I realise that there is probably a huge range of spider lifetimes, but within an order of magnitude how long do they usually live for? The reason I ask is because we have had a large spider (affectionally named Bob) in our back garden for quite a while now - at least a month and a half - and while we love having him there, I'm interested in knowing how long the average spider can live.

I suspect that the lifetime of a spider probably correlates with size more than anything, and this is a particularly large spider!

I don't know anything about lifespans of spiders but it is quite an intersting question. I thought that they can hiberanate thus adding onto their size also.
I used to see one at work that I called 'Sebastian' , named after Sebastian Coe as it was an Olympic runner.
Here is one we spotted earlier but even thogh I think it is big I don't think it was as big as the one with sunshine in the shower!!
Thankyou Skippy for being the model....
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This post was last modified: 19-11-2007 06:09 PM by tibbar.

Depending on the species, up to fifteen years (tarantulas). The House Spider (which I think is what Skippy is modeling) can live up to five or six years. Females live longer than males. Sometimes that's because the female will (usually) eat the male after mating.

Kingfisher

Tibbar that is a biggy. I think a lot of people would say that however long spiders live, it's too long!

I think the biggest can live many years as kingfisher has said, I don't know the average though unfortunately.

I believe the average lifetime for a spider is around 1-2 years, but some don't actually survive a whole season and some last a lot longer than that. Up to 20 years I have been told, if in the right conditions.

Thanks for everyones answers! The spider in question has now either moved on or been eaten by a lucky bird, personally I hope it's found a new home as we became quite attached to it!

I have heard of pet spiders living up to 15-20 years, I wonder how many peple realise this when they buy them?

I think that most of the people who would be acquiring tarantulas would have done enough research on them to know that the beasties could live that long. Some tarantulas can also possess what are called "urticating" (itch-causing) hairs on their abdomens, which they can release by vigorously rubbing their abdomens if threatened. These tiny hairs are barbed and can work their way into the skin and cause itching and irritation.

And yes, they can bite!

Kingfisher

You would hope they would know, most people would do the reasearch into them I'm sure. I didn't know that some could cause itching in that way, sounds like it could become an annoyance!

Personally I wouldn't want to keep a spider as a pet, but I have great respect for people who do keep exotic pets.

I wouldn't have thought spiders could live up to 20 years, is that only in captivity? I can't imagine any spider, even a tarantula, surviving in the harsh wild for that long.

20 years is a VERY long time for a spider in my opinion

Do you want an Uuughh story? I remember being on a broad cruiser many years ago in Oct/Nov when it is quite damp but lovely blue skies & sunshine during the day. It's a bit like a caravan with the condensation problems made worse by being on the river of course. I hung my jeans on the corner of the door & in the morning on the way to the shops put my hand in the pocket & out I brought a squishy round soft thing. thinking is was a bit of congealed fluff in my pocket , flicked it onto the ground & thought no more about it. Till I put my hand in again some time later & pulled out 8 legs.....................
They all squirm at work when I recall this one , apart from when I tell the one about the tea bag in the sink...................................

This post was last modified: 17-01-2008 09:49 PM by tibbar.

That's a delightful story.

Now, as to the tea bag in the sink?

Kingfisher

Poor spider! Not the nicest end for it

I think an off topic thread about the tea bag in the sink is in order...

House Spiders have a very short lifespan if they end up in our bath and my missus sees it before me!

We live in a very old cottage and tend to get lots of the very 'fine' looking spiders? Look like they would fall over when running or get blown away in the draught. I have heard they are one of the most venomous spiders in the world but are of no harm as they dont have the tackle to dispense the poison!?