Science
10 Oct 10
10 Oct 10
My initial search on Pholcus phalangioides is that yes, there are numerous reports of the "deadly venom", but this link http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_weavers/Pholcidae.htm
is emphatic that is not true. It appears also as an informed entomological site,(but then some others did too)?
11 Oct 10
Bad words is ok, inane commentary is a bit painful though! Muted is best.
Interesting video, its uncommon to see that I expect, unless you go hunting. for it.
I was unaware they took on much bigger spiders, (but with shorter legs)!
What else do you find amazing about them?
11 Oct 10
Originally posted by AgergIf they are poisonous and around the home I will klll them. But otherwise I will not, even if they are big, black and hairy ones, like some of our local Huntsmans. Australia has some quite poisonous spiders, Redback, Funnelweb species but you don't see them often. Whitetails (Wolfspider species) apparently can cause necrosis from a bite, but there are differing opinions about that too.
Sorry for the derail but I just wanted to say that watching a spider spin it's web is a frickin amazing sight
Why people try to kill the little things is beyond me 😕
Yes, watching a web being spun is fascinating. But not when you walk into one in the dark! One hopes it was a daddylonglegs.
I think of the spider-webbed attic or room of scary movies. Sets the scene.
11 Oct 10
Originally posted by TaomanThey're like our little guardians! They eat all the bad guys and don't bother us (except by giving us the jibblies with their scary legs).
Bad words is ok, inane commentary is a bit painful though! Muted is best.
Interesting video, its uncommon to see that I expect, unless you go hunting. for it.
I was unaware they took on much bigger spiders, (but with shorter legs)!
What else do you find amazing about them?
12 Oct 10
Originally posted by Taomanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellar_spider#Venom
My initial search on Pholcus phalangioides is that yes, there are numerous reports of the "deadly venom", but this link http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_weavers/Pholcidae.htm
is emphatic that is not true. It appears also as an informed entomological site,(but then some others did too)?
An urban legend states that Pholcidae are the most venomous spiders in the world, but because their fangs are unable to penetrate human skin, they are harmless to humans. However, recent research has shown that pholcid venom has a relatively weak effect on insects.[3] In the MythBusters episode "Daddy Long-Legs" it was shown that the spider's fangs (0.25mm) could penetrate human skin (0.1mm) but that only a very mild burning feeling was felt for a few seconds.[4]
12 Oct 10
Originally posted by AThousandYoungOn topic of spiders stories (not DadLL) We were all having a barby on our deck when a large highly colourful (Orb Weaver) dangled right down in the middle of everyone sitting around eating. Eeeks !! Scatter !!
Discuss.
He was busy getting his web ready for his evening meal!