Interactions

 The Tasmanian cave spider is unique in the fact that it spends a majority of its life perfecting its habitat. A large variety of spiders, including the Tasmanian cave spider, typically reside within caves. These caves are normally located near water, and due to these circumstances are normally subjected to plenty of invading species and habitat degradation. Due to this issue, the caves must be well maintained in order to allow for such a wide variety of species to survive. Each spider requires different things to aid with survival, including: certain temperatures, proper lighting, food resources, etc. Tasmanian cave spiders specifically, require a stable, non-disturbed habitat to live in (Doran et al. 1999). Because of this requirement they will guard the entrance of the cave and work to sustain the peaceful environment the cave gives. The Tasmanian cave spiders are known to be hard working spiders that work to keep the caves in pristine condition by cleaning and warding off unwanted guests (Doran et al. 1999) .  There are many different cave species other than just the cave spider. These species include the Alabama cave shrimp, the cave salamander, the blind cave eel, and many more. Each organism has their own specific role in the cave and plays a large part in keeping the ecosystem of the cave stable. Though the species are not all from the same areas of the world, similar traits and actions can be seen amongst a few of these cave dwellers.

Like most other spiders, the Tasmanian cave spider creates an intricate web, which traps insects flying past. They more specifically feed off of small crickets and insects, which would make their relationship predatory towards small insects.  Even though it may seem as though the relationship between the different spiders is mutualistic, it’s actually competitive because the spiders need to compete to get the limited food supply. The cave spiders are considered the most dominant preditor within the cave. Because of their strategically placed webs, it is easier to trap prey (Doran et al. 1999). Not much research has been conducted on the spider, so scientists aren’t entirely positive that the bite of a Tasmanian cave spider is venomous. So far, it has been suggested that the bite is not venomous nor is it fatal. Therefore, the spider is not a threat to humans but is not of specific use for them either. Although humans don't have a specific use for these spiders, that doesn't mean they aren't essential to the ecosystem within the cave. The spiders keep out predators and keep the entrance of the cave clean which allows the cave dwelling species to live in a better environmnent. There have also been no findings as to what animals particularly feed on the Tasmanian cave spiders. With such little research done on this spider, it can be assumed that the species has not migrated much. Studies have concluded that the cave spider has only been found in Tasmania and has little to no relationship with the species outside of its habitat. 

 

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