Is the Hawaiian happy face spider poisonous?
Theridion grallator, also known as the Hawaiian happy face spider, lives only in rainforests on the Hawaiian islands. They are small, non-poisonous spiders that hunt at night.
Where do smiley face spiders live?
It lives on the undersides of leaves in rainforests, mainly on the Big Island. It hunts primarily at night and feeds on small insects that it encounters. The “happy face” pattern is variable and has dozens of different patterns. It is thought by some that the patterns may keep them from being eaten by birds.
How long do happy face spiders live?
Quick Facts
| Other Names | Hawaiian happy-face spider, nananana makakiʻi (Hawaiian name, meaning ‘face-patterned spider’) |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | Males die soon after mating, but females live longer |
| Distribution | Only found on four of the Hawaiian islands, viz. Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii. |
| Habitat | Rainforest areas |
Why are happy face spiders endangered?
Scientists believe the spiders have developed these markings to confuse birds, their only natural predators. The survival of the species, whose scientific name is Theridion Grallator, is threatened by large scale destruction of rainforests- its natural habitat, and introduction of foreign species on the islands.
Are happy face spiders real?
Theridion grallator, also known as the Hawaiian happy-face spider, is a spider in the family Theridiidae that resides on the Hawaiian Islands.
Are happy face spiders endemic to Hawaii?
The Happy Face Spider is endemic to Hawaii, which means it’s not naturally found anywhere else in the world. This spider is found on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and on Hawaii’s Big Island. They live in the rainforest areas of Hawaii. Theridion grallator is the scientific name of the Happy Face Spider.
Where can I find a happy face spider?
Happy-face spiders along the Moluleia trail can often be found on the underside of olopua leaves, the native olive (Nestegis sandwichensis), although they can be found on the underside of any leaf.
How many eyes does a happy face spider have?
two
These spiders carry distinct markings on the back of their abdomen in the shape of two small eyes and a large smile, i.e. a “happy face.” Although happy face spiders are found only on the four islands, they mate freely, and are part of a large population.
What spider has a smiley face on its stomach?
Theridion grallator
T. grallator obtains its vernacular name of “Hawaiian happy-face spider” from the unique patterns superimposed on its abdomen, specifically those that resemble a human smiling face….
| Theridion grallator | |
|---|---|
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Theridiidae |
| Genus: | Theridion |
| Species: | T. grallator |
Are happy-face spiders real?
What is a clock spider?
A huge huntsman spider was found by someone in their relative’s house. They found the spider under a rather large wall clock. The spider seemed to be as large or larger as the clock, with its hairy legs peeking out from under. Thus, the spider got its infamous nickname “clock spider”.