CLOSED: This spider "family" was in my yard!

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MistyLyn Canonsburg, PA Jul 04, 2008

These spiders have found their way into my home in Canonsburg, PA! While this one was found outside, the number of "tag alongs" on its back have me concerned about the future population! Can anyone identify him? Do I need an exterminator? HELP!!

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Jul 05, 2008

This is a female wolf spider (family Lycosidae) with her progeny. Unlike most spiders, wolf spiders exhibit a fair degree of parental care. The female carries her egg sac about with her until the eggs hatch, the spiderlings then ride along with her until they are able to wander off and fend for themselves. These spiders eat a large number of otherwise pestiferous insects; you should encourage them rather than try to exterminate them. See http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/spiders/wolf/wolf.htm for more information.

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MistyLyn Canonsburg, PA Jul 05, 2008

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I was VERY concerned!!!

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katie59 Woodinville, WA(Zone 8b) Jul 06, 2008

That's crazy. What a great picture. Are there little ones captured in droplets of water (at the bottom right)?

Good information. I love spiders - feel like their cobwebs protect the house from flying bugs. I just wish they'd clean up after themselves when they're finished. LOL

Of course, we don't have too many poisonous spiders here in Seattle, so I can afford the luxury of loving them . . .

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MistyLyn Canonsburg, PA Jul 06, 2008

Katie, we found this particular spider nestled in a small piece of rain-soaked plastic near our pond. My husband put him in a plastic container to get the pic, and I guess some of the water was transferred as well. At first, I thought it was a spider with one heck of a complexion...lol. Imagine my "shock" when the bumps started to MOVE!! Gives me chills just to think about it. I do NOT like the little guys, and this one was particularly "eerie." ;)

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katie59 Woodinville, WA(Zone 8b) Jul 07, 2008

I like spiders, but I have trouble with things that live in large numbers. That, too gives me the heebie jeebies, especially when I'm not prepared for it.

I released a bunch of lady bugs onto my cherry tree last week and had to remind myself to relax when they started to crawl up my arm. LOL

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