CLOSED: Texas Playground Spider...what is it?

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Cynthia75 Austin, TX Oct 08, 2014

This spider was found in the playground at my son's school in Austin, TX. Many have said tarantula but many don't think so. We want to make sure it isn't poisonous. Thank you!

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Flapdoodle Minot, ND Oct 08, 2014

Not a tarantula, but it belongs to the same group (mygalomorph spiders); it appears to be a trapdoor spider. Although like the vast majority of spiders these have venom glands and thus technically are venomous, they are not dangerous to humans. See the 'sticky' on spider bites at the top of this forum.

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Cynthia75 Austin, TX Oct 08, 2014

Thank you! So we shouldn't be concern about these guys in the playground? Do they tend to live alone or should we expect more around?

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Flapdoodle Minot, ND Oct 08, 2014

They tend not to be terribly common; the females pretty much stay in their burrows, but the males (such as your specimen) will wander about in search of mates. Also, they seem relatively timid, and will bite only if mishandled, so children simply should be cautioned not to attempt to catch or handle them.

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Cynthia75 Austin, TX Oct 09, 2014

Thank you so much! You have been very helpful.

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