Order: Araneae = Spiders
The reproduction biology of spiders, in terms of the complexity and originality of the observed phenomena, surpasses everything that is characteristic of other arachnids, and this is again due to the use of the web.
Sexually mature male spiders are usually very different from females in their lifestyle and appearance, although in some cases males and females are similar. Usually the male is smaller than the female, with relatively more long legs, and sometimes males are dwarf, 1000-1500 times smaller in volume than females. In addition to size, sexual dimorphism is often manifested in certain secondary sexual characteristics: in the bright pattern of males, in the special shape of individual pairs of legs, etc. Males, as a rule, are found less frequently than females, and in some species they are not found at all. At the same time, the virgin development of eggs in spiders appears to be a rare exception. In tenet spiders, sexually mature males usually no longer build trapping nets, but wander around in search of females and are caught in the female’s nets in short period mating. 
The internal organs of the reproductive system of spiders generally have a fairly common structure. The testes are paired, convoluted vas deferens are connected near the genital opening, which in the male has the appearance of a small slit. The ovaries are paired, in some cases fused at the ends into a ring. Paired oviducts connect into an unpaired organ - the uterus, which opens with the oviductal opening. The latter is covered by a folded elevation - the epigina. There are seminal receptacles - sacs from which the tubules extend to the excretory part of the genital tract and to the epigyne, where they usually open independently of the ovarian opening.
The copulatory organs are formed on the male's pedipalps only during the last molt. Before mating, the male secretes a drop of sperm from the genital opening onto a specially woven arachnoid mesh, fills the copulatory organs of the pedipalps with sperm, and during mating, with their help, introduces sperm into the seminal receptacles of the female. In the simplest case, on the pedipalp tarsus there is a pear-shaped appendage - a bulbus with a spiral spermatic canal inside (Fig. 35.5). The appendage is extended into a thin spout - an embolus, at the end of which a canal opens. During mating, the embolus is inserted into the female's seminal receptacle. In most cases, the copulatory organs are more complex, and the ways of their complication can be traced within the order and are somewhat different in different groups spiders Usually the tarsus of the pedipalps are enlarged. The articular membrane of the bulbus turns into a blood receptacle, which, at the moment of mating, swells like a bubble under the pressure of the hemolymph. The spermatic canal forms complex loops and opens at the end of a long embolus, tourniquet or other shape. There are often additional appendages that serve for attachment during mating. The structure of copulatory organs in detail is very diverse, characteristic of individual groups and species, and widely used in the taxonomy of spiders.
The male fills the pedipalp bulbs with seed shortly after the last molt. The sperm mesh has a triangular or quadrangular shape and is suspended horizontally. The male immerses the ends of the pedipalps into a drop of sperm secreted onto it. It is believed that sperm penetrates through the narrow canal of the embolus due to capillarity, but it has now been established that at least in forms with complex copulatory organs there is a special seminal suction canaliculus. In some spiders, the male does not make a web, but pulls one or several webs between the legs of the third pair, releases a drop of sperm onto the web and brings it to the ends of the pedipalps. There are also species whose males take sperm directly from the genital opening.
The male, with copulatory organs filled with sperm, goes in search of a female, sometimes covering considerable distances. In doing so, he is guided mainly by his sense of smell. He distinguishes the odorous trail of a mature female on the substrate and her web. In most cases, vision does not play a significant role: males with blurred eyes easily find females.
Having discovered a female, the male begins “courtship”. Almost always, the male’s excitement manifests itself in certain characteristic movements. The male twitches the threads of the female's net with his claws. The latter notices these signals and often rushes at the male as prey, causing him to flee. Persistent “courtship,” sometimes lasting for a very long time, makes the female less aggressive and prone to mating. Males of some species weave small “mating nets” next to the female’s snares, into which they lure the female with rhythmic movements of their legs. In burrow-dwelling spiders, mating occurs in the female's burrow.
In some species, repeated mating with several males and competition between males is observed, which gather on the female’s snares and, trying to get closer to her, fight with each other. The most active one drives away rivals and mates with the female, and after some time another male takes his place, etc...
Interesting facts about spiders. Did you know that...
- Majority tropical species Spiders defeat their prey with the help of force, not poison, since their poison is quite weak.
- Some representatives of spiders have invented an unusual method of self-defense. From an attacking enemy, they hide in underground burrows, the entrance to which is covered with their own abdomen.
- Despite popular belief, the house spider is not able to enter the bathroom through sewer pipes, as it can simply drown. As a rule, he falls from the ceiling and cannot get out of the bathtub along its smooth walls.
- The order of spiders includes three suborders with 63 families and approximately 2,100 genera.
- The respiratory organs of spiders are complex. Most spiders, in addition to lungs, also have tracheas.
Spiders are highly skilled hunters. The hunting methods of different types of spiders are extremely diverse: they track and attack their prey, guard it in a shelter, catch it in water or using nets on land. Spiders - irreplaceable helpers that destroy harmful insects. People have no reason to be afraid of them and often kill them for no reason, because most species of spiders are quite safe for people.
Web production
Strong, elastic and sticky spider web is an ideal material for constructing a fishing net. Cobweb is a viscous secretion from the arachnoid glands (warts) located on the abdomen of spiders, which hardens upon contact with air and forms threads.
The spider must ensure that its hind legs do not get stuck in the sticky mass. When making a web, the spider first tensions the frame and radial threads, and then weaves a spiral trapping web.
Spiders must use thread sparingly, as it can only be produced with good nutrition. After making the web, the spider sits in a shelter and waits for prey. As soon as an insect gets caught in the net, the spider runs up to it and paralyzes it with poison. The spider's venom gradually dissolves the internal organs of the prey, turning the caught insect into a kind of "juice bag", where the role of the bag is played by the outer chitinous cover of the prey. Having waited the required time, the spider sucks out the resulting nutritious “broth” - it is unable to chew or gnaw its prey.
How an orb-weaving spider spins its web
1. Inside the body, the spider has glands that produce fluid to create a web. The spider secretes fluid through the arachnoid warts. He secures one end of the thread, and moves the other to another place, where he also glues it.
