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"Bringing the Science of Spiders and Insects to the Classroom"

Costa Rican Tiger Rump / Cyclosternum fasciatum

Questions and Answers

Here are answers to the most common questions I am asked!

Have you ever been bitten by a spider?

The short answer is “Yes” but needs clarication: The bites that I have endured are the result of handling thousands of spiders. The key word here is “handling.” Of the bites that I have experienced, all were due to the handling of the spiders. Spiders are not naturally aggressive towards humans. We like to use the term “defensive.” When spiders become frightened, they react. Their reaction may result in simply running away or, if they have nowhere to run, they may bite. Did I deserve to be bitten? Yes. This could be considered one of the more serious “workplace hazards.”

What does a spider bite feel like?

That depends on the spider. The bite of the Goliath Birdeater, (Theraphosa blondi), is somewhat painful…..after all, its fangs are nearly one inch! The Goliath bite felt like a big pin prick followed by a little itching around the bite wound. The majority of bites that I have endured happened so fast that I didn’t even realize I had been bitten. I was once bitten by a Red Widow spider, (Latrodectus bishopi). This one worried me a little as they possess a fairly strong venom. Fortunately for me, it was a dry bite, (one in which no venom is injected). It happened while I was attempting to remove some dead bugs from her web. She had an eggsac to protect and decided to crawl on my hand and sink her fangs in. This one again, was nothing more than a little itch. The general rule of thumb is to not handle spiders. It is always better to observe them from a distance. .

Where do you get your spiders from?

The majority of the spiders in my collection come from all parts of the world. Does this mean I travel throughout the world collecting them? No (that would be nice though). I have many friends in the “industry” and one of my most trusted friends happens to be an importer. His name is Dean and he owns a company called Northwest Invertebrates. You will find a link to his website on my “Contact” page. Dean imports spiders from all over the world and even breeds many beautiful tarantulas.

Do we have Brown Recluses in Washington?

No. Brown Recluses are found primarily in the Mid-West. While there is always a possibility of finding one here on occasion, the likelihood is quite slim. The Brown Recluses that have been identified in Washington likely were stowaways on cars, trucks, or packages coming from their native areas.

I have a pet tarantula and I would like to hold it but I am scared. What should I do?

It would probably be best to simply observe it rather than hold it. Contrary to what many believe, Tarantulas do not enjoy being handled nor do they develop any sort of bond with their “owner.” Tarantulas are fantastic pets however, they are not very interactive. The cost and time to maintain a Tarantula is very low. Food is cheap and you only need to clean their cage every few months if that! If you are looking for something to cuddle with, a nice dog or cat would be a much better choice!

What is a Hobo Spider?

The Hobo Spider, (Tegenaria agrestis), is a spider that was transplanted into our area many years ago from Europe, hence the nickname, Hobo. It is widely believed that there were eggsacs in lumber shipped to the Port of Seattle. Once they arrived, they dispersed. Hobo spiders are cousin to a very common spider in our area; the Giant House Spider, (Tegenaria gigantea). Unlike the Giant House Spider, the Hobo spider is purported to have a strong venom which can cause tissue damage around the bite site. The Hobo and the Giant House Spider are impossible to differentiate by simple observation. While they are both marked similarly, it takes a microscope and careful examination to know for certain. I have personally examined close to 100 specimens believed to be Hobo’s and have yet to identify one. They are not common. The Hobo Spider is also referred to as the Aggressive House Spider. This misnomer likely derived from the scientific name “agrestis” which translated means “spider of the field” not “aggressive.”

I found a spider in my bathtub. Did it come-up through the drain?

No. Unfortunately for both humans and spiders, bathtubs are quite slippery. The spiders that end up scaring you when you pull back the shower curtain got there by chance. It was out and about, minding its own business, when it slipped down the tub side. The slippery tub makes it nearly impossible for the spider to escape. If you do happen to find a spider in your tub or shower, simply scoop it up in a small container and let it go on about its business. If you are not keen on releasing it in the house, try the garage. Unfortunately, spiders that are found inside the house are indoor spiders and will probably not fare too well on the outside. And now back to the bathtub…..you think you were scared when you discovered the spider in your tub? Imagine how the spider felt!