Here in the UK, we’re pretty lucky that we don’t have to deal with any enormous spiders, unlike in other parts of the world. However, there are some eight-legged residents living in this country that are still pretty big. In particular, the cardinal spider is surprisingly large, but you shouldn’t necessarily be scared of it, as it’s harmless and no doubt far more scared of you. To ease your nerves, let’s learn a little more about the cardinal spider, what it looks like, and how its life is.
The Cardinal Spider: Britain’s True Giant
As we have already introduced, the cardinal spider (Tegenaria parietina) holds the title of Britain’s largest spider. Known for its leg span of up to 15 cm, it outmatches the giant house spider (Eratigena atrica), which has a leg span of about 7.5 cm. Both species are impressive in size, but the cardinal spider edges ahead, making it the true giant of British homes.
Where You’re Likely to Find Them
It’s relatively unlikely that you’ll find the cardinal spider exploring your living room. Typically, these spiders prefer undisturbed places, often hiding in sheds, garages, attics, or basements. In particular, you’ll find them in these places during cooler months, as they’re searching for warmth and the chance to find a mate. Ultimately, though, they’re adaptable creatures, capable of thriving in a variety of hidden nooks and crannies around the home.
A Web Builder Extraordinaire
There’s something really incredible about watching the cardinal spider spin its web. Their sheet webs are flat and horizontal, featuring a funnel-like retreat where the spider waits for prey. While not sticky, these webs are still perfectly effective at capturing wandering insects, making them an integral part of the spider’s hunting strategy. Furthermore, they keep pests at bay in your home, so instead of throwing them out the window, consider letting them stay rent-free.
Subtle Yet Striking Appearance
Other than being big, you can recognise the cardinal spider for its earthy brown to light tan colouration, often with subtle patterns on its body. These patterns might be difficult to see at first but look closely under good light, and you should see them. In addition, they have long, banded legs that enhance their ability to blend into natural and indoor environments, which is pretty cool.
Not as Scary as They Seem
As we mentioned in the introduction, you have nothing to fear when it comes to the cardinal spider. Yes, they have an imposing size, but they’re not aggressive, venomous, or harmful in any way. In fact, they prefer to avoid humans and will run away if disturbed, so think about how the poor spider feels. If one appears to rush toward you, it’s likely disoriented or seeking shelter rather than planning an attack.
What Do They Eat?
You definitely don’t have to worry about the cardinal spider eating your food or biting you. Like most spiders, it primarily feeds on insects, with its webs being carefully designed to trap flies, moths, and other small bugs. Once its prey is caught, the spider subdues it quickly, filling its belly while also acting as a natural pest controller in our homes.
How Long Do They Live?
Strangely, the lifespan of cardinal spiders depends greatly on their gender. Sadly, males only live for around one to two years, often dying shortly after mating. Meanwhile, females tend to live for longer, often for up to several years, as long as they have a safe, undisturbed location.
Speedy Scuttlers
It’s not just the size of the cardinal spider that can be a little intimidating–it’s also their speed. It can scuttle at a pretty impressive speed, but as we’ve already mentioned, this is likely only because it’s scared and looking for shelter. In the wild, though, this agility aids in predator evasion and prey capture, making them impressive hunters and survivors.
Mating Season Behaviour
During autumn, male cardinal spiders become a lot more active as they leave their webs in search of a mate. Typically, this will occur during the autumn, most likely between September and October. For this reason, you’ll likely notice an increase in sightings during these months.
A Bite You’ll Barely Feel
We’ve already mentioned that the cardinal spider is harmless, but it can actually bite you. However, not only are bites extremely rare, but they also won’t hurt, and there’s no venom to fear. Ultimately, they’ll only bite you in extreme cases of self-defence, and even if they did, the worst-case scenario would be very mild skin irritation.
Native but Not Exclusive
While commonly found in Britain, cardinal spiders are not exclusive to our island. They’re also present across Europe and North America, adapting well to a range of environments, both indoors and outdoors, as long as there’s enough shelter and prey available.
Predators and Threats
Despite their daunting size, these spiders are not at the top of the food chain. Birds, other spiders, and small mammals like shrews often prey on them, so they’re constantly staying vigilant. Thankfully, though, they have impressive camouflage and speed, both of which are critical survival tools in the wild.
The Role They Play in Nature
As a reminder, these spiders are far from pests; by controlling insect populations, they contribute to a balanced ecosystem, doing wonders for the British environment. Sure, their presence in homes may be unwelcome to some, but their pest control services are invaluable, so just leave them to do their jobs, out of sight and out of mind.
Can They Survive Outside?
Even though they’re often found indoors, cardinal spiders can survive outside without too many problems as long as they can find sheltered spots such as under rocks, logs, or within crevices. Overall, they’re hardy creatures, but it’s only natural that they would be drawn to the warmth and security of our homes.
How to Handle an Encounter
If you find a cardinal spider in your attic or garden shed, we’d recommend just leaving it be. However, if you really need to relocate one of these spiders, such as if it appears in your bedroom, the best method is to use a glass and a piece of card. Gently scoop it up and release it into a sheltered spot outdoors.
Differences Between Males and Females
Not only do male and female cardinals have different life spans, but they also have visual and behavioural differences. For instance, males are generally thinner and have longer legs compared to females, whose bodies are rounder and more robust. These physical differences reflect their roles in reproduction, with males actively seeking mates and females tending to remain near their webs.
How to Keep Them Out
As with any spider or insect, to minimise indoor sightings, you should seal gaps and cracks around doors and windows in your home. Furthermore, regularly vacuuming corners and removing clutter can make your home less inviting. If you’re really worried, you could consider using essential oil deterrents like peppermint or citrus, but it’s a bit unnecessary.
A Spider to Appreciate
Last but not least, we should all take a moment to appreciate the cardinal spider. Sure, they’re a bit intimidating in appearance, but they really are fascinating creatures that deserve our respect. Quiet and unobtrusive, they ask for little while offering much in the way of pest control, making them a valuable part of our shared environment. So, give them a break–they wish you no harm, so let’s make more of an effort to live harmoniously with them.
Up Next: Surprising Predators in Your Garden – 16 British Animals to Watch Out For
In many ways, our gardens can feel like peaceful retreats, but don’t forget that it’s also a hunting ground for some of Britain’s stealthiest predators. It can be really rewarding to learn more about these ecosystems, so here is a list of surprising predators in your garden to keep an eye out for:
Surprising Predators in Your Garden – 16 British Animals to Watch Out For
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