How to Identify Spiders in the U.K.
Spiders are fascinating and frightening creatures that live just about everywhere on earth. They serve an indispensable function in small ecosystems by keeping insect populations in check, and protecting fragile environments from unwanted intruders. Though some spiders are quite dangerous to humans, some are quite harmless. Trying to understand and categorize the spiders in your area can be an educational experience whether you are just doing it for fun, or if you have serious concerns about your family's safety. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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The Araneus quadratus is frequently seen around the UK from June to October. It is a web-spinning spider commonly found in underbrush and grass. It gets its name from the four distinct dots (often white in color) found on its abdomen. The color of the rest of the spider varies widely from location to location.
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The Meta menardi, or "cave spider" makes its homes in dark places such as tunnels, caves and cellars. It is the second largest spider in the UK (up to 15mm long), and avoids bright light as much as possible. They generally eat small invertebrates like slugs, and are non-aggressive. Even if they do bite, their venom has no serious adverse effects on humans.
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The "false widow" is a dark-colored spider with a cream coloring around its abdomen. It frequently lives in houses and buildings, or in the cracks of old walls. If excessively provoked it will sit on its hind legs and bare its fangs. A bite from a false widow is often described as quite painful, but has no long lasting effects.
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A grass spider is a long (10mm), beige-colored spider that prefers habitats along coastal areas, in tall grass, or damp meadows. It is most often seen between July and October and poses no threat to humans.
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The raft is spider is the largest of all spiders in the UK. Its legs alone can be up to 70mm long. They are usually dark in color with a lighter colored strip along their sides. This spider is distinctive in that it lives near water and can submerge itself for long periods of time to hide from predators. Its bite does cause brief swelling but no long term effects.
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Tips & Warnings
Take notes or a picture when you see a spider. Carefully observe its body size, markings, and general shape. Observe the spider's activity and body position. Some spiders spin webs, while others choose to ambush their prey. Seeing a spider in action can help you identify it. Compare your findings with varieties of spiders commonly found near where you live. Google the spider's description and activities to see if you come up with any matches.
Be very careful when observing spiders. Do not get too close to them, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Some spider bites can be very painful, others can be deadly. If you do not know for sure what kind of spider it is, do not take any chances.
