Overview of Spider Species in the United States
Araneus trifolium, the shamrock spider, is a widely distributed orb weaver that can come in various colors, mostly beige or brown colors. It can usually be identified by its three dark rings around every leg. Shamrock Spider Description The abdomen of the Shamrock Spider can come in several colors. I have seen pictures of them […]
Neoscona crucifera, commonly known as the spotted orbweaver, is an orb weaver species indigenous to the Eastern part of North America. Description of the spotted orb weaver The abdomen, which is usually a shade of brown or reddish brown, has a slight pattern but nothing that stands out, and is usually covered with thick hairs. […]
Salticus scenicus, the zebra spider, is a jumping spider that can be found in the entire Northern Hemisphere. As its common name suggests, the zebra spider can be identified by its black and white colored abdomen. Description of the zebra spider Zebra spiders are black with sections of tiny white hairs giving them the look […]
Cheiracanthium mildei, the northern yellow sac spider is one of the most common spiders in Northeastern America. However, it can be found throughout the entire USA. The yellow sac spider can be identified by its greenish, yellowish color. During the daytime these spiders often hide in a small blanket of web under leaves and wood, […]
The Lycosidae, commonly called wolf spiders are a family of hunter spiders found throughout the United States and the rest of the world. There are many species of the Wolf Spider in North America, many of which look very similar. Twice in the past I asked an entomologist (both times were different entomologists) to help […]
Castianeira descripta, more commonly know as the red-spotted ant mimic spider gets its common name from the similar look and behavior to ants. It mimics the behavior of ants to get close enough to them for an attack. Red-Spotted Ant Mimic Spider Description The Red Spotted Ant Mimic Spider is a hunter spider. That means […]
Piraurina Mira, commonly called nursery web spider, is a brown spider species with long legs. They are endemic to the Eastern USA. American nursery web spiders are often confused with wolf spiders or fishing spiders. The best way to identify Nursery Web Spiders from their lookalikes is by examining their eye patterns. If you are […]
Spiders of the genus Clubiona, commonly called leaf-curling sac spiders, can be found throughout the world and in every US state. Clubiona Description Clubiona spiders usually have light-brown legs and cephalothorax and a slightly darker abdomen. Their legs and head may even appear transparent at times due to the light color. Bite As with any […]
Spiders of the Xysticus genus, also called ground crab spiders are a rather indistinct species. As all crab spiders, they look similar to crabs. The brownish coloring, along with the splotchy pattern is optimal for blending in with its natural habitat than to stand out. Depending on the species of the ground crab spider, the […]
Menemerus bivittatus, commonly called the gray wall jumper or the gray jumping spider, is a jumping spider that can be found in hot and tropical regions around the world and in the South of the United States. Gray Wall Jumper Description As its name suggests, the gray wall jumper has a gray body color. It […]