2. Slowly moving down, having secured the second thread, the spider from its middle stretches a third, which it directs downwards - a structure in the form of the letter “U” is formed. Then the spider climbs up it and pulls the next thread down.
3. The spider builds a strong frame from external threads, from the center of which it draws radial threads to the edges, like wheel spokes. With each new fiber, the web becomes stronger, because when it solidifies, the liquid forms a strong thread.
4. The orb-weaving spider lays a silky support spiral thread from the center to the edges of the frame, and then weaves a sticky trapping net.
5. Finished web. The orb-weaving spider is located in the center or runs along radial threads, avoiding the sticky mesh. To remove the web, the spider simply wraps it around its legs or around its body.
Most spiders have fairly poor eyesight. A typical spider has eight simple eyes, which, unlike the complex eyes of insects, do not allow the perception of images of objects. Big eyes Wolf spiders and jumping spiders look straight ahead and provide them with spatial vision. Jumping spiders find prey using vision. Spiders that spin webs do not require vision, since they rely on tactile sensations to hunt; their legs are covered with sensitive hairs that detect the slightest vibrations of the web and are able to determine the type and location of prey. These spiders are also able to sense air vibrations caused by the movement of the insects' wings.
In many spiders, the females eat their partners immediately after mating, in others they separate peacefully, and often the male and female live in the same nest all their lives. Typically, female spiders are larger than males.
Females hunt insects throughout their lives. To stay alive, the male needs to somehow convince the female that he is not suitable to be her prey. To do this, the male lightly touches the female or rhythmically shakes her web, and sometimes, as a wedding gift, he offers her a caught bug.
The female who has accepted the gift seems to fall into a trance, and the male can fertilize her without risking his life. A few days or weeks after mating, the female lays eggs in a silk cocoon woven from spider threads and guards the clutch.
Feeding features of spiders
All spiders are predators that feed on other animals, usually insects, which they themselves kill. Spiders differ in hunting habits and skills. Jumping spiders and wolf spiders sneak up on their prey and, when approaching, attack it. Crab spiders wait for the prey to approach them. Orb-weaving spiders hunt using a trapping net. Spiders paralyze and kill the victim with venom, which is injected into its body through the chelicerae (main forelimbs). The victim begins to digest as the spider injects digestive juices into it, which soften the internal tissues. Then the spider sucks out the contents of the victim. Some types of spiders attack small birds, others attack small snakes.
The most dangerous animals. Spiders. Video (00:44:59)
The most dangerous spiders in Russia. Video (00:06:43)
The most dangerous spiders in Russia. This top contains the most dangerous spiders living in Russia. Although not all spiders are included in this top, you will learn about the most dangerous ones. You will also learn about what to do if you are bitten by a karakurt.
The most dangerous and poisonous spiders in the world. Video (00:05:12)
Many people find spiders disgusting; about 6% of people feel a wild horror towards them. For the most part, spiders are of course harmless, but there are some of them whose bite can kill a person. It is these spiders that I will tell you about in this video.
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The most poisonous spiders in the world TOP 10. Video (00:04:00)
Rating The deadliest spiders in the world
The most poisonous spider in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is the “Brazilian wandering spider.” The spider got its name because it does not sit in one place and does not weave webs, but actively moves in search of food. Another extremely dangerous spider is considered Black Widow or in our opinion, Karakurt - which can be found in the Caucasus and Crimea.
I present to your attention the rating of the 10 most poisonous and dangerous spiders on planet Earth
10. Yellow spiders Sak (Cheiracanthium punctorium)
Lives in Europe. The poison poses a clinical danger to humans. The bite causes severe pain and can lead to a necrotic ulcer. Size up to 15 mm
9. Fringed Ornamental Tarantula
Lives in Southeast Asia. The poison is lethal to some animals. For humans, the bite is very painful and causes swelling. Size 15-18 cm
8. Chinese Bird Spider
A type of turantula. Lives in China and Vietnam. The poison is slightly stronger than that of the Ornamental Tarantula. Size up to 20 cm
7. Mouse Spider
Lives in Australia. A small, very dangerous spider, one of the most poisonous in the world. Size 1-3 cm
6. Brown and Chilean Recluse Spider
Lives in the southern USA. Poison can kill a person because... affects work internal organs.. Size 6-20 mm
5. Redback Spider
Australian variety of Black Widow. But the poison is less toxic, although it is great danger for human life. Size 5-15 mm
4. The Black Widow is a relative of Karakurt.
Lives in North America. The poison contains latrotoxin, which can kill humans. One of the most dangerous and poisonous spiders on the planet.
3. Sydney Funnel Spider
Belongs to the most dangerous spiders in the world. They live in southern Australia. Very aggressive and always ready to attack. A bite from a male can lead to death. Size up to 7 cm
2. Six-eyed sand spider.
Lives in Africa and South America. The poison is extremely dangerous for humans, but, fortunately, the animal avoids people.
1. Brazilian wandering spider
The most poisonous spider in the world is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Lives in Southern and Central America. The venom of these spiders contains a powerful neurotoxin (PhTx3), leading to paralysis and even death from suffocation.
Spiders live in houses. In some they are less common, in others they roam around the rooms in whole flocks. Where do they come from and why do they attract some houses and not others? Necessity forces them to go to a person and hide under the roof of his house. They are searching comfortable conditions habitats and food. More free tenants appear in winter, or after an early cold snap. They are in no hurry to leave human habitation, from warm and comfortable crevices, from places where there are a lot of crumbs and other small insects for the cold, after hibernation.
The house spider Tegenaria domestica is becoming less and less common in human homes
Where did spiders come from?
Previously, there was a belief that “a happy home is where spiders live,” and killing them would bring bad luck. IN Greek mythology, spiders are associated with beautiful girl- Arachnoi. She was considered a skilled weaver and competed in a weaving duel with the goddess Athena. She created a fabric equally beautiful with the goddess. The goddess, angry with the girl’s success, forbade her to engage in craft. In despair, Arachne committed suicide. But the goddess resurrected her in the form of a spider, and from that time Arachne weaves webs (the name translated means spider).
Only a few species of arthropods like to live next to humans, but most often - the harvest spider, black house spider(attic) and gray (house). The web that is woven has a beautiful structured pattern.
