October 10, 2024, 11:02 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Foreign plant and animal species are constantly settling in this country. One of them is the so-called Nosferatu spider. However, its name is more sinister than the animal is dangerous. myHOMEBOOK explains what to do if you discover it in your home or garden.
The name Nosferatu spider (Zoropsis spinimana) might seem ominous at first glance. The spider does indeed cause discomfort for some people due to its size, but the animal is harmless to humans. The bad news for people with arachnophobia: the spider, also known as the curly hunting spider, has adapted well to the local environment and is expanding its range. According to experts, it is now considered native to Baden-Württemberg.
What is the Nosferatu spider all about?
More and more sightings of the Nosferatu spider are being reported in Germany. It derives its name from the infamous vampire Nosferatu. With a lot of imagination, you can supposedly recognize his face on its back. Experts often refer to it as the ruffled hunting spider.
For a long time, it was not known how many specimens there really were in Germany. That is now different. The Arachnological Society is on the trail of the Nosferatu spider and has produced a distribution map. “According to the map, the Nosferatu spider is now widespread in Germany,” says Dr. Jason Dunlop, curator of arachnids at the Berlin Natural History Museum. Numerous sightings have been reported in the western half of the country.
It can be observed that it has multiplied and spread considerably in recent years. “It will continue to spread as it tends to get warmer in Germany; it likes that,” adds Silvia Teich from Naturschutzbund Deutschland. “It’s likely that it will soon be encountered throughout Germany, both outdoors in gardens and indoors, as it tends to seek hiding places,” the expert explains.
How do you recognize the Nosferatu spider?
It has a striking yellow-brownish coloration and a body length of just under two centimeters. Including its legs, it can span up to six centimeters, making it smaller than the common house spider. While that may seem intimidating, the common angle spider can span up to ten centimeters for comparison.
The Nosferatu spider is a hunter
A special feature of the Nosferatu spider is that it does not build webs to catch its prey. It prefers to hunt at night. It stalks its prey and strikes opportunistically. Nevertheless, it has the ability to spin a thread. It encases its eggs in a cocoon, which is then enveloped in a web of crimped threads.
Is the Nosferatu spider dangerous?
Arachnologist Dunlop says: “Despite its creepy name, this Mediterranean species is not dangerous to humans.” Nevertheless, it should not be touched. Like all large native species, the Nosferatu spider can bite. “But it only does this in extreme cases, when it can’t run away” – or when it feels threatened.
Teich from the Nature Conservation Association adds: “If it does happen – don’t panic. The bite is comparable to a mosquito or wasp bite.” It is painful but harmless. It is, therefore, not highly poisonous. However, if you notice any abnormalities after a bite, you should consult a doctor.
This spider species is classified as invasive. “The extent to which the animal has a negative impact on the local ecosystem or competes with other spider species still needs to be researched,” says Dunlop.
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What should you do if you find a Nosferatu spider in your home?
The initial response should be to remain calm. Similar to most spiders, the Nosferatu spider typically avoids human contact and will often flee upon detection. “I would simply leave such an animal alone in the garden,” says the spider expert.
In this country, however, they are more likely to be found in homes. The expert notes that the Nosferatu spider shows a particular preference for indoor habitats, which is atypical for spiders. If you discover the spider in your house or apartment, it is best to put it outside.
Tip: The best way to catch the curly hunting spider is with a glass and a piece of paper, after which you put it outside. NABU also asks that any sighting of the spider be reported on the Internet – for example, using the online form.