Huge spider in my garden! Is it dangerous?

fatez · #1 (**permalink**) 29-06-2011, 12:49 PM

Hi,
I just found this spider in my garden in Hertfordshire... It was pretty massive, as it was on the picture , it was nearly 6 or 7 cm wide (leg in this folded position included)!!!!

Is was close to the garage so there is a risk it might be inside...
Would you know what kind of spider it is?
Is there any risk of it being harmful to men (and to young children...!)?
Many thanks,
Fatez

kathateria · #2 (**permalink**) 29-06-2011, 01:07 PM

Shiver me timbers!
That is one mean looking spider!
Spiders have too many legs.There is no need

Cant help with the ID, sorry

faz · #3 (**permalink**) 29-06-2011, 01:24 PM

hi welcome to WAB

Tegenaria duellica its a house spider this is the largest it is Found throughout the UK All year round

Houses and out buildings (sheds, garages etc.)

This is one of about a dozen species which inhabitant houses and outbuildings - hence the common name house spiders.

They make a thick sheet web, about 15cm across, usually in a neglected corner of a house or shed. The web has a tubular retreat at the rear where the spider sits and waits for dinner to drop by.

They become more noticeable in autumn, which is their mating season. The males are often seen scuttling across a room or falling into bath tubs as they move around in search of a female. The males have longer legs than the females, while the females have broader abdomens than the males.

they are harmless no need to worry

pressld2 · #4 (**permalink**) 29-06-2011, 01:46 PM

What a beauty! The only way it would hurt you is if you tripped over it!

Dave P.

fatez · #5 (**permalink**) 29-06-2011, 08:42 PM

Thanks for your replies! I am now a bit reassured.. Well more or less I still hope I won't cross its path again!!
Thanks

LRM · #6 (**permalink**) 29-06-2011, 08:47 PM

Seen 3 of these myself recently. Was going to post a picture when worked out how to reduce it in size.

One gave me a fright in the kitchen when it suddenly scuttled across the worktop, a couple of days later it nearly got trodden on when it ran under my feet at the computer desk.

Disturbed 2 or one twice in the garden clearing out the old tubs and troughs. They are much 'fatter' than the ones I normally see.

Didn't know if it is a well fed specimen of the same species or a different species.

Saw one of the 'thinner' species in the bathroom, it tried to catch a blow fly but it got away, the spider was extremely thin and unsteady on its legs. Gave it a small mealworm destined for the birds and it dragged it off and haven't seen it since.

Saw a big spider in the conservatory making off with one of the mealworms. It must have crawled out of the dish (waiting to be put out for the birds) and into the web. Eight mealworms were missing, so either they are crawling around the conservatory or the spider had a feast..