Sometimes unusual individuals are noticed in houses, but they do not stay long; when they get into a house in winter, they explore the territory and leave, or die at human hands. Nobody knows where these tramps come from and why they leave.
Arthropods appear at home with the onset of cold seasons, but can accidentally get in with things, agricultural products and furniture. Those living in the house are not dangerous to humans. They quietly and modestly weave a web in the corner and do not interfere with a person’s eyes, so you don’t have to touch them. But only if they do not settle in colonies.
Arachne angered the goddess Athena with her skill
Spider and web in the house
Grandmothers believed that a cobweb woven in the house was a reliable talisman for the family. That spiders bring good luck to the house, and the cobwebs repel everything hostile and attract positive energy into the house, making life happy.
Ancestors attributed healing properties and the ability to treat diseases to the web. It has long been proven that the web has no healing properties, but superstitions that have existed for centuries are still strong.
The belief that killing a spider will bring misfortune has lost its meaning, and in modern homes you can only find cobwebs on a careless and lazy housewife. But related to them interesting stories, can still be heard today. It happened that spiders living in the house brightened up the loneliness of elderly people, helped them cope with illnesses and became almost members of the family.
Spider in the house: friend or foe?
They are one of the most common creatures that live in homes with people. If the sight of a spider hanging from the ceiling above your heads or running across the living room doesn't scare you, you might want to consider paying attention and providing shelter for a few spiders.
They settle and live in houses, barns, dachas and skyscrapers - these are the most common insects that exist near humans, especially in winter. They are the most common type of fear in people - arachnophobia (fear of spiders). People fight them and the most common way is with a vacuum cleaner or a shoe.
Some people suffer from arachnophobia and cannot stand the sight of a spider.
From the legend
According to legend, the baby Jesus, along with his parents, hid from his pursuers in a cave where spiders lived. A dense network of cobwebs hid and protected them from their pursuers. Since that time, arthropods have been revered throughout the Christian world. It is generally accepted that they are protected by higher powers and by killing a spider, you can expose yourself to suffering and trouble.
Among people there are also large group brave followers of St. Francis who respect arthropods and see the good in them.
Just one warning: it's better not to touch them. There are several species of spiders living in our country, whose bite causes severe pain and even symptoms of mild poisoning. But don't worry—none of them are found at home. In addition, most species are not even able to penetrate human skin. Free tenants never seek contact with a person, but if frightened or feeling threatened, he may bite. Spider venom causes different reactions, depending on the type and the predisposition to allergic reactions of the person bitten. Symptoms:
- redness;
- local swelling around the wound;
- condition requiring hospitalization.
In any case, if you are bitten by a spider, you should consult a doctor. Before you trample the eight-legged creature that has entered your home, take a look and think how much it can improve your quality of life.
A spider bite can become inflamed and cause an allergic reaction.
House spider (Tegenaria domestica )
This type of spider can be found less and less often in our homes. It is brownish-gray in color with a pattern on its belly. Grows to a size of 6 -10 mm. He has quite thick and hairy legs.
Attic spider (Tenegaria atrica)
This “beast” has a size of about 18 cm, the length of the legs can reach up to 8 cm. The web resembles a thick sheet, rolled up like a funnel. They sit in ambush, hidden by a funnel, waiting for the prey to fall into flat part webs, and then climb out of the cracks and rush at the prey. Unlike other types, attic plants prefer slightly damp places. They love basements and attics, although they do not ignore nooks behind furniture. Unfortunately, they do not stay in their corner, but sometimes go to wander around the house or apartment. Often their trips are related to the search for a partner, and in such situations they can meet with a person (the meeting is equally unpleasant for both parties).
There is no need to be afraid of him - let him go his way, but if he gets angry or feels threatened by you, the bite can be quite painful.
The attic spider is large and quite scary in appearance.
Phalangoides (Pholcus phalangoides)
Another species that likes to live in apartments is the phalangoid folcus. Unlike the attic, their appearance does not cause fear. It looks much smaller and nicer to look at. This spider grows to about 7-9 mm, has an almost transparent body and long thin legs. Weaves nets irregularly and not very beautiful. The rickety insects look as if they feed solely on air and are miraculously not entangled in their own legs.
And here's a surprise! They are extremely ambitious predators. Their food consists of many insects, and they often hunt prey that is several times their size.
They even attack attic creatures, and usually win the battle with them. It's hard to imagine, but where Pholcus phalangoides live, you won't find attic tenants. They do not bother humans; they get enough food from other sources.
Phalangoid folcus - a small spider with long legs
Amarobiid spider (Amaurobius ferox)
This species is not as common in residential buildings, but is still found in basements. The red amarobiid spider is 8 -14 mm in size. If you make him angry and defend himself, he may bite painfully.
Large steatoda (Steatoda bipunctata)
Basements and attics can also be inhabited (very rarely) by a spider with the beautiful name steatoda major - a small spider (up to 8 mm in length) with a very plump belly. He close relative The karakurt spider weaves a three-dimensional web, and the males of this species create sounds with a frequency of 1000 Hz, which are audible to humans. The bite causes tissue necrosis.
Harvesting spider (Opiliones)
Most often, houses and apartments are visited and made their homes by haymaking spiders. Unlike others, they have only one pair of eyes and do not have poison glands. If they are frightened, they secrete a smelly substance. They are completely harmless to people. They are easily recognizable by their oval body and long, thin legs. They feed on other insects and spiders, and also suck juice from fruits and leaves, and readily feed on dead organic matter. The upper part is dark gray in color, the lower part is light.
This species weaves an oblique, uneven web that does not have a specific pattern. They prefer to live in dry and warm places. IN summer time they like to sit and weave their web in the corners of window frames.
The haymaker spider is very often found in houses and apartments
Seasonal appearance
Common household spiders live for about two years. They reproduce throughout their lives. Most living outdoors breed in the spring, and their “young” slowly grow over the summer. In many regions, late summer and early fall see a significant increase in the spider population - they seem to be everywhere, both in and outside of homes.
In fact, these are the mature spider youth. As they get bigger and older, it becomes noticeable. Adult males begin to look for a mate, and the associated mobility attracts attention.
