book1 600x120 8

by sean
(ny)

unk-21743145.

Came out of my tiki torch

Based on the long hairs, and striped legs I’m going to go with the Long Legged Wolf Spider or close relative.

Going by the information in my field guide, Insects and Spiders, by the National Audubon Society this is the most likely suspect.

The female spider apparently will lay her eggs in a sac, which is then attached with a long thread to her spinnarets and then proceeds to drag it around.

This is because this type of spider doesn’t spin a web; instead, they chase down their prey on foot, so they need to be mobile. Most likely this one was seeking shelter for the cooler nights that we will be getting soon.

They will quite often be seen basking in the sun, which warms them up and gives them an edge in the chase.

These are harmless to us, but devastating to a huge number of pests in gardens, so live and let live, even though these can give you a bit of a shock if they make an unexpected appearance.

Happy Spidering!
Jacki