by NS_Caver » Jun 2, 2011 8:24 am
This looks like a common cave spider often found here in NS (and, I'm assuming, in many places). I'm not aware of any danger presented by them (never really thought about it, to be honest).
Let me tell you, though... On a recent exploration, one of the guys went down a vertical passage and quickly scurried back up. We shone the light down the passage and could see - about 20 feet away - a massive web and a spider so big it was clearly visible in the center. Upon closer investigation, it was easily the biggest cave spider I've ever come across - the body must have been over an inch (big for one of our guys). Determined it was female, which was interesting and served to shed a bit of light on these creepy crawlies. In all my years of seeing these spiders, I think this was the first time I came across what I would guess was a breeding location.
Now, I will slowly stand up and let out a big shiver. :)