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 […]
The Steatoda triangulosa, commonly called the triangulate cobweb spider is a brown-black spider found throughout the US. It has an iconic triangulate shape on its back. Steatoda triangulosa Description The most distinguishing marks on the Steatoda triangulosa are the two darker zigzag markings that run down the abdomen, which form a set of triangular shapes […]
The Steatoda bipunctata, commonly called rabbit hutch spider is a black spider found throughout the United States. It comes from the same family as the feared black widow spiders and is often confused with them. The bite of a rabbit hutch spider is not dangerous for humans. It is from the same genus as the […]
The brown recluse, loxosceles reclusa, is one of the more dangerous spiders indigenous in the United States. While usually not life-threatening, a brown recluse bite might lead to severe skin damage. This page gives an overview of how to identify a brown recluse and in which states in the US it appears. Brown Recluse Description […]
As the name suggests, the Dysdera crocata, or commonly called woodlouse spider, primarily preys on woodlice. The spider can be found all around the world. In the United States, it is mostly seen in the states along the East Coast until Wisconsin and the Mississippi River. Signification populations also exist on the West Coast from […]
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 […]
