When you think of spiders, you might envision the common house spider, often depicted as a small, harmless creature. However, there's another spider that often catches our attention due to its distinctive color - the black house spider. But what does a black house spider look like?
Before we delve into the physical characteristics, it's essential to understand that the term 'black house spider' is an umbrella term for several species within the genus Badumna. These spiders are indeed found in houses and other buildings, but they're also common in outdoor environments like gardens and trees.
Physical Appearance
The most striking feature of the black house spider is its color. As the name suggests, these spiders are predominantly black, with some variations in shade ranging from deep black to dark brown. However, their color isn't the only defining feature.
Black house spiders are relatively large compared to other house spiders. Adults can grow up to 18mm in body length, with females being larger than males. They have a robust, sturdy body, and their legs are long and slender, giving them a distinctive, spider-like appearance.
Body and Legs
The body of a black house spider is covered in short, dark hairs, which give it a slightly fuzzy appearance. The abdomen is oval-shaped and tapers towards the rear. The legs are long and thin, with each leg having seven segments. The first segment, known as the patella, is enlarged and often mistaken for a second pair of jaws.
Upon closer inspection, you might notice that the legs of a black house spider have a unique arrangement of spines and hairs. These structures help the spider to climb surfaces and capture prey. The front two pairs of legs are also equipped with spines that the spider uses to wrap its prey in silk.
Eyes and Chelicerae
Black house spiders have eight eyes arranged in two rows of four. These eyes are quite sensitive to light and movement, allowing the spider to detect predators and prey. Despite their sensitivity, the eyes of a black house spider are relatively small compared to other spiders.
The chelicerae, or jaws, of a black house spider are powerful and used for capturing and subduing prey. They have a distinctive, fang-like appearance and are covered in tiny teeth that help the spider to grind up its food.
Web and Behavior
While the physical appearance of a black house spider is fascinating, understanding their behavior and web-building habits can provide further insight into these creatures.
Black house spiders are known for their messy, tangled webs. These webs are typically built in corners, under eaves, or in other sheltered locations. The spider uses these webs to capture prey, which it then wraps in silk before consuming.
Web Construction
Black house spiders build their webs using a combination of sticky and non-sticky silk. The sticky silk is used to capture prey, while the non-sticky silk is used to build the supporting structure of the web. The webs are often messy and disorganized, with the spider adding new threads as needed.
The webs of black house spiders can be quite large, with some spanning several feet in diameter. Despite their size, these webs are typically only used for a short period before the spider abandons them and builds a new one.
Behavior
Black house spiders are generally shy and reclusive, preferring to hide in their webs during the day and only emerging at night to hunt. They are opportunistic predators, feeding on a wide range of insects and other small invertebrates that become trapped in their webs.
Despite their size and the fear they often inspire, black house spiders are generally harmless to humans. They will only bite in self-defense, and their venom is not dangerous to humans. In fact, these spiders can be beneficial, as they help to control populations of pest insects.
In conclusion, the black house spider is a fascinating creature with a distinctive appearance and unique behaviors. Their webs, while messy, serve as a vital tool for these spiders to capture prey and survive in their environments. If you're lucky enough to spot one, take a moment to appreciate the intricate details that make these spiders such remarkable creatures.