Wildlife UK Forum - Discuss the UK countryside and wildlife

Today in my lounge, creeping along the wall, was the biggest spider I have ever seen in Britain. These pictures really don't capture the scale of it, but was about the size of the an adult male human palm.

The "fangs" were easily visible and like I said it was the biggest I've seen. Does anyone know what kind of spider it is?

I have seen some this size at work & I call them 'Olympic runners' because they can't half run!! You were lucky they stayed still long enough to be photographed.

Hi There,
This maybe a bit late but iv only just signed up for this site. Just in case your question wasnt answered. This spider is one of largest species of spider in the UK. Its latin name is Tegenaria gigantea notice that gigantea is latin for very big ha ha. Its common name is Common House Spider. There are another 10 similiar species of Tengenaria. The females can survive without food and water for months at a time and have a lifespan of a couple of years. I think you should start charging her rent ha ha. Hope this clears up your question.

Living in a large old house, we have quite a few quiet corners that don't get dusted as often as they should, and therefore have a healthy population of house spiders. Here's one of them. You can see the "fangs" quite clearly. Wouldn't like to be the "incredible shrinking man" (if any of you are old enough to remember the film) with this one about!!

Altaylor192, are you a spider expert? That was a very helpful reply.

And welcome to Wildlife UK!

Kingfisher

Errr, no! I think that is enough to give some of us nightmares, wild canon...

Kingfisher

Hi, that is horrible,I hate spiders if I see one of them in the house I am off like a rocket,I would not kill them, but I just want them out and quick.

How can you like grey squirrels and then hate spiders when the former have no use whatsoever in this country, while the latter are essential?

Hi Kingfisher
Thanks for the welcome. Im not a spider expert but i am Natural Scientific Illustrator / Amateur naturalist and over the years i have accumulated some knowledge in a broad range of wildlife. I have a website but im not sure if im allowed to mention it on this website. Thanks again for the welcome. Still learning more about using this site.

I think you are more than welcome to include a link to your website in your signature.

I know I would like to see some of your illustrations .

Kingfisher

I dont know how too do that yet but if you go to http://www.altaylor-art.co.uk then you will get on site hope you enjoy. You have to click on some of the images to see full view. Its a large website with lots of links so have fun.

Thank you! Just had a quick look see, very nice. I enjoyed the sketch of the tawny owl...

Kingfisher

I know I didnt see this spider in the uk, but its been really buggin me trying to find out what it is... my mum lives in Maurituis and they are ALL over her back garden, hanging from trees 100 ft tall or simply from bushes, of a medium build they are probably on average 2/3rds of the length of the palm of your hand! In Purple with orange stripes...

Any Ideas? ... is it dangerous?

It looks to me like a banded-legged golden orb web spider. I saw loads in South Africa when I was there and fancied that it might be dangerous but (alas) I understand that they are pretty harmless. Please check this yourself before you go ans stroke any though as my memory is hazy.

Maybe have a look on google and you'll have a better chance of checking whether I am right.

this spider to me looks like a Tegenaria duellica (Giant house spider)

pretty much certain tbh