Halloween is still a few weeks away, but today’s bug of the week is already getting decked out. A large, black, ugly arachnid was recently spotted by an Okanagan resident. At the center of a funnel web is the beast in question, and there is some debate as to exactly what kind of spider it is. Most agree it’s a scary spider, but some say it’s a funnel-web spider or American grass spider, others say it’s a hobo spider. An internet search finds both look similar to the spider spotted in the Okanagan. Both spiders are introduced species and can both be found in British Columbia. Hobo spiders are native to Europe and have been designated as spiders of medical importance due to the belief that their bites can cause severe pain and potentially necrotic injuries. Research on hobo spiders is lacking and there is no definitive answer as to their level of danger. American Grass Spiders are funnel weavers, meaning they weave a funnel at one end of their web. Their webs are not sticky, like other spiders. But once the silk is activated, they use their speed to run quickly to get their prey. They are among the fastest spiders on the planet. This imported species of funnel weaver is widespread in southern BC. and is mostly anthropogenic (found near human habitation), but also occurs in natural habitats in southwestern and south-central BC. If you know what kind of spider this is please email me.
