ID Shiny Black Spider

[chrisaliz]

Purchased four pomegranates from Morrisons yesterday sealed in a pack. Son opened them and in the end of one is a live shiny black spider - approx 5-10mm long but hard to tell as it pulls itself back in. It looks at though there is a pattern on its back rather a pale yellow colour. Should we be worried?

[demicav]

If you can, get it into a glass. Any chance you can take a photo ? By the way, you may need to cover the glass, some can get out.

Also, where did the fruit originate from ?

[GRH]

If it has made a home in the pomegranate then it's possible it's a foreign spider (sometimes native spiders make their way into packaging when being packed in this country). In which case it's unlikely that it will be identified on this forum. Putting the pomegranate in the fridge will slow the spider down if you're worried (in a sealed container, of course), or if you're really worried putting it in the freezer for several hours will euthanise the spider (though if it is immature it will then not be possible to rear it to adulthood to ID). Either way, it is worth trying to keep the specimen so it can be identified formally (lots of spiders are branded as poisonous but never identified, especially stuff that comes in with fruit!), though will need preserving if it is killed.

Greg

[chrisaliz]

The packaging states from Spain. Wont be too easy to photo as dont really want to open the bag we have put it in - its hiding in the pomegranate end - it has occasionally started to come out and is ver shiny, longish front legs and when it hides away looks ready to pounce - ugh.

[GRH]

Spiders are nothing to be disgusted by - they are clean, important creatures.

Greg

[clicka15]

Originally Posted by chrisaliz

dont really want to open the bag we have put it in - its hiding in the pomegranate end - it has occasionally started to come out and is ver shiny, longish front legs and when it hides away looks ready to pounce - ugh.

Hi Chrisaliz,

If you put the bag in the fridge for half an hour, the spider will become very sluggish because of the cold. You should then be safe to open the bag and cut the end of the pomegranite off and then safely put the cut off bit along with the spider in a plastic tub with a lid. Wear some gloves if you're worried.

It should then be possible to take a photo without being in any potential danger. We could then have a go at identifying it for you. It would be an education for your son as well! And us!

Steve.

[chrisaliz]

Thanks Steve - will try to have a go at that.

Note to GRH - We are not disgusted by it - just very surprised, a little scared and not particularly a spider fan anyway.

[chrisaliz]

Dont know if this will work as first time I have done this. Have managed to take some piccies. Its black with yellow striped legs and sort of a cross on its back in yellow/white. If anyone wants to give me their e mail address, will be happy to email the pictures, thats if one is allowed to do that on these forums.

[chrisaliz]

Been searched through the net and wonder if it is a 'false widow spider'?

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by chrisaliz

Been searched through the net and wonder if it is a 'false widow spider'?

Hiya! Think it would be a good idea to upload your spider on the 'unidentified' section of the galleries. Then it can be linked to your thread for us to see.
Hope this helps and then we'll all give you a hand id'ing it.
Jules