Spiders are fascinating creatures that can evoke both fear and awe in people. In England, there are several species of spiders, some of which are quite large.
In this article, we will explore the top 5 biggest spiders crawling around England. We will look at their size, habitat, and behavior to gain a better understanding of these arachnids.
You are reading: The Top 5 Biggest Spiders Crawling Around England
From the Huntsman Spider to the Giant house spider, we will highlight the most impressive spiders that can be found in England. Whether you are an arachnophile or arachnophobe, this article will provide you with interesting insights into the world of spiders.
Large Huntsman spider resting on Eucalypt tree limb
Top 5 Biggest Spiders Crawling Around England
Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae)
The Huntsman Spider belongs to the family Sparassidae and is known for its speed and mode of hunting. They are also called giant crab spiders because of their size and appearance.
Huntsman spiders are large, long-legged spiders that can reach up to 15 cm (5.9 in) in leg-span and 1.8 cm (0.7 in) in body length. They are mostly grey to brown, sometimes with banded legs.
Many huntsman spiders, especially Delena, and including Isopeda, Isopedella, and Holconia, have rather flattened bodies adapted for living in narrow spaces under loose bark or rock crevices.
Huntsman spiders of many species sometimes enter houses and are notorious for entering cars and being found hiding behind sun visors or running across the dashboard.
Like most spiders, Sparassidae use venom to immobilize prey. They have been known to inflict serious defensive bites on humans.
Great Raft Spider (Dolomedes plantarius)
The Great Raft Spider, also known as the Fen Raft Spider, is a European species of spider in the family Pisauridae. Like other Dolomedes spiders, it is semiaquatic, hunting its prey on the surface of water.
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The species was first described by arachnologist Carl Alexander Clerck in 1757 as Araneus plantarius. Its genus was reclassified by Pierre André Latreille in 1804 to Dolomedes.
The species has also been described under the name Aranea viridata by Müller and as Dolomedes riparius by Hahn. The species is currently recognized as Dolomedes plantarius and has two widely recognized common names: the Great Raft Spider and the Fen Raft Spider.
The Great Raft Spider is a large spider, with females reaching up to 2.5 inches in body length and males up to 1.5 inches. It inhabits lowland fen and grazing marsh areas and is dependent on the presence of standing or slow-moving neutral to alkaline water.
Within these areas, it can be found on the margins of pools or ditches. Emergent vegetation is highly important for use as a hunting platform and for egg-laying. The species is currently listed as endangered in the UK and is protected by law.
House spider (Tegenaria duellica)
The House spider, also known as the Giant house spider, belongs to the family Agelenidae and is a funnel weaver spider. It is found in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
The species was previously classified under the genus Tegenaria but was later moved to the genus Eratigena as the single species Eratigena atrica.
In 2018, the three separate species were restored, and the Giant house spider was classified as Eratigena duellica. Females can reach up to 18 mm in length, with males having a leg span of up to 4 inches.
The Giant house spider is mainly dark brown, with a lighter marking on its sternum and three light spots on each side that form an arrow-like shape pointing toward the head of the spider. It is mainly found in dark corners inside the house and is nocturnal.
The species is not dangerous to humans, and its venom is not considered medically significant.
Fen Raft Spider
The Fen Raft Spider, also known as the Great Raft Spider, is a European species of spider in the family Pisauridae. It is one of two species of the genus Dolomedes that live in Europe.
The species is semiaquatic, hunting its prey on the surface of water and diving under it to hide or hunt prey. The Fen Raft Spider is a large spider, with females reaching up to 2.5 inches in body length and males up to 1.5 inches.
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It is mainly dark brown or black, with white or cream stripes along the sides of its body. The species is mainly found in neutral to alkaline, unpolluted water of fens and grazing marsh.
Emergent vegetation is highly important for use as a hunting platform and for egg-laying. The Fen Raft Spider is currently listed as endangered in the UK and is protected by law. Efforts are being made to conserve the species and promote its understanding.
Giant house spider
The Giant house spider, also known as Eratigena duellica, is a species of funnel weaver spider in the family Agelenidae. It is found in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
The species was previously classified under the genus Tegenaria but was later moved to the genus Eratigena as the single species Eratigena atrica.
In 2018, the three separate species were restored, and the Giant house spider was classified as Eratigena duellica. Females can reach up to 18 mm in length, with males having a leg span of up to 4 inches.
The Giant house spider is mainly dark brown, with a lighter marking on its sternum and three light spots on each side that form an arrow-like shape pointing toward the head of the spider.
It is mainly found in dark corners inside the house and is nocturnal. The species is not dangerous to humans, and its venom is not considered medically significant.
FAQS
1. Are these spiders dangerous to humans?
None of the spiders on this list are considered dangerous to humans. However, some of them may bite if they feel threatened, so it’s best to avoid handling them.
2. Where can I find these spiders?
The Huntsman Spider is not native to England, but the other spiders on this list can be found in various locations around England. The Great Raft Spider is mainly found in fens and grazing marshes, while the House spider and Giant house spider are commonly found indoors.
3. How big can these spiders get?
The Huntsman Spider can reach up to 1.8 inches in body length, while the Great Raft Spider can reach up to 2.5 inches in body length. The House spider and Giant house spider can both reach up to 18 mm in body length, with males having a leg span of up to 4 inches.
4. Are these spiders protected by law?
The Fen Raft Spider is currently listed as endangered in the UK and is protected by law. The other spiders on this list are not protected by law.
5. Should I be afraid of these spiders?
While spiders can be intimidating, it’s important to remember that they play an important role in the ecosystem and are generally not harmful to humans. If you encounter one of these spiders, it’s best to leave it alone and appreciate it from a safe distance.
Source: https://petstutorial.com
Category: Animals
