spider with pincers??

[Jstokes]

I've found 4 of these spiders in the past 5 days in my bedroom. It's a blackish/brownish, with fairly long legs (about an inch) and his torso is about an inch as well, Has all 8 legs, but also has two pincers that move independently. Very strange looking, and I haven't found any pictures like it anywhere...The pincers are fairly large as well, in relatin to the spider... I live in Burlington, Ontario... and its the first time I've seen any of these, and having found so many in such a short time I'm kind of concerned, I have an 11 month old little boy at home.... Any help is appreciated, thank you !

[Mandy]

Hi, Jstokes, welcome to the new forum!

For some reason, the image is only about 2 inches wide on my computer, so I can't tell exactly what it is... but it's for sure an adult male and most likely a type of "Hacklemesh Weaver" in the family Amaurobiidae. Adult males of all types of spider leave their web in order to search for mates... they might inadvertently enter homes during that trek. Checking the weatherstripping around your doors can help prevent some of them from entering (sometimes there's torn or missing spots that need fixing).

The "pincers" you saw are the male's pedipalps. They look like boxing gloves and are the male's reproductive organs, believe it or not. He uses them to transfer sperm into the female spider. They also use them for manipulating food and feeling their environment (they're basically modified legs). He can't hurt you with them. These spiders can bite in self-defense if handled roughly or pressed against the skin, but the venom is not considered dangerous to humans (though can result in a feeling similar to a bee sting in some cases).

Hope this helps!

[scordon731]

that def. looks like the ones dead in my home. jstokes i know what your going thru and im in the US! i have 2 kids, one being 6.5 months and these creepers are in my lower level of my house! i used an envelope and nudged one back outside, he wasnt violent, he just wanted to hide from me. they are really intimidating tho!!! the admin on this site is awesome and very knowledgeable!

[Mandy]

Thanks, Scordon!