display. If ignored, they can attack and bite. The egg sacs vary quite a bit between the different genera.
For example, in Heteropoda spp. In some species, such as Palystes, and Phaedomicrommata, the egg sacs are carried under the female.
Read also:Â The Most Fascinating Orange Spider Facts You Should Know
Conclusion
People unfamiliar with spider taxonomy commonly confuse large species with tarantulas, but wood spiders can generally be identified by their legs, which, rather than being jointed vertically relative to the body, are twisted in such a way that in some attitudes the legs extend forward in a crab-like fashion.
The males use their legs as vibration transmitters to send vibrations to the surface. The majority of the sound is generated by the abdominal muscles. They can be identified by the frequency and pattern of the sound bursts.
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