Is a rain spider poisonous?
The venom secreted by the bite of a rain spider is in fact no more fatal than that of a bee sting to humans. The sensation of a bite and the pain of a rain spider bite is also similar to that of a bee sting. The sting is not that painful, but not a treat to humans either.
What attracts rain spiders in the house?
They are attracted to warm, dark and small spaces like wall cracks, corners, air vents and in the eaves of your home. They are also most likely to enter your house in the autumn in search of a warm place to spend the winter.
Does a rain spider bite hurt?
They are generally very docile and don’t bite easily, with the exception of the females on the nest, who will bite if the nest is disturbed. The bite is initially painful but becomes itchy and all symptoms fade in a couple of hours. They feed on insects and small vertebrates around the house or garden.
Do rain spiders jump?
You may be wondering, “Can rain spiders jump??” The truth is that they do not jump but can move at high speeds especially when threatened. Their body structure, particularly the legs, do not allow them to jump.
How many babies does a rain spider lay?
Mating takes place in early summer and the spider will produce about 3 egg cases in her 2 year life.
Can a rain spider jump?
How do I get rid of rain spiders in my house?
Spray all window and door frames along with the outside of your home. Anywhere you think the rain spider would enter, spray it with pesticide and they should stay out. Install a yellow bug light that kills off other insects.
Are rain spiders hairy?
Rain spiders are often confused with their fatter and hairier cousins, baboon spiders. These spiders get their name from their hairy appearance, as well as the scopulae pads on their feet, which are similar to those of baboons.
Why is it called a rain spider?
These creatures can be found throughout the country, from Cape Town to Kosi Bay. Rain spiders don’t like rain – this is how they got their name. When it rains they tend to take cover inside a house, where they are often encountered by the unsuspecting residents.
Do rain spiders travel alone?
Palystes spiders will often enter homes before rain, where they will prey on geckos (usually Afrogecko porphyreus in Gauteng, the Western Cape, or Lygodactylus capensis in the eastern parts of southern Africa)….
| Palystes superciliosus | |
|---|---|
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Sparassidae |
| Genus: | Palystes |
| Species: | P. superciliosus |
Where does the common rain spider live in South Africa?
Its distribution ranges from KwaZulu-Natal province in the east, then westwards to the provinces of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and North West in the north, and Eastern Cape and Western Cape in the south. It has a body length of 15–36 mm and a leg span of up to 110mm. Its preferred habitat is scrubland and savannah woodland.
How big are the legs of a rain spider?
Quick facts about Rain Spiders 1 Genus: Palystes 2 Kingdom: Animalia 3 Species: P. superciliosus 4 Distribution: Kwazulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape 5 Body Length: 15–36 mm and a leg span of about 110 mm. 6 First described by Ludwig Carl Christian Koch in 1875
How did the rain spider get its name?
The name rain spiders came from the fact that the huntsman spiders do not like living in a rainy or wet environment. During the rainy season, these creatures like seeking shelter in dry places including houses and under rocks.
When do Palystes spiders come to your home?
Palystes spiders will often enter homes before rain, where they will prey on geckos (usually Afrogecko porphyreus in Gauteng, the Western Cape, or Lygodactylus capensis in the eastern parts of southern Africa). Males are regularly seen from August to December, probably looking for females.