Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I went to go spray my azureus tank today, and noticed there was a small (1/4 inch), dark (ie- black/brown) spider, with white spots on it. Im guessing it was a jumping spider of some sort. Anyway, i went to kill it, but it escaped. I looked for it for a half an hour, but with no luck. I dont want to take down my tank, but i would if there was any danger for my frogs.

Anyway, does anyone see a problem with me leaving it in there? If there is a problem, how would you suggest i capture it without taking apart my tank? Will it bite or harm my frogs in any way?

Thanks for any info.

M.N

it shouldn't be a problem. it is a small spider, right. like how much bigger then a fruit fly? cause if its around that size i would consider it gone... i have seen my darts eat many a spider. actually they really liked these green ones that i found on a flower (actually called a spider flower or something like that)in my parents garden while i was collecting bugs for the darts to eat as a summer special. i haven't tried a jumping spider, but they eat normal web spinning spiders... and try to eat any other insects that are small enough. so i wouldn't worry about it.

MUCH bigger than a fruit fly. I dont think my frogs arent going to eat it. They are still juvis too....and the spider is almost half the frogs size.

Im not sure how it got in though. Probably from my leaf litter...

Anyway, so, would it be a problem if my frogs dont eat it?

M.N

i haven't kept azureus, but from what i understand they eat the same sized foods as leucs and tincs. my younger tincs and even auratus would eat larger items then i thought (including a spider easily larger then 1/8)... i forgot to add that last time (was at work, so i was rushed). so they still may eat it... but if they are real young & the spider is about half their size, well then i doubt they will eat it. so now we move on to if its okay for the frogs to live with a spider they can't eat... not sure, it would help if you could id the spider. i will look through some feild guides to see if i can find some that match your description.... it would probably help if i knew you locale. if you don't feel like posting it, just email me at:
underautumnskies@aol.com... but i really doubt it will cause any problems. but if it really bothers you... i would keep looking for him, but i don't think you need to take apart the tank...

I live in Toronto, Canada. Its getting pretty cold here though, so i suspect its a 'house type' spider.

Anyway, i have no problem with spiders as i suspect Darts encounter them in the wild. Im just afraid theyre going to lay eggs in my viv, or build webs, trapping my frogs, or even bite them. etc.

Anyway, thanks for all the info...

M.N

I wouldn't worry about the spider biting your frogs. The spider will most likely avoid the frogs at all costs since it will probably view your frogs as predators. I have a number of crab spiders at the top reaches of my vivs that do a good job of catching flies before they escape.
-----
Randy