Large spider in basement - Amaurobius ferox

Moved

… Mandy Howe, 24 April, 2013 - 7:05am

Moved

… Lynette Elliott, 12 March, 2010 - 10:26am

Hacklemesh Weaver

Your listed size seems exaggerated possibly, unless you're counting the legs. Spider size is measured with body only.

This is a Hacklemesh Weaver (Family Amaurobiidae).

Possibly Genus Amaurobius.

This is a male.

They're quite harmless.

… Jebus31, 11 March, 2010 - 9:50pm

Hacklemesh Weaver Identified

You're right, I was measuring the spread of the legs. Thanks for ID! I really appreciate it.

Regards,

Ken Muckenhaupt

… Ken Muckenhaupt, 12 March, 2010 - 2:19pm

I'm sure our experts

will provide you with a more definitive ID, but I can tell you a couple of things about your spider in the meantime:

1. It's NOT a dangerous species (in case you were wondering).
2. It's a male, which means it probably wandered into your home in search of female companionship.

I'm guessing (based mostly on size) that this is a wolf or nursery web spider of some variety. Let's wait and see what the experts have to say.

Welcome to BugGuide!

… Ken Wolgemuth, 11 March, 2010 - 7:59pm

Wolf Spider or Nursery Web Spider

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the quick response. I look forward to hearing from the other experts. I suspected a wolf spider when I checked my field guide for spiders and insects; but, the pictures did not match exactly.

Regards,

Ken Muckenhaupt

… Ken Muckenhaupt, 11 March, 2010 - 8:52pm

Agree with Jebus.

I agree with Jebus on this one. They eye arrangement is all wrong for a wolf spider or nursery web spider; the chelicerae (jaws) are swollen, which is typical of Amaurobiidae. True that this is *not* a dangerously venomous animal, and that it is a male.

… Eric R. Eaton, 12 March, 2010 - 12:12am

Hacklemesh Weaver

One question: How do you identify the sex of these spiders?

Thanks... Ken

… Ken Muckenhaupt, 12 March, 2010 - 8:05pm

Palps

Swollen palps means male. See explanation here.

… Lynette Elliott, 13 March, 2010 - 12:09pm

I'm sure both you and Jebus are correct.

I couldn't make out the eye arrangement in any detail--even at full size--so that was of no use to me (gotta see about that eye exam).

At any rate, I appreciate the both of you keeping me honest. :)

… Ken Wolgemuth, 12 March, 2010 - 6:11am