Spiders
SPIDERS
The likelihood of a visitor coming across a spider they would rather not is pretty unlikely. Those of us who live here don't see them very often.
Please, don't zap that great big spider you find in your bathroom or kitchen ... or bedroom, or anywhere else. It ain't their fault they're ugly, and they don't want to share your company any more than you want to share theirs. Pop a glass or a jar over them, slide a piece of cardboard under the glass, and trot it way down to the nearest dry-stone wall (this being Cyprus you won't be far from one, unless you are mid-city, but then you probably won't come across a tarantula...)
The same applies to scorpions, centipedes and other small beasties. They are all pretty harmless left to their own devices.
You are welcome to flatten the black widow spiders, which are very small but poisonous.
Cyprus Tarantula
There are 2 species of Tarantula on Cyprus Chaetopelma gracile and Chaetopelma karlamani. Their burrows have webs around the entrance. They can be aggressive, but only if you are invading its space, and even then it is likely to try and escape - fast - rather than attack (though some of us have had very close encounters gardening without anything other than a big fright for both parties). Its ability to jump might startle you. If it bites you it is not much to worry about, it is only slightly poisonous.
C. gracile. Many thanks to David Sparrow (see "Snakes" section) for the photo.
From Jo in Northern Cyprus on whatsthatbug.com
From Contact 14:
Black Widow Spiders (Latrodectus mactans) are found in Pissouri Village! But they are not common (these might, however, be a similar species, if not the “False Black Widow”, but this also can give a bite to which some are allergic). They have been seen in the area around the cemetery, and occasionally are found on house walls or in garages, so if you encounter a small, shiny, black spider do not touch it! If you are bitten you are advised to seek medical attention.