Three reasons why spiders are useful
- They eat pests such as cockroaches, earwigs, mosquitoes, flies and moths. If you let them work, they will eliminate most insects in your home. This is an excellent safe weapon against insects.
- They eat other spiders. Meetings with rivals often end in “gladiator” fights, in which the winner eats the loser. If you have a lot of long-legged tenants living in your basement, you can see that the population initially consists of numerous small individuals and subsequently dwindles down to fewer large ones. In addition, there are significantly fewer other pests in the basement, which makes spiders great allies of humans.
- They limit the spread of diseases, as they eat many household pests, carriers of infectious and other diseases: mosquitoes, flies, fleas, cockroaches and many others.
Additionally, they live in areas that are free of toxins and clean enough that they can be a factor in the situation in your home.
Amarobiid, like other spiders, rids the home of harmful insects
How to get rid of spiders
While many of us would rather see spiders dead, than alive, do not forget that he was once Arachne, albeit a mythological one, and that spiders are useful. Instead of poisoning yourself and them with chemicals, forcing them to die, hitting them with a shoe or a newspaper, it is better to catch them, which is quite easy (in a disposable cup or other container) and release them away from home, let them look for another place to live.
The appearance of spiders in the house is not their fault, and their behavior is not burdensome. And in order to prevent arthropods from living in your home permanently, you must take care of home hygiene yourself.
Controlling the Spider Population
- Caulk all cracks and openings through which spiders can enter the house.
- Make sure that garbage is not located directly near the house.
- Pack souvenirs, clothes, and small items in sealed plastic containers. Cardboard boxes attract insects, which attract spiders.
- Store wood some distance from your home to avoid bringing spiders into your home.
- Use insecticides in areas where they spin their webs.
- Control spiders' food sources - insects - with insecticides and other methods.
- Consider creating a chemical barrier around your home using a chemical suitable for this purpose.
Signs and superstitions associated with spiders
- If spiders appear in your carefully cleaned house, expect changes.
- A light spider rising upward brings good news; a spider falling down brings unexpected and not very pleasant news.
- A spider sitting on clothes means profit.
- In the rays of the morning sun a web is weaving - expect pleasant surprises and gifts; at sunset - there will be a little work.
- Seeing a red spider means big money.
The reproduction biology of tarantulas is complex and, it must be said, has not yet been sufficiently studied. Young spiders of both sexes lead a similar lifestyle and actually do not differ in their behavior.
Sexually mature males are very different from females in their lifestyle and appearance in most species. In many species, the males are brightly colored. They are usually smaller, have proportionally more outstretched legs, a different arrangement of pedipalps, and also differ from females in much greater mobility. Puberty in males occurs earlier than in females. The average period of sexual maturity for males is 1.5 years, for females it occurs no earlier than 2 years (in some species the difference is even more divergent in time - 1.5 and 3 years, respectively), so it actually seems impossible for “closely related” crossing of spiders emerging from one cocoon, in natural conditions. However, this is possible in captivity when raising males and females by artificially creating for them different temperature and humidity conditions and feeding regimes from an early age.
Before mating, a mature male weaves a so-called sperm - web, usually having a triangular or quadrangular shape, on the underside of which he secretes a drop of sperm. The sperm is captured by the copulatory apparatus, after which the male begins to search for a female. At this time, his behavior is directly opposite to that of the previous period of life. He leads a wandering lifestyle, is highly active and can be seen moving even during the daytime, covering quite significant distances in search of a female (7-9 km per night ( Shillington et al. 1997).
The detection of a female occurs mainly through touch (vision in no way affects this process: spiders with blurred eyes easily find females) by the odorous trail she leaves on the substrate or web near the burrow (for example, the female Aphonopelma hentzi weaves a ball at the entrance to the burrow from the web). In the first option, if the female is not ready to mate, she quickly attacks the male, spreading her chelicerae and preparing to grab him. In this case, the male is forced to hastily retreat, otherwise he may not be perceived as a potential partner, but risks turning into a “hearty dinner”, or losing one or more limbs. Unlike other species of spiders, which are characterized by complex mating behavior, which consists of performing peculiar “wedding dances”, for example, species of the family Araneidae, Salticidae, Lycosidae, or in offering a female recently killed prey (in Pisauridae), courtship by tarantulas is relatively simpler.
Having found the female, the male carefully moves inside the hole. When meeting a female, two scenario scenarios are possible.
In the second scenario, the female, as a rule, does not initially show any interest in the male. In this case, the male lowers his cephalothorax and raises his abdomen, stretching his outstretched front legs and pedipalps forward, backing towards the exit from the hole, thereby attracting the attention of the female and, as it were, inviting her to follow him. From time to time he stops and moves his front legs and pedipalps now to the right, now to the left, shuddering with his whole body so that the female’s interest in him does not wane until they leave the hole and come to the surface. Here, having space to move safely, he feels more confident.
The male periodically carefully approaches the female, quickly touches her with the tips of the front pair of legs and pedipalps or “drums” on the substrate. Usually he repeats this procedure several times with minor breaks until he is convinced that the female’s behavior does not pose a danger to him and she will not cause him harm (until now, studies have not been conducted on the presence of features characteristic of the mating behavior of various species tarantulas).
If the female is still passive, the male will slowly approach her, bringing his front paws between her pedipalps and chelicerae, which the female usually spreads when ready to mate. Then he, as it were, rests against them with his tibial hooks in order to take a stable position and tilts her cephalothorax back, “stroking” the lower surface of the base of the abdomen.
If the female expresses readiness to mate (which is also often expressed in frequent "drum" sound, made by kicking the legs on the substrate), he unfolds the embolus of one of the pedipalps and introduces it into the gonopore, located in epigastric groove. The male performs the same action with the second pedipalp. This is actually the moment of copulation itself, which lasts literally a few seconds, after which the male, as a rule, quickly runs away, since usually the female immediately begins to chase him. Contrary to popular belief that a female often eats her partner after mating, in most cases this does not happen (moreover, males have been known to eat females) if there is enough space for him to move a considerable distance, and the male is able to after some time fertilize several more females. Often a female also mates with different males in one season.
