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Myths about Identifying Spiders
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This Callobius severus is 15 mm long (body), 28 mm (legspan). What
is that in quarters, please? (Warning: Don't assume you've seen
this spider before you
click for map!) (from a photo by Shaun Ivory) Click image to enlarge |
Myth: The size of spiders should be described in terms of coins.
Fact: I have heard the
phrase "it's as big as a silver dollar" from callers countless times. The
traditional USA silver dollar was not minted after 1935 and not in general
circulation after 1964; I haven't seen one since I was a child. I have no
idea how big one is! What's more, I strongly suspect that most of those
using them to describe spiders have no real idea of their size either.
Use of more common coins, such as dimes, as size comparison is a little more
understandable, but if you're making an inquiry on the Internet, remember
that people in other countries don't know how big your country's coins
are. Spider size is best stated in centimeters or millimeters, or at least
in inches.
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2003, Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture, University of Washington, Box 353010, Seattle, WA 98195, USA Phone: 206-543-5590 Photos © as credited |
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