Bedroom entertainment

[wilippa]

PS. Your new arrival is rather impressive, even if he does seem to be ousting all the Pholcus.

[The Woodman]

I'm glad you're interested wilippa, since I made my last post I've been entertained further but self restaint prevented me from relating this tale.

On Saturday morning I was reflecting on the proximity of the Nuctenea to a smallish Pholcus residing in the corner above the wardrobe when the latter started slowly advancing on the former. I could clearly see the Nuctenea "feeling" the web threads that it was resting on and was wondering if it was using the random Pholcus threads to find them. Both spiders became aware of the others presence until the Pholcus made the final brief attack dislodging the Nuctenea and causing him to fall after a minute or so onto a poly bag on top of the wardrobe - which I heard.

For all the world it appeared that the Pholcus had bitten the Nuctenea and paralysed it or even killed it.

I noticed the Nuctenea this morning not too far from the wardrobe with a wrapped prey item and the Pholcus was still holding its corner.

Watch this space.

[wilippa]

This reminds me of a story I have heard about Pholcus. There is a myth that the most venomous creature known to man is the "Daddy-Long-Legs". The problem with this myth is that the name "Daddy Long Legs" refers to the crane fly in the UK and the Pholcus spider in other parts of the world. The crane fly is clearly harmless and, in human terms, so is the Pholcus. However, the myth apparently arose because in parts of the world where there are dangerous spiders (such as Australia) Pholcus spiders eat the more deadly ones (such as Redbacks). Hence, the idea arose that they must have stronger venom, when in truth, they are just quicker. And, it seems, have no sense of size (a little like my mother's terrier dog that takes on horses!).

[nightshade]

I was out in the garage yesterday and noticed that I have acquired a couple of Pholcus. I have to go and look every hour or so after reading these posts

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by wilippa

This reminds me of a story I have heard about Pholcus. There is a myth that the most venomous creature known to man is the "Daddy-Long-Legs". The problem with this myth is that the name "Daddy Long Legs" refers to the crane fly in the UK and the Pholcus spider in other parts of the world. The crane fly is clearly harmless and, in human terms, so is the Pholcus. However, the myth apparently arose because in parts of the world where there are dangerous spiders (such as Australia) Pholcus spiders eat the more deadly ones (such as Redbacks). Hence, the idea arose that they must have stronger venom, when in truth, they are just quicker. And, it seems, have no sense of size (a little like my mother's terrier dog that takes on horses!).

I have heard this comment about "Daddy-long-legs" and in some cases this was referring to Opiliones (Harvest men). This is totally inaccurate as well, as they have no poison glands.

One to watch in the fight stakes in Enoplognatha ovata, it is very feisty for a little candy-striped hedge bottom lurker!

[wilippa]

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

I have heard this comment about "Daddy-long-legs" and in some cases this was referring to Opiliones (Harvest men). This is totally inaccurate as well, as they have no poison glands.

Aye, I've heard that one too. It seems the myth has arisen from a misunderstanding and a misidentification - ie the term Daddy-Long-Legs does not refer to one species but depends on the part of the world you live in. The perils of using Common Names!
Having said that - common names are interesting and rather fun. They often reveal some of the folklore attached to a particular species and can be really quite descriptive in a lyrical sort of way. But care must be taken...

[Meta menardi]

I love common names of long standing, I am less of a fan of the idea of going through swathes of species and inventing names.