Overcoming arachnophobia - Which UK spiders can bite?

dazultra2000 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 11:07 AM

So as I slowly become more interested in spiders (all thanks to my first bite from a Steatoda Nobilis a few years ago, and this board!) I find myself unable to get too close to them to truly appreciate them as I fear being bitten.

So what I would like to know, is that out of the common UK spiders that are seen around (Tegenaria, Pholcus, Araneus, Linyphiidae, Enoplognatha, Araniella, Steatoda, Zygiella, Metellina, Sitticus, etc etc etc) which can bite.

My wife is a complete arachnophobe (to the point where she literally freaks out if she sees one - she's even terrified of moths and craneflies) and so it is usually down to me to catch them.

I often resort to the glass/card trick to get rid of them, but I'd much rather just be able to carefully scoop them up and transplant them.

Or, for example, on Saturday I accidentally walked through a massive Araneus Diademetus web and did the whole jumpy, shivery dance thing trying to fling the spider off me. I don't know if it can hurt me or if it is harmless.

When I was bitten by a steatoda nobilis it was unpleasant to say the least (my hand ballooned up) so I would like to be able to avoid these scenarios whilst being able to handle spiders that are harmless!

wilippa · #2 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 11:34 AM

I do not profess to being an expert on these matters but here are my thoughts.
In being bitten by S. nobilis you have probably already experienced the worst that UK spiders can do in terms of harm to humans.
My experience of observing A. diadematus is that you can occasionally elicit a "threat pose" from them. However, the specimens in my garden normally run for the edge of their web or for cover when startled.
I would actually not advise "scooping them up". Regardless of species or their size or ability to bite you, the most likely time they will bite is when they feel threatened. If you scoop a spider up in your hands it may think you are trying to crush it and bite in defence. Actually, the glass and card trick is the least likely method to harm the spider or get you bitten.
I'm not certain about their ability to bite (ie whether fangs are long enough to puncture human skin) but with the possible exception of Steatoda sp the ones you mention are fairly passive. having said that, there is a Tegenaria species (I can't remember which one) with a reputation for biting in the US, though the UK specimens of the same species are not so aggressive. Also, T. Parietina, the so called "Cardinal spider" supposedly got its common name by biting Cardinal Wolsey, though other versions of the story just say he was frightened of them.
Anyway, bottom line is... don't worry about getting bitten, it's very unlikely with UK spiders but take care not to corner any and give them a reason to bite you.

Jim Ford · #3 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 12:15 PM

Many years ago there was a series of letters in 'The Guardian' discussing spider bites. There were several people that said they'd been bitten by a spider, but the 'experts' stated that no U.K. spider had fangs that could puncture human skin.

Jim

wilippa · #4 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 12:22 PM

Technically, I don't think S. nobilis is a UK spider. I think it is an European species which has "invaded" though I'm happy to be corrected if anyone knows different. Also there is an ongoing thread in this forum about T. duellica. See Izzy's thread "Identify Spider" - it's an old thread but has been reopened recently and is still being updated. However, it is fair to say that spider bites in the UK are very rare. And the Daily Mail's recent article on spiders named two supposedly able to bite humans - S. nobilis and another. I forget which. Wait out, I may find out.

Edit: the walnut orb weaver but I stand corrected, they were referring to strength of venom, not ability to puncture human skin!

No.9 Spider · #5 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 04:01 PM

I think most of the native species capable of biting have been covered in previous posts, but definitely Dysdera crocata and male Salticus scenicus.

Dogghound · #6 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 04:06 PM

Amaurobius can give a bite too, i have been bitten at least 3 times by these (whilst handling them), also once by Araneus diadematus. Its highly unlikely a spider is going to come along and bite somebody, for no reason.

nightshade · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 04:13 PM

The Lioness had a real problem with Spiders but nowadays she is a lot more relaxed about them, even using the specially kept glass and card to evict trespassers. Many years ago I came home to find her trapped in a corner by a very large tager and she had been there for a long time. Thanks to WAB and the excellent photos in the Gallery she can look them in the eye and deal with them. The hardest part is what is it about a spider that is scary, they do not really know, it is a learned reaction that can be moderated if not entirely unlearned.

Meta menardi · #8 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 04:40 PM

UK spider bites | Natural History Museum

If the Natural History Museum don't know more than most of us, I shall be surprised.

I do mean about Natural History, wouldn't get them to fix my network.

wilippa · #9 (**permalink**) 12-09-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

UK spider bites | Natural History Museum

If the Natural History Museum don't know more than most of us, I shall be surprised.

I do mean about Natural History, wouldn't get them to fix my network.

Lol! I probably wouldn't either.

nightshade · #10 (**permalink**) 13-09-2011, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

UK spider bites | Natural History Museum

If the Natural History Museum don't know more than most of us, I shall be surprised.

I do mean about Natural History, wouldn't get them to fix my network.

I wonder if the tube spider they mention is Segestria florentina?
Segestria florentina - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia