White-tailed spider facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White-tip spider |
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| Adult in a glass jar | |
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L. cylindrata
L. murina |
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| Lampona cylindrata L. Koch, 1866
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| Lampona murina L. Koch, 1873
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The White-tailed spider is a fascinating creature often found in homes. These spiders belong to a group called Lampona murina and are part of the Lamponidae family. They are known for their dark bodies and a distinct white tip on their tail, which gives them their name.
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What is a White-tailed Spider?
White-tailed spiders are medium-sized spiders. Female spiders are usually about 16 millimeters (a bit over half an inch) long. Males are a bit smaller, growing to about 12 millimeters (less than half an inch). They have a sleek, dark body, often with a grey or black color. The most noticeable feature is the pale, sometimes white, tip at the end of their abdomen.
Where Do White-tailed Spiders Live?
These spiders are commonly found in and around human homes. They like to hide in small, dark places. You might find them in cracks, crevices, or sheds. They are often seen indoors, especially when the weather changes. White-tailed spiders are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night.
What Do White-tailed Spiders Eat?
White-tailed spiders are hunters. They don't build webs to catch their food. Instead, they actively search for other spiders to eat. Their favorite meal is often the black house spider. This makes them a natural predator for some common household spiders.
Are White-tailed Spiders Dangerous?
If a White-tailed spider bites a human, it might cause some local irritation. This means the bite area could become a bit sore or red. It's usually not a serious problem and often clears up on its own. If you ever get bitten by any spider, it's always a good idea to clean the area with soap and water.
Images for kids
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White-tailed spider with its egg sac
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A male L. cylindrata spider on display at the Australian Museum
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A close-up view of L. cylindrata's face and fangs
