Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Anyone know what this is...


It looks like a Funnel Web Spider's web but we don't get them in the UK.

It's about 5x3cm in size and sits between 2 sheds in my back garden..


It has been there for 10 ? years.. survives wind and rain and even the sheds being stained.

It just seems to reappear. !


Googling suggests it may be the work of Labyrinth spiders. ??


Anyone seen one before ??


http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab167/mickdavies83/funnel_web_zps0uzcztdm.jpg


DulwichFox

Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/56806-funnel-web-in-garden/
Share on other sites

Check out www.uksafari.com. Labyrinth spider seems likely. Do you know anyone with a fibre optic camera? You could have a peak inside the web to see if anyone's home. Labyrinth spiders are not dangerous, so there's absolutely no reason to kill them. I've seen a couple of webs, but never the spider. I think they're quite shy. Good luck ever a glimpse of her! xx

If you go out at night when the weather's warm you may see a spiders front paws (?) near the entrance, they wait there for prey.

I have some old damp course drill holes, on every other brick course, up the end of my outside lounge wall up to about 1.8m - every one has one of these 'webs'.

In warm weather they all have a tenant. If you flick a lighter on you'll send them retreat a bit and their shiny eyes reflect the flame from further back in the tunnel.

Funnel web is probably correct, made by Amaurobius similis or (larger and darker) A. ferox.


Harmless. Not to be confused with dangerous Sydney funnel web, which only occurs a hemisphere away.


Similar tube-retreat-and-tripwire web is made by Segestria florentina, a large, ferocious and painfully-biting spider that also occurs in East Dulwich. Its web is, though, more like the thin radial spokes of an old-fashioned cartwheel, rather than the messy splayed web of Amaurobius.


Always good to have lots of spiders about, helps keep East Dulwich fly-free, don't you think.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • Here's the part of march46's linked-to Southwark News article pertaining to Southwark Council. "Southwark Council were also contacted for a response. "Councillor James McAsh, Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets & Waste said: “One of Southwark’s key priorities is to create a healthy environment for our residents. “To achieve this we closely monitor legislation and measures that influence air pollution – our entire borough apart from inland waterways is designated as a Smoke Control Area, and we also offer substantial provision for electric vehicles to promote alternative fuel travel options and our Streets for People strategy. “We as a council support the work of Mums for Lungs and recognise the health and environmental impacts of domestic solid fuel burning, particularly from wood-burning appliances. “We are currently updating our Enforcement Policy and changes will allow for the issuing of civil penalties ranging from £175 to £300 for visible smoke emissions, replacing the previous reliance on criminal prosecution.  “This work is being undertaken in collaboration with other London boroughs as part of the pan-London Wood Burning Project, which aims to harmonise enforcement approaches and share best practice across the capital.” ETA: And here's a post I made a few years ago, with tangential relevance.  https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/278140-early-morning-drone-flying/?do=findComment&comment=1493274  
    • The solicitor is also the Executor. Big mistake, but my Aunt was very old, and this was the Covid years and shortly after so impossible to intervene and get a couple of close relatives to do this.  She had no children so this is the nephews and nieces. He is a single practitioner, and most at his age would have long since retired - there is a question over his competence Two letters have already gone essentially complaining - batted off and 'amusingly' one put the blame on us. There are five on our side, all speaking to each other, and ideally would work as a single point of contact.  But he has said that this is not allowed - we've all given approval to act on each others behalf. There are five on her late husband's side, who have not engaged with us despite the suggestion to work as a team, There is one other, who get's the lion's share, the typicical 'friend', but we are long since challenging the will. I would like to put another complaint together that he has not used modern collective communication (I expect that he is incapable) which had seriously delayed the execution of the will.   I know many in their 80s very adept with smart phones so that is not an ageist comment. The house has deteriorated very badly, with cold, damp and a serious leak.  PM me if you want to see the dreadful condition that it is now in. I would also question why if the five of us are happy to work together why all of us need to confirm in writing.             The house was lived in until Feb 23, and has been allowed to get like this.
    • Isn’t a five yearly electricity safety certificate one of the things the landlord must give for a legal tenancy?
    • Very sorry to hear this, but surely the landlord is responsible for fixing the electrics?  Surely they must be insured for things like this? I hope you get it all sorted out quickly.
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...