My friend brought me this from behind his dryer in the basement, Saratoga Springs, NY. Appears pretty much all black, though some dark reddish hue underneath, a discernible brown pattern on top of the abdomen. Generally stout and scary looking with legs outstretched. Just about 1/2" long without legs. What is it?
Houseghost:
The spider in your image appears to be a "hacklemesh weaver" in the family Amaurobiidae, and maybe Amaurobius ferox, a European species that has become established and common in some parts of the U.S.
I can't be completely sure without a more detailed image or, ideally, the specimen itself, but I lean heavily toward the aforementioned ID. NO species in that family is considered to be dangerously venomous if that was an unspoken question.
Look for their messy, net-like webs issuing from cracks and crevices, usually on the exterior of buildings, rock walls, etc.
Apologies for the late reply, but this post should have gone into the "Spider and Arachnid Identification" forum, not the insect one.
Eric
Sounds pretty definitive, thanks. And yes, surely not an insect. Never having been here, I recall thinking this is a spider site, so all ID must be spider ID. Clicked the first ID link I saw, possibly subconsciously assured that in this world the word insect must be ironic. How's that for revisionism? My friend will be relieved he won't have to sell - or burn - his house.Originally Posted by Houseghost
You're most welcome, and we check all the forum topics pretty regularly anyhow :-)
Eric
Haha!
And no worries about the spider vs. insect forum thing... they get identified and moved if needed, so no biggie. Thanks for checking out the site!
Quick links: SPECIES GUIDES ║ SPIDER IDENTIFICATION GUIDE ║ FAQ ║ GLOSSARY
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote