How to Tell the Type or Species of a Spider

The most important information you will need when setting out to identify spiders is to know what region you are in. Spider species are often determined by geographical location. Understanding where you are and what spiders reside in your area will help with identification as well as safety. Some spiders are poisonous enough to kill a human, so always be on the alert when looking for them. They can also be notoriously shy. Generally speaking, the harder they are to find, the more careful you need to be.

Things You'll Need

  • Region specific spider identification guide with clear color photographs
  • Quality magnifying glass
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Instructions

  1. Identifying a Spider

    • 1

      Familiarize yourself with your spider identification guide. Spend some time reading up on the spiders in your area. If there are certain ones you are looking for, take time to learn their preferences for habitat and what they look like.

    • 2

      Select a geographical region to examine. This can be a wildlife preserve or your own back yard. Several species of spiders can be found in a very small area. Old wood piles are a good place to find an assortment of species.

    • 3

      Use your magnifying glass to see color and detail. Try no to get too close when hunting spiders. You can startle them and they will run away. In the case of spiders that jump, it could also be very startling to you.

    • 4

      Compare what you see to your spider guide. This is where full color pictures become critical. If you have familiarized yourself with the guide, it will be easier to locate what you are looking for. Match what you see with the species in the guide book for identification.