Is it ok to release a non-native spider into the ecosystem? Specifically, a red backed jumping spider (Phidippus johnsoni), which is native to the U.S. west coast into suburban Massachusetts. The spider made its journey as a stowaway in a bag of grapes. I should also mention that it is a female, so conceivably could be carrying fertilized eggs.
posted by Java_Man on Oct 4, 2006 - 51 answers