Itsy, Bitsy Spiders

While at the cottage, we had an interesting science lesson. Uncle Don came across one of the biggest spider I have seen (outside of a zoo) and carefully netted it into our bug box. On closer observation we noticed that it was embracing an object that looked like a small rock or pebble. The next morning, Jessica came running into my room, “Mom you have to come and see this!” Sure enough the object was in fact an egg sac!! To our amazement there were over a hundred itsy bitsy spiders in the bug box.

Having a respect for all creatures -- yes, even ugly, creepy spiders! -- I was worried that they would not last long caged inside the bug box. Later that day, Grandpa bravely took the box to the end of the drive and freed the baby spiders (at least that’s what he told me!).

A few hours later, Don returned after a day of fishing with his buddy, only to reveal that dock spiders are in fact venomous. Needless to say with the girls around we weren’t about to catch another!! On one occasion when we overloaded one side of the dock and a dozen ugly spiders came running out we had a stomping fest. So much for respect for all creatures!!

I did some on-line research on the dock spider. Despite their size – largest spider in Ontario – the spider’s venom is relatively harmless to humans. However, one expert noted that dock spiders may bite/strike to protect their egg sac. They live near ponds, swaps and streams and can dive under water to catch their prey.

Okay I got the willies -- enough about spiders!!