Fertilization egg theft occurs in uterus, with which they communicate seminal receptacles, and after a certain period after copulation(from 1 to 8 months), the duration of which is directly dependent on various conditions(season, temperature, humidity, availability of food) and a specific type of tarantula spider, the female lays eggs, entwining them in cocoon. This whole process takes place in the living chamber of the burrow, which turns into a nest. The cocoon, as a rule, consists of two parts, fastened at the edges. First, the main part is woven, then masonry is laid on it, which is then braided with the covering part. Some species ( Avicularia spp., Theraphosa blondi) weave their “protective hairs” into the walls of the cocoon to protect it from possible enemies.
Interestingly, for several species of tarantula spiders, there are known facts of laying several (one or two) cocoons after mating, with a time difference of no more than a month: Hysterocrates spp.., Stromatopelma spp., Holothele spp.., Psalmopoeus spp.., Tapinauchenius spp.., Metriopelma spp.., Pterinochilus spp..
(Rick West, 2002, oral communication), Ephebopus murinus And E. cyanathus
(Alex Huuier, 2002, oral communication), Poecilotheria regalis
(Ian Evenow, 2002, oral communication). At the same time, the percentage of unfertilized eggs increases significantly in repeated clutches. The number of eggs laid by a female varies among different species and is related to her size, age, and other factors. Record number of eggs known for species Lasiodora parahybana and is approximately 2500 pieces! On the contrary, in small species it does not exceed 30-60. Incubation periods are also different - from 0.8 to 4 months. Interestingly, tree species in general are characterized by more short time than for terrestrial ones (see table).
Unlike most other spiders, the female tarantula guards her clutch and cares for the cocoon, periodically turning it over with the help of chelicerae and pedipalps and moving it depending on changing conditions of humidity and temperature. This is associated with certain difficulties with the artificial incubation of spider eggs at home, which is often advisable, since there are frequent cases of females eating laid cocoons, both as a result of stress caused by anxiety and “for unknown reasons.” For this purpose, collectors in the USA, Germany, England and Australia have developed an incubator, and some hobbyists, taking cocoons from females, take over their “maternal” functions, turning the cocoon by hand several times a day (see also Breeding). №
View
Incubation time*
A source of information
1.
Acanthoscurria musculosa
83
Eugeniy Rogov, 2003
2.
Aphonopelma anax
68
John Hoke, 2001
3.
Aphonopelma caniceps
64
McKee,1986
4.
Aphonopelma chalcodes
94
Schultz & Schultz
5.
Aphonopelma hentzi
76
McKee,1986
56
Baerg, 1958
6.
Aphonopelma seemanni
86
McKee,1986
7.
Avicularia avicularia
52
McKee,1986
39, 40,45
Garrick Odell, 2003
51
Stradling, 1994
8.
Avicularia metallica
68
Todd Gearhart, 1996
9.
Avicularia sp. (ex. Peru)
37
Emil Morozov, 1999
59
Denis A. Ivashov, 2005
10.
Avicularia versicolor
29
Thomas Schumm, 2001
46
Mikhail F. Bagaturov, 2004
35
Todd Gearhart, 2001
11.
Brachypelma albopilosum
72
McKee,1986
75, 77
Schultz & Schultz
12.
Brachypelma auratum
76
McKee,1986
13.
Brachypelma emilia
92
Schultz & Schultz
14.
Brachypelma smithi
91
McKee,1986
66
Todd Gearhart, 2001
15.
Brachypelma vagans
69
McKee,1986
71
Todd Gearhart, 2002
16.
Ceratogyrus behuanicus
20
Phil&Tracy, 2001
17.
Ceratogyrus darlingi
38
Thomas Ezendam, 1996
18.
Cyclosternum fasciatum
52
McKee,1986
19.
Chilobrachys fimbriatus
73
V. Sejna, 2004
20.
Encyocratella olivacea
28
V. Kumar, 2004
21.
Eucratoscelus constrictus
25
Rick C. West, 2000
22
Eucratoscelus pachypus
101
Richard C. Gallon, 2003
23.
Eupalaestrus campestratus
49
Todd Gearhart, 1999
24.
Eupalaestrus weijenberghi
76
Costa&Perez-Miles, 2002
25.
Grammostola aureostriata
29
Todd Gearhart, 2000
26.
Grammostola burzaquensis
50-55
Ibarra-Grasso, 1961
27.
Grammostola iheringi
67
McKee,1986
28.
Grammostola rosea
54
McKee,1986
29.
Haplopelma lividum
56
Rhys A. Bridgida, 2000
60
John Hoke, 2001
52
Mikhail Bagaturov, 2002
30.
Haplopelma minax
30
John Hoke, 2001
31.
Haplopelma sp. "longipedum"
73
Todd Gearhart, 2002
32
Heterothele villosella
67
Amanda Weigand, 2004
33
Heteroscodra maculata
39
Graeme Wright, 2005
34
Holothele incei
36, 22
Benoit, 2005
35.
Hysterocrates scepticus
40
Todd Gearhart, 1998
36.
Hysterocrates gigas
37, 52
Mike Jope, 2000
89
Chris Sainsbury, 2002
37.
Lasiodora cristata
62
Dirk Eckardt, 2000
38.
Lasiodora difficilis
68
Todd Gearhart, 2002
39.
Lasiodora parahybana
106
Dirk Eckardt, 2000
85
Eugeniy Rogov, 2002
40.
Megaphobema robustum
51
Dirk Eckardt, 2001
41.
Nhandu coloratovillosus
59
Mikhail Bagaturov, 2004
42.
Oligoxystre argentinense
37-41
Costa&Perez-Miles, 2002
43.
Pachistopelma rufonigrum
36,40
S.Dias&A.Brescovit, 2003
44
Pamphobeteus sp. platyomma
122
Thomas (Germany), 2005
45.
Phlogiellus inermis
40
John Hoke, 2001
46.
Phlogius crassipes
38
Steve Nunn, 2001
47.
Phlogius stirlingi
44
Steve Nunn, 2001
48
Phormictopus cancerides
40
Gabe Motuz, 2005
49
Phormictopus sp. "platus"
61
V. Vakhrushev, 2005
50.
