Common Grey Spiders

Spiders are common arthropods found in nature. They comprise a variety of subspecies. Spiders are similar to insects in that they both have a skeletal framework. Two broad categories of spider subspecies can be found in nature. One type builds a web and waits for insects and bugs to fall into the web, while the other group of spiders hunt for their food.

  1. Violin Spider

    • The violin spider is a small spider that can grow to about one-quarter inch long. These spiders were once predominately found in Africa, but now can be found in the Southwestern part of the United States. Violin spiders are commonly found around fireplaces, woodpiles, sheds and log houses. These spiders are nocturnal and tend to avoid humans. Only when they feel threatened do they show themselves. The violin spider has six eyes and is brown to gray in color.

    Wolf Spider

    • The wolf spider belongs to the Lycosidae family of spiders. They are grayish-brown in color and very quick. Wolf spiders have the advantage of excellent eyesight and can see their prey from a great distance. They have two large eyes that account for the majority of their eyesight; however, they have four smaller, weaker eyes underneath the two large eyes. These spiders travel and hunt alone. They can be seen both day and night.

    Parson Spider

    • The parson spider belongs to the Gnapshosid spider family. Commonly seen outdoors, this spider has a brown-gray coloring and can grow up to 1 inch long. The spider has white bands that run across its stomach. These spiders come out to feed during the night. They like to hide in dark areas and are difficult to find during the day. The spider is nontoxic, but reaction to its bite varies. Some people experience slight pain, while others experience swelling, nausea and severe pain.

    Trapdoor Spider

    • The trapdoor spider is a common garden spider that is dark brown and gray in color. Unlike other spiders that rely on their web to catch insects, the trapdoor spider builds a burrow in the soil and waits for its prey. These nocturnal spiders wait patiently for insects and bugs to enter the burrow before ambushing them. The way a trapdoor spider hunts differs between the male and female of the species. Trapdoor males travel away from their burrows to catch insects and bugs. Females do not.