Cave spiders?

[Venger]

Probably.
Birds, rats, other spiders will have a nibble - it depends where you put it.

You could try a large upturned terracotta plant pot, just keep it out of the sun.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by badgerwatcher

I still haven't seen any of the spiders and very much want to as I've never seen one to my knowledge, in spite of trying very hard for several years as they do live in some caves and tunnels round here.

I came across them when I went looking for bats in some old underground air raid shelters near here. The shelters are very extensive and the spiders were only at one end. I got the feeling the the end they were in was the end that caught the most weather and as a consequence was damper. The same went for the bats and hibernating peacock butterflies. Maybe if it's too dry they dehydrate. There were also lots of egg sacs hanging off the ceiling.

I must admit that whilst I bear them no ill will, I'm not fond of spiders. I'll tip my hat at them and wish them well, but give them a wide berth!

Cave spiders are BIG b****rds - bodies like black cherries!

Jim

[badgerwatcher]

I am slightly nervous of these particular spiders as they're venomous. I've never had a problem with spiders and can pick them up without a thought. Does anyone know how dangerous they are, as they may come indoors on logs I suppose. I'm always very careful to shake any creatures off but you never know. I'm making a separate log pile at the moment with any logs with nests on as that will stop rats getting to them. I do feel rather priveleged to have them here.

[No.9 Spider]

Originally Posted by badgerwatcher

I am slightly nervous of these particular spiders as they're venomous. I've never had a problem with spiders and can pick them up without a thought. Does anyone know how dangerous they are, as they may come indoors on logs I suppose. I'm always very careful to shake any creatures off but you never know. I'm making a separate log pile at the moment with any logs with nests on as that will stop rats getting to them. I do feel rather priveleged to have them here.

All but one family of spiders are venemous. I've not heard of any record nor read any account of M. menardi having bitten anyone, and they're certainly not aggressive in my experience, tending to run off even when with their egg-sacs, so I shouldn't worry.
Venger's idea with the terracotta pots or siimilar will be ideal if you can suspend them inside.


No.9 Spider

[badgerwatcher]

Thank you. I'll have a go.