Pholcus Phalangioides with eggs!

[wilippa]

I get a lot of this species in my house (and particularly in the disused cold store out the back). In fact, they're something of a favourite of mine. This little lady isn't the largest I've seen - not by a long shot - but she is the first I've seen with eggs.

Will she carry them until they hatch? How long will that take? I'm assuming that she can't eat while she holds them.

[frits_b]

I think it takes about two weeks before the eggs will hatch (from the moment they are laid). I'm not sure if the mother eats while carrying them, but it wouldn't surprise me. Before the eggs hatch, you can see the eyes and legs of the babies develop. Just recently I had the opportunity to watch the whole process (see pics).

[wilippa]

Thanks Frits. Those are great pictures. I shall have to keep an eye on my expectant mother. I don't know exactly when she laid them but I only spotted her with them this morning. She's taken up residence in the corner above my dining room door so shouldn't be a problem keeping tabs on her as long as she doesn't wander away with them. I might try to get some more photos if I can do it without disturbing her.

[RobAtkinson1]

Amazing spiders.