Spider comes back several floors up

[UtwigMU]

So I caught a spider in antistatic bag and threw it from the window several floors.

2 days latter he is back in the same spot. @_@

[Dr Mordrid]

So what's the surprise?

If that had been Goldie** she'd have come back up, wrapped you up in silk and tossed the package out the window.

** our 13" Goliath Bird Eater.

[UtwigMU]

So what's the surprise?

If that had been Goldie** she'd have come back up, wrapped you up in silk and tossed the package out the window.

** our 13" Goliath Bird Eater.

It found a way back to same spot from lawn in front of apartment building about 15 meters / 50 feet up.

[Evildead666]

Oh dear God, a picture of one of those Bird Eaters stopped me from going to Oz, and the fact they have 1000's of indigenous Spiders.

@UtwigMU, how did the spider get there in the first place ?

[VJ]

@UtwigMU, how did the spider get there in the first place ?

It had the wrong floor, when another tenant threw it out, and liked it better there?

[Dr Mordrid]

Oh dear God, a picture of one of those Bird Eaters stopped me from going to Oz, and the fact they have 1000's of indigenous Spiders.
>

Goliath Bird Eaters (Theraphosa blondi) are a giant tarantula from northern South America, not Oz, so no worries there mate

They're actually a pretty good pet; hand tame, recognizing individual people (she likes napping on my shoulder for the warmth), and she's a terrific mouser. Fast as lightning when she sees a potential meal. You just don't want to startle her; she has ~1.5" fangs and urticating hairs (think short, throwable, porcupine quills.)

Most all of her non-prey bites are "dry", no venom injected (warning shots), and the urticating hairs are like getting fiberglass insulation in your skin. Most all of Goldie's non-prey "victims" have been inquisitive puppies and cats, both of which only needed one encounter to learn the life lesson "don't f**k with the spider!!"

[Evildead666]

I'm sorry, but the arachnophobic side of me is not comprehending the 'pet' bit.
That would seriously freak me out. (not that i would be able to get within 100 yards of the thing...)

Itching powder used to be made from Tarantula hairs. Prickly little buggers.

[Dr Mordrid]

Keeping tarantula's as pets is pretty common in the US with quite a few owners breeding them and selling back to pet shops and directly to other owners. Owners usually start with a smaller type then work their way up to larger ones. The GBE's are the largest and require a long committment because they can live >20 years. Mexican redknees (6" legspan) can live 25-30 years.

[VJ]

I have this love-hate feeling with spiders. I am fascinated by how they move and look, but at the same time I don't want them too close...

[Dr Mordrid]

Tarantulas aren't that bad in creep factor when you consider how many Americans also keep scorpions. A friend of mine has a huge African Emperor scorpion - almost 8" long. Many pet stores carry them, habitats & supplies - even Petco.

[KRSESQ]

Christine freaks out when she finds a jumping spider in the house, and really freaks when I pick them up and put them on the house plants. I think they're cute.

jumping_spider_12_by_macrojunkie.jpg

Who can resist those eyes?

[Dr Mordrid]

Dilbert added for fun

[Evildead666]

Christine freaks out when she finds a jumping spider in the house, and really freaks when I pick them up and put them on the house plants. I think they're cute.

Who can resist those eyes?

ME. I'm happy I scrolled slowly down the page, so it didn't surprise me too much. I as expecting piccies of them, but not sooo big
Not sure I'll be looking back to this thread....

edit : I'm now checking out all the corners of my office, and under the desk, and behind boxes. freak out mode....