Plesiopelma longistrale
49
F.Costa&F.Perez-Miles, 1992
51.
Poecilotheria ornata
66
Todd Gearhart, 2001
52.
Poecilotheria regalis
43
Todd Gearhart, 2002
77
Chris Sainsbury, 2005
53.
Psalmopoeus cambridgei
46
Alexey Sergeev, 2001
54.
Psalmopoeus irminia
76
Guy Tansley, 2005
55.
Pterinochilus chordatus
23, 38
Mike Jope, 2000
56.
Pterinochilus murinus
26, 37
Mike Jope, 2000
22, 23, 25
Phil Messenger, 2000
57.
Stromatopelma calceatum
47
Eugeniy Rogov, 2002
58.
Stromatopelma c. griseipes
53
Celerier, 1981
59
Thrigmopoeus truculentus
79, 85, 74
J.-M.Verdez&F.Cleton, 2002
60.
Tapinauchenius plumipes
48
John Hoke, 2001
61.
Theraphosa blondi
66
Todd Gearhart, 1999
62.
Vitalius roseus
56
Dirk Eckardt, 2000
The size of babies born varies widely from 3-5 mm (for example, Cyclosternum spp.. ) up to 1.5 cm in leg span of the goliath tarantula Theraphosa blondi. Newborn spiders of arboreal species, as a rule, are larger than those born from terrestrial tarantulas, and their number is usually noticeably smaller (usually does not exceed 250 pieces). 
Juvenile spiders are very mobile and at the slightest danger they hide, run to the nearest shelter or quickly burrow into the soil. This behavior has been noted for both terrestrial and arboreal species.
Hatching of juveniles from eggs of the same clutch occurs at more or less the same time. Before hatching, small spines are formed at the base of the pedipalps of the embryo - "egg teeth", with the help of which he breaks the shell of the egg and comes into being. Before the so-called postembryonic molt, which usually occurs inside a cocoon, the hatched spider has very thin covers, its appendages are not dismembered, it cannot feed and lives off the yolk sac remaining in the intestine. This life stage is called "prelarva"(according to another classification - 1st stage nymph). After the next molt (3-5 weeks), the prelarva enters the stage "larvae" (nymphs stage 2), also not yet feeding, but slightly more mobile and already having primitive claws on the paws and developed chelicerae ( Vachon, 1957). From the next ( postembryonic) by molting, young spiders are formed, which, becoming more active and able to feed on their own, come out of the cocoon and at first, as a rule, stick together, and then scatter in different directions, starting to live independently. Usually, after the juveniles emerge from the cocoon, the mother no longer cares for them, but an interesting feature of the biology of species of the genus Hysterocrates sp. from the island of Sao Tome, which consists in the fact that young spiderlings live with the female for up to six months after leaving the cocoon. At the same time, the female shows real care for her children, not seen in any other member of the tarantula family, actively protecting them from any possible danger and obtaining food for them. Similar facts are known regarding Haplopelma schmidti (E. Rybaltovsky), as well as tarantulas Pamphobeteus spp.. (various sources). The biology and lifestyle of young spiders are usually similar to those of adult spiders. They set up shelters for themselves and actively hunt for food items of suitable size. The number of molts during a life varies, depending on the size of the spider and its gender (males always have fewer molts), ranging from 9 to 15 per life. The overall lifespan of female tarantula spiders also varies greatly.
Arboreal, even such large spiders as Poecilotheria spp.. , as well as tarantulas of the genus Pterinochilus live no more than 7 - 14 years. Large terrestrial spiders, and especially spiders of America, live in captivity up to 20 years, and according to individual reports, even to a more respectable age (for example, the age of a female Brachypelma emilia , who lived with S. A. Shultz And M. J. Schultz, was estimated to be at least 35 years old).
The life expectancy of males is significantly less and, in general, is limited to 3-3.5 years. The fact is that males, as mentioned above, mature earlier than females (at 1.5-2.5 years), and, as a rule, the average lifespan of male tarantula spiders of the last instar (after the last molt) is five to six months. However, significantly longer periods are known for individual specimens of a number of species. Thus, according to Dr. Claudio Lipari, the maximum life span of males of the last instar of the Brazilian Grammostola pulchra amounted to at least 27 months, and one copy lived with him for more than four years. Other long-lived male tarantulas of the last instar, according to Luciana Rosa, the following: Grammostola rosea- 18 months, Megaphobema velvetosoma
- 9 months, Poecilotheria formosa- 11 months, Poecilotheria ornata- 13 months, Poecilotheria rufilata
- 17 months. According to information from a Moscow collector Igor Arkhangelsky last instar male Brachypelma vagans lived in captivity 24 months(however, for the last few months it was fed artificially), and another individual of the same species lived 20 months. According to a Canadian scientist Rick West adult male tarantula Phormictopus cancerides
lived with Allana McKee, having lost the upper segments of the pedipalps after molting, 27 months, and the male Brachypelma albopilosum
at the very Rick West - 30 months after reaching maturity and died during the second molt (personal communication). The following facts of longevity among male tarantulas were noted: Lasiodora parahybana
: 3 years Jeff Lee, 2 years 6 months Joy Reed and 2 years 3 months Jim Hitchiner. Also the male of the species Grammostola rosea lived 2 years 5 months with Jay Staples. It should be true that such cases are known only when tarantulas are kept in captivity. Regarding the onset of sexual maturity of tarantula spiders, the following, often contradictory, information is available. Male tarantulas of the genus Avicularia reach sexual maturity by 2.5 years, females by 3 years ( Stradling 1978, 1994). Baerg (Baerg, 1928, 1958) reports that males Aphonopelma spp.. reach maturity at 10-13 years, females at 10-12 years. Tarantulas Grammostola burzaquensis
become sexually mature at 6 years of age ( Ibarra-Grasso, 1961), Acanthoscurria sternalis
– at 4-6 years ( Galiano 1984, 1992). The information provided by these authors most likely refers to observations in nature. It is necessary to take into account that in captivity the time for the onset of sexual maturity of tarantula spiders is generally shortened, and often quite significantly. In conclusion, I would like to note that natural enemies Tarantula spiders actually do not have them in captivity. Watch an interesting clip about this. Kind of like Scolopendra gigantea, some specimens of which reach 40 cm in length, are able to cope with a spider of considerable size. Also representatives of the genus Ethmostigmus from Australia are known as predators of tarantulas of the local fauna. At the same time, scorpios of childbirth Isometrus, Liocheles, Lychas, Hemilychas
