Hairy Spider found in Bathroom

[brianholland]

Found this chap in our bathroom took him outside where my wife attempted to photograph the hairy fellow.

I say fellow because I think it is a male but would love to know if that is the case and what is the identity ie what is the spider called. (I don't meam insee whinsee!!)

Thank you,

Brian,

[John_M]

It's a Tegenaria species, and it does indeed look like a male; you can just about see the enlarged palps. Males tend to look 'leggier' and their abdomens are generally smaller than females.

[sebastianbawn]

Unfortunately these 'house spiders' (mainly represented by Tegenaria) can only be successfully Id'd by the males palps, or the epigyne ( a little area underneath the female).

The males have a distinct shape to the ends of their palps, this is a magnification job. I have had many late nights trying to ID these critters, my most common by far though has been Tegenaria saeva

[brianholland]

Thank you both for such prompt responses and helpful information.

I fear that by taking it outside to be photographed by my wife the spider may have died if it is a house spider.

Hope not as he was a fine specimen.

Thanks again.

Brian,

[John_M]

Originally Posted by brianholland

Thank you both for such prompt responses and helpful information.

I fear that by taking it outside to be photographed by my wife the spider may have died if it is a house spider.

Hope not as he was a fine specimen.

Thanks again.

Brian,

Being taken outside isn't necessarily a death sentence; there are plenty of Tegenaria living outside. The males die fairly soon after mating I think, but females can live for a few years indoors, and I know of some in my area (near Plymouth) who have overwintered outside, although our winters tend to be relatively mild.
More predators outside, and harsher environmental conditions, but no hoovers or scared humans with weapons!

[brianholland]

Thansk for this comforting and helpful response.

Wife is deadly with a hoover so this chap had a lucky escape.

I keep well clear when she is hoovering - just in case!!!! Can't take chances at my age.

Brian.

[PMG]

Originally Posted by brianholland

thansk for this comforting and helpful response.

Wife is deadly with a hoover so this chap had a lucky escape.

I keep well clear when she is hoovering - just in case!!!! Can't take chances at my age.

Brian.

lol :d:d