Help! What kind of spider/bug is this?

ali0809 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-10-2011, 11:48 AM

Can anyone help me identify this creature? It was found in a friends bathroom in Oxfordshire, UK. Not even sure if it is a spider as I can't work out if it has 10 legs or 8 legs and 2 long 'feelers'. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

triops · #2 (**permalink**) 08-10-2011, 01:11 PM

Looks terrifying, especially as it seems to have been photographed on a saucer! Its always good to have measurements or something to give scale. However, it looks like a shed skin of Dysdera the "Woodlouse spider".

ali0809 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-10-2011, 01:27 PM

Thanks for your reply. From what I've been told, they managed to trap it under a glass bowl and it is roughly the size of a man's palm. I've looked everywhere and can't find anything that remotely resembles it - I was wondering if it could be some type of Solifugae, but the body doesn't look right for that.

triops · #4 (**permalink**) 08-10-2011, 03:09 PM

Certainly not Dysdera, then!
You, or somebody, are having your leg pulled. Interrogate the people responsible and think of a suitable practical joke to play on them.

tcvarlh · #5 (**permalink**) 08-10-2011, 03:14 PM

Trapdoor spider of some sort perhaps? Impressive looking critter anyway!
h

ali0809 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-10-2011, 04:16 PM

That's the size of his palm including legs (not just the body), just in case I didn't make that clear.

I did wonder if it was a joke of some sort, but he does seem to be genuinely asking people for info on what it is and what to do with it. Trapdoor has been coming up a lot in my searches as well - I guess time will tell. I'm sure I would be more worried if it had been found in my bathroom, but luckily I live a good 50 miles away!

Meta menardi · #7 (**permalink**) 08-10-2011, 04:59 PM

It is a very strange looking beast, and I would guess that it will be very hard to identify from the photos give. It seems to have too many ends and the wrong kind things (total incoherence due to most visible bits not seeming... right). Any chance of more photos, from different angles?

The size would help, if that is a normal saucer it the biggest invertebrate I have seen at large in this country. I am quite good with scuttely things, but this would make me retract any bits I could retract as far as I could.

No.9 Spider · #8 (**permalink**) 08-10-2011, 08:20 PM

Your spider is a species of Theraphosidae - 'Tarantula' spider, and certainly not a British species. Someone could be pulling your leg as already suggested. The species could be one of a large number of species and is similar to preserved species sold as Eurypelma spinicrus, albeit the spinnerets at the rear are rather disproportional to the specimen and may not be a genuine part of the specimen. The spider comprises, eight legs, two pedipalps at the front end and two spinnerets at the rear.

ali0809 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-10-2011, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by No.9 Spider

Your spider is a species of Theraphosidae - 'Tarantula' spider, and certainly not a British species. Someone could be pulling your leg as already suggested. The species could be one of a large number of species and is similar to preserved species sold as Eurypelma spinicrus, albeit the spinnerets at the rear are rather disproportional to the specimen and may not be a genuine part of the specimen. The spider comprises, eight legs, two pedipalps at the front end and two spinnerets at the rear.

I came across this one earlier as well and thought the exact same thing (maybe an escaped pet or brought in with the bananas!? lol)...except, as you said, the spinnerets are far too long. Unfortunately the stupid idiot squished it

so now we will never know for sure.

ali0809 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-10-2011, 10:09 PM

I think I may have sussed the joke (although the perpetrator has not yet confirmed this, I think I've been well and truly had)...

Tarantula Spider (Golden Earth Tiger) Insect Specimen | eBay

In my defense, I am one of over 20 people that fell for this! LOL! Thank you to everyone for your answers...I shall try not to be so gullible in future!