, as probably some Urodacus, are not averse to snacking on juvenile tarantulas, and scorpions from the genus Isometroides are generally known to specialize in eating spiders, and can regularly be found in old burrows belonging to tarantula spiders ( S. Nunn, 2006). In addition to those listed as natural enemies of tarantulas, large spiders have been noted in nature Lycosidae, and for Australia also a spider Latrodectus hasselti, in whose nets the remains of adult male tarantulas were regularly found. And, undoubtedly, among invertebrate animals the main enemy of tarantulas, like other spiders, is ants. When considering the natural enemies of tarantulas, one cannot help but dwell on some vertebrates. Australian arachnologist Stephen Nunn repeatedly observed as the largest frog in Australia Litoria infrafrenata(white-lipped tree frog) caught and ate sexually mature males. Similarly, the American aga toad introduced into Australia ( Bufo marinus), which is one of the natural enemies of theraphosides in Central America, eats the latter in Australia. In this regard, it is interesting that we were in a burrow with a female and 180 young tarantulas of the species that had just emerged from the cocoon. Selenocosmia sp.. a small specimen of the aga toad, which probably “eaten up” young tarantulas ( S. Nunn, 2006). The development cycle from egg to adult is on average 20-21 days. These flies, called humpback flies, can be confused with other flies - the well-known fruit flies. However, fruit flies are extremely rare in tarantula terrariums and are distinguished by their red eyes. I would also like to note that, in addition to the previously mentioned species of frogs, representatives of a small group of dipterous insects are also found in spider burrows. They lay eggs directly on the host spider itself or in the soil of its burrow. In this case, the larvae concentrate in the area of the tarantula’s mouth or in the substrate and feed on organic debris. Interestingly, for the three South American tarantula species, Theraphosa blondi, Megaphobema robustum
And Pamphobeteus vespertinus
are characterized by their own specific species of dipterans. In home terrariums, as a rule, there are representatives of two groups of winged insects - humpback flies of the family Phoridae(V Lately widespread among collectors all over the world) and the so-called “pot flies”. Gobat flies of the family Phoridae they look more pointed and humpbacked compared to the “potted” ones, they fly very rarely - only when disturbed, mainly moving along the substrate with characteristic jerks. You can get rid of them by replacing the substrate and disinfecting the tarantula's terrarium, transplanting it into a new container. Drying the substrate also helps, making sure to provide the tarantula with a container of water to drink. In general, they are completely safe for healthy spiders, but they can cause anxiety. However, these problems, as a rule, do not arise if there is good ventilation of the terrarium and the use of a ventilation mesh through which the penetration of dipterans is impossible. However, it should be taken into account that humpback larvae can penetrate cocoons broken off by tarantulas and eat eggs and developing larvae, as well as develop on weakened and sick individuals. Adults can also be carriers of various diseases, incl. transport nematode eggs. Finally, I note that in terrariums with tarantulas, representatives of invertebrates - collembolas and wood lice - introduced, usually with the substrate, are occasionally found, which also do not harm them. At the same time, some collectors specifically populate terrariums with tarantulas with a culture of tropical wood lice Trichorhina tomentosa
, because they feed on the waste products of spiders and destroy excess organic residues in the substrate. What do you need to know about tarantulas, what difficulties arise when keeping and handling them, and what conditions need to be created so that they not only feel good in your home, but also reproduce?
There is a unique case when an amateur Jay Stotsky small male of an arboreal species Poecilotheria regalis molted safely twice! at the last instar, with an interval between molts of 18 months. At the same time, the pedipalps and one chelicerae lost during the first molt were completely restored after the second moult!
The only creatures that are hunters of tarantulas in nature are hawk wasps from the family Pompilidae, of which the species of genera are well studied Pepsis And Hemipepsis(the largest reach 10 cm in length), paralyzing the spider, laying an egg on its abdomen, the hatching larva from which throughout its life further development eats this kind of “canned food” ( Dr. F. Punzo, 1999, S. Nunn, 2002, 2006).
The vast majority of “pot flies” found in tarantula terrariums are species of mosquitoes of the family Fungivoridae And Sciaridae, and are found in tarantula containers with insufficient ventilation due to prolonged waterlogging of the substrate and its subsequent decay, as well as decomposition under conditions high humidity food remains and spider feces, as well as plant remains, resulting in the formation of a fungal microculture, which their larvae feed on.
Fans of growing flowers in greenhouses regularly encounter these insects. They are also sometimes found in potted plants. indoor plants, which is where they apparently got their name. They are smaller in size and thinner than the Diptera family Phoridae, with dark wings and actively fly.
Over 1 thousand species of spiders live in Russia. Some are quite often found in residential areas and their proximity does not pose a threat, others can be seen exclusively in the wild, but it is advisable to avoid contact with them. The full list of them is quite large and therefore today we will focus only on a few - we will talk about those who really deserve attention. What are the most famous and dangerous spiders in Russia?
Russia is home to both safe spiders and those that are best avoided
Safe types
It should be noted right away that absolutely all spiders are poisonous, but only a few will be dangerous to human health - arthropods with highly toxic poison. In this chapter we will look at those whose venom is lethal exclusively to insects.
House spiders
These are perhaps the most famous and most common spiders living in Russia. They got their name because they love to be neighbors with people - they can be found in a private house, in a city apartment, and in outbuildings. This spider usually weaves a funnel-shaped web in dark corners under the ceiling or in more secluded places, for example, somewhere behind a closet. The owner himself usually sits in the center of the fishing net and patiently waits for the prey to fall into it. And as soon as the victim is in the web, the spider runs up to her with lightning speed and immediately straightens out.
You can recognize a house spider by the following signs:
- the integument is yellowish-gray or brownish-gray;
- on the back there are usually brown spots arranged in a pattern;
- the legs are dark brown, their length is approximately twice as long as the body;
- The size of females is about 12 mm, the male is no more than 10 mm.
