Posted by Sarah De La Torre on July 4, 2007

Q: I was cooking on the stove when my baby girl was looking at something rit eof front of me. it ran out super fast then just stopeed on my counter in front of me. It looked really wierd so i had to take a pic of it. then i of course killed it hahah but yeah. Myabe it just looks wierd because of the things its missing. it had a long body and only 5 legs which obviously would mean something had already hurt it. it was white looking but almost see thru so perhaps a newborn? but yeah .... with a baby running aoround and all just wanted to figure out to be on the cautious side as to what it may be?

<a href="photobucket.com target="_blank"><img src="i178.photobucket.com border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

thank you :)

-sarah

heres the link to it if my pic happens to not show up :

i178.photobucket.com

State: California

A: Thanks for including the photo. I can't be sure but think I may have an ID for you. This animal looks very much to me like one of the Cobweb Spiders. Try checking out Spintharus falvidus online and see if it is the same or really close to your visitor. These spiders have special bristles on their fourth legs that they use to throw silk around prey.

I think your animal was an adult, not young one, and probably had a "run-in" with something before you saw it. This is definitely a harmless spider and will not harm people or pets. I know people get rather upset with a spider in their home but they really are extremely beneficial overall. Thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( July 4, 2007)