I have read that they have a very strong venom, that in a larger spider would have the potential of being fatal if bitten. Of course they are unable to "bite" us with such small mouth parts. I have not verified this.
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)?
It's false. That rumor came about because they eat other venemous spiders and things. They fight with webs more than poison. Those long legs leg them hold the other critter at a distance while they wrap him up.
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?
Originally posted by Agerg 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 😕
If 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.
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.
Originally posted by Taoman 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?
They'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).
Originally posted by Taoman 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)?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellar_spider#Venom
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]
On 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 !!
He was busy getting his web ready for his evening meal!
Daddy Longlegs Spiders Are Amazing
10 Oct '10 20:23
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