Knitting spiders
There are quite a few species of crocheters, and these spiders are found in Russia more often than others. They are distributed throughout the country and live exclusively in natural conditions. Their trapping nets are circular in shape and have very large meshes. Because of them, at first glance, it may seem that such a web is not suitable for hunting. However, it is not. The net is designed for a specific victim, namely long-legged mosquitoes, which are a favorite delicacy for knitters.
The knitting spider has the following description:
- elongated body;
- legs are long;
- chelicerae are covered with numerous projections;
- Females are usually about 10 mm in size, males are somewhat smaller.
This is interesting! When in danger, the knitting spider extends its legs along its body and becomes like a tiny straw. If you disturb him, he will immediately throw himself down like a stone and try to hide!
Who should you be wary of?
Other arachnids also live on the territory of Russia - their venom is very toxic and delay after a bite is fraught with serious health consequences. And in order to protect yourself and know in what cases you should immediately contact medical care, it is advisable to know such representatives of the spider kingdom “by sight.”
Cross spiders
The diet of spiders of this species includes mainly flying insects: hornets, flies, butterflies, mosquitoes, bumblebees and bees. Hunting occurs with the help of a web. The crossfish immobilizes caught prey with poison, entangles it in a web and injects digestive juices into the wound. After some time, it eats the partially digested contents of its victim. If the spider is this moment not hungry, he hangs the prey on the edge of the fishing net in reserve.
These spiders are distributed throughout central Russia. They are often found in spruce, beech and pine forests, as well as in raised bogs, less often in gardens, arable lands and meadows.
- females are approximately twice as large as males with body sizes of about 20-25 mm;
- the main color depends on the ambient lighting;
- the body is covered with a layer of waxy substance necessary to prevent moisture evaporation;
- The cephalothorax is covered with a dense “shield”, on the front of which there are 4 pairs of eyes.
As a result of a bite from a cross, an infection can occur in the wound, so it is imperative to seek medical help as soon as possible.
Hyracantidae
Chiracantids belonging to the species Cheiracanthium punctorium are dangerous for humans. They can be found in grass and bushes. These creatures have won the title of the most poisonous spiders middle zone Russia.
This is interesting! Some species of chiracandids are characterized by matrifagy - hatched spiderlings eat the female who protects them!
Chiracantids do not weave trapping nets, as they are wandering hunters. They are active exclusively at night. They react to the prey tactilely - when the insect touches the spider’s legs, it attacks it with one sharp jump. The diet usually includes leafhoppers, caterpillars, moths, aphids, grasshoppers and some types of mites.
Description:
- the covers are colored yellow, light brown, sometimes greenish;
- body size ranges from 5 to 15 mm;
- abdomen oval, slightly pointed at the end;
- the front pair of legs are approximately twice as long as the body.
After a bite from a Hyracantida spider, intense burning pain occurs in the affected area, which soon spreads over almost the entire corresponding segment of the limb. In this case, there is no itching or “locking” of the muscles. After a few minutes, the lymph nodes located on the way from the bite site begin to “ache” and swell. A little later, swelling develops in the affected area and mobility is impaired. Sometimes there is difficulty breathing. The pain goes away after about 10-20 hours, local symptoms - after 1-2 days.
Karakurt
This is the most poisonous spider living in Russia. Belongs to the genus. Its body is painted black and has 13 red spots with a white border. Adult individuals no longer have spots - their body is usually painted uniformly in a glossy black color. The body size of a female can be from 10 to 20 mm, males are much smaller - their size usually does not exceed 7 mm.
Poisonous spiders such as karakurts are found in the following regions of Russia:
- Saratovskaya;
- Kurganskaya;
- Orenburgskaya;
- Rostovskaya;
- Novosibirsk;
- Volgogradskaya.
Despite the fact that karakurts are considered the most dangerous spiders Russia, they do not attack a person without reason, but bite solely for the purpose of self-defense. After a bite, the poison acts immediately and within a quarter of an hour the pain spreads throughout the body. Especially strong painful sensations occur in the abdomen, chest and lower back. At the same time, a strong tension in the abdominal muscles is felt. The victim may experience shortness of breath, tremors, increased heartbeat, increased pulse rate, headache, nausea, dizziness, pallor or hyperemia of the skin.
In Russia, antikarakurt serum is used to treat the consequences of the bite of these poisonous spiders.
In hot years, karakurts are also found in northern regions, for example, in the Moscow region; sometimes they rise to much higher latitudes, where they can live until winter
South Russian tarantula
Another quite famous and at the same time the largest spider in Russia is. The size of females reaches 3 cm, males - 2.5 cm. Their integument is gray, brown, brown or red, usually with a pattern on the upper side of the abdomen. The body is densely covered with short hairs.
These spiders prefer a dry climate and live mainly in forest-steppe, steppe, semi-desert and desert zones. The South Russian tarantula digs a vertical hole for itself, about 40 cm deep, and lines its inner walls with a layer of its own web. Hunts from a hole, focusing on the shadow of an insect passing by. When prey is nearby, it jumps out from its hiding place and immediately bites the victim.
In addition to the southern regions in large quantities were spotted in such regions of Russia as:
- Saratovskaya;
- Astrakhan;
- Kursk;
- Belgorodskaya;
- Lipetskaya;
- Orlovskaya;
- Tambovskaya.
As for their toxicity, South Russian tarantulas are not particularly dangerous. After a bite, there is usually a slight swelling in the affected area. Sometimes the skin in this area becomes yellow and remains this color for two months. Fatal outcome The venom of these spiders does not cause harm to humans, but certain health problems can still be observed.
Like the karakurt, the South Russian tarantula does not attack itself, but attacks only when a threat arises. However, in any case, it is extremely undesirable to provoke it - being in an aggressive state, this spider is able to jump about 15 cm in height and plunge its chelicerae into the enemy’s body with lightning speed.
Exactly South Russian tarantula chosen by many exotic fans. These spiders from the south of Russia are quite unpretentious in keeping, and all that is required is a vertical terrarium, high bedding, food and pure water. But be careful with it and do not provoke it into aggression; remember that the tarantula will definitely defend itself and its home.
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