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France’s ‘vampire spider’: Is it dangerous and what to do if you find one
Zoropsis spinimana is now found throughout the country and is less harmful than its name suggests
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A large arachnid with the ominous name ‘vampire spider’ has lately been attracting attention in France, especially as people encounter it more often in their homes in the run-up to autumn.
The spider’s scientific name is Zoropsis spinimana. However, despite the recent interest it has attracted, it is not a new arrival in France.
Independent arachnologist Anne Bounias-Delacour told The Connexion that the species was first recorded in France as early as 1914 in the Pyrénées-Orientales by French arachnologist Eugène Simon.
“More than 20 years ago, it was only in the south of France, along the Mediterranean coast, because it is a spider that comes from North Africa,” said Ms Bounias-Delacour.
“At the French Association of Arachnology, we realised that it was gradually moving northwards. We followed it, and it took 12 years to cross France and reach Belgium,” she said.
It is now found throughout France, although its habits can differ depending on the region.
“In the north of France it will mainly be found in cellars and houses,” Ms Bounias-Delacour said.
In southern France, meanwhile, it can live naturally outdoors.
Why is it called a ‘vampire spider’?
The nickname can make the spider sound much more alarming than it actually is.
Zoropsis spinimana is also known as the Nosferatu spider, a name that derives from a distinctive marking on the front part of its body.
“It has a pattern on the cephalothorax that looks a little like a skull,” said Ms Bounias-Delacour. “That made people think of Nosferatu [the famous 1922 vampire film].”
The name was then linked to the word “vampire”, leading to the common French nickname “araignée-vampire”.
“It is completely absurd. It does not feed on blood,” Ms Bounias-Delacour said.
Is the spider dangerous?
According to Ms Bounias-Delacour, people do not need to be concerned about encountering one. The spider's venom is only used to subdue its prey rather than to attack people.
“Spiders only bite to eat or to defend themselves,” she said.
“Humans are not on the diet of spiders. We are much too big.”
Like other spiders, it is carnivorous and feeds on other small animals, including insects and other spiders.
Can it bite people?
A bite is possible, but Ms Bounias-Delacour said it would generally happen by accident.
“If it is inside a piece of clothing or a shoe and we put the clothing or shoe on, it can bite,” she said.
The spider may defend itself if it feels threatened, although bites are rare. When they do occur they can cause mild local pain, redness or swelling, with symptoms usually clearing within a day.
“They do not require treatment,” she said.
Why are they appearing in homes?
The species is particularly noticeable in autumn and winter because this is its breeding season.
“This is when we see the males wandering around,” Ms Bounias-Delacour said.
The males move around looking for females, which can make them more visible to people.
However, she said they do not enter houses simply because the weather is cold. “They only come inside because they are attracted by pheromones or because there are insects,” she said.
Thus, a home can provide an attractive source of food.
What should you do if you find one?
Ms Bounias-Delacour recommends placing a glass over the spider, sliding a piece of paper underneath and taking it outside.
If, however, you are not frightened you can let it be, which can be a good idea for pest control since spiders help control populations of insects and other small creatures, including other spiders and myriapods such as millipedes.
