Spider

This is a cool looking spider. I live in the country, and see lots of spiders, but nothing as intimidating as this guy looks. I hope someone responds to you and tells us what kind of spider this guy is.

How big is he/she? It is hard to determine from the picture.

Probably about 3 inches from back legs to front. Head to tail about 1 and a half. Last year around this same time I found 1/2 dozen of these dead in the bottom of my pool. My neighbor had the same problem. This is the first time I caught one alive.

Strage thing is both my dogs have had large bites with two holes in the bite. They both were bit after it rained. And the spiders in the pool, ya, after the rain as well. I am suspicious if this little guy and his friends are quilty. I'll post a picture of the bite as well.

Well, TY-Sprocket, it looks as if you have stumped all the spider gurus on this site.

Obviously a mygalomorph of some kind...ooo! there's a board for those...i'll go check it!

I don't know if I am right at all but looks like a male sydney funnel-web spider. Atrax robustus. The male of this species is Australia's most dangerous spider.

i thought exactly the same thing! also could be macrothele calpeiana the spanish funnel web which is not as dangerous. i ont know what else you have in the USA but it is obviously a primitive spider

By the size and characteristics of this thing, I think it is a myg. but have still not found a specific species. I do have someone I can ask, however, and will do that today.

Ok...I think that with help, I've gotten this one down to Harpactira baviana of Theraphosidae. They are plentiful in Austin, and although the coloration is different, the photos at the city of Austin conservation website looks like it, so there ya go. :)

Is the spider harmful?

Emeraulde,

That would sound about right. Do you have the web address. I cannot find it.

Thanks
Tyson