UPDATE :
Mike just pointed out that most of you won't know what size a Kiwi 50c coin is - it's roughly the same size as a euro 50c.
Also I emailed the New Zealand national Museum - Te Papa - to ask them what it was. They replied within 15 minutes - how great is that! I'm so impressed that I forgive the incorrect spelling of my name.
Dear Megan,Sorry if you've found all of this Natural History boring, but let's face it, I'm a bit of a nerd.
My guess is that it's something like these:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/163/406509783_3d18fdea6a.jpg
http://www.findaspider.org.au/find/spiders/images/525A10.jpg
I suspect you have Hemicloea rogenhoferi, also known as the flattened
bark spider or the chink spider (as it likes to live in chinks, cracks,
crevices etc). It's an Australian species that's been in NZ for quite
some years. It is not known to be dangerous to people. While they have
some superficial resemblance to Avondale spiders, they're from a
different family and don't get nearly as big. Also, unlike the Avondale
spider, Hemicloea is quite widespread in NZ.
Regards,
Phil Sirvid
Entomology Section
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Meghan remember the first time I stayed with you in Galway I had one of your crickets on my head all night ending up on my shoulder after having my shower I nearly freaked out. I am already thinking you are going to try the same thing again when we are with you at Christmas with this "Hemicloea rogenhoferi" I am already freaking.I am begining to think- Are you trying to give me a message. We need an update picture of your bump.
ReplyDeleteBut it's ok Colleen, the cat will save you from all the undesirable insects and spiders!
ReplyDeletelooks like myself and mom are the only ones to ever post comments!! Does anyone else read your blog??????
ReplyDeleteI know :(
ReplyDeleteI think one or two other people read it as well but they don't leave comments.
you keep telling yourself that!
ReplyDeleteI read! And hate spiders! (thoughts of New Zealand slowly slip away...)
ReplyDelete