Subject: Ldybird Spider
Location: Vamos, Crete
May 23, 2015 8:05 am
This was taken in my garden on the island of Crete. Can you tell me if it is poisonous? Fascinating to find many different spiders here. Last one we found was a wolf spider.
Signature: LindaJ
Dear LindaJ,
Your endangered male Ladybird Spider in the genus Eresus, most likely Eresus sandaliatus based on information included on the Spiders of NorthWest Europe site which has images from Crete indicating that the species can be identified by the black and white hind legs. Most spiders have venom, but very few species of spiders are considered dangerous to humans. To the best of our knowledge, the Ladybird Spiders are considered harmless, and the fact that they are endangered through much of their range indicates that no methods should be used to threaten them if they are found in your garden.
So beautiful! (And a little creepy!)
I live in Rome Italy in the countryside north of the city. I found a lady bird spider just like your photo in my swimming pool. If you’re interested I can send you my photos of this beautiful spider.