Comments for Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve

Comment on Rain Spiders by Sub-Zero

Sub-Zero — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:44:23 +0000

I recently caught a fairly large female, with a 110mm legspan, which we put in a 60cm fish tank with tight fitting lid (With breathing holes and a crew-top feed tube.
We have fed her a few geckos and other small damsel flies, which she eats with great enthusiasm.

I am personally quite scared of spiders, having suffered a terrible bite several years ago, but am quite fascinated by the size of this female, which I fear is nearing the end of her life cycle.

I decided to keep this one alive, rather than bestow my size 11 foot treatment, which many of her kin have previously suffered, in an attempt to give my 5 year old son an appreciation of these incredible creatures.

Great site, and some very funny comments!

Comment on Rain Spiders by Adrienne

Adrienne — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:23:55 +0000

I had quite a scary experience with one of these big spiders, this particular one was very big (biggest one I’ve seen) it somehow crept into my skinny jeans I think when they were drying on the line. Not realizing it was in there I put them on, had them on for at least 10 minutes before realizing I had something in my jeans just above my ankle, I thought it may have been a sock so I put my hand up and grabbed this massive spider which was still alive!! Shame the poor thing must have been a little damaged cause it didn’t move too much but we put it outside after a screaming session that lasted about 5 minutes! Oh I did take some pics too cause I didn’t think anyone would believe me! I’m still getting the shivers just thinking about it!

Comment on Rain Spiders by Anne_marie Joubert

Anne_marie Joubert — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:34:39 +0000

We have just moved into Moreleta Village, and within a few days a beautiful rainspiders has built a nest amongst the plants. the babies have now hatched and she is guarding the nest. We have found another female and another nest , also with babies. I have taken photos of both. I am so proud of the spiders in my garden and out little grandchildren are learning a lot! Thanks for keeping us posted.

Comment on Rain Spiders by Pat

Pat — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:46:02 +0000

Really insightful! One of my best moments of the Huntsman spiders were in a friends garden. As the sun broke through just after a cloud burst…a few drops fell onto their nest and it looked like something out of movie! All you could see were little spiders running on the ground, it’s almost like a mini wave of spiders.

Yes, weather-man Pete has nothing on them, because I caught two last night and tonight it’s storming. The best way I found, was to use a glass to cover and a page or anything flat to slide it underneath and free them outside.

Comment on Rain Spiders by Pat

Pat — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:23:55 +0000

Realy insite full! One of my best moments of the Huntsman spiders were in a friends garden. As the sun broke throw just after a cloud brust…a few drops fell onto their nest and it looked like something out of movie! All you could see were little spider running on the ground, it almost like a mini wave of spiders.

Yes, weather-man Pete has nothing on them, because I cought two last night and tonight it’s storming. The best way I found, was to use a glass to cover and a page or anything flate to slide it underneath and free them outside.

Comment on Rain Spiders by Selwyn

Selwyn — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:40:37 +0000

I found a rain spider and fell I love on first site. I am an animal lover and actually want to keep it. I fed it a few times and actually want to see how big she gets. Do you think it is advisable keeping one in Johannesburg?

Comment on Bird Ringing Report: Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve by Deborah Miller

Deborah Miller — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 06:47:23 +0000

Could you please let my husband and I know of any upcoming bird ringing activities? We have not every done any ringing; but would be interested in learning and helping.

Best regards,

Deborah Miller

Comment on Bird Ringing Report: Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve by Petrus van Zyl

Petrus van Zyl — Wed, 11 May 2011 07:03:20 +0000

Thank you for also giving our children a very nice talk and showing them how it is done
Petrus

Comment on Rain Spiders by Pauline

Pauline — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 06:12:39 +0000

On 18 March posted about the spider that got paralysed by a wasp. The spider has been moving a bit and my son has given him a Cricket to eat which he is now eating. I think he might get through this ordeal.

Comment on Rain Spiders by admin

admin — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 07:15:34 +0000

@Charl You get them throughout Africa, including all of Southern Africa. Please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntsman_spider for a more detailed distribution map.