Types of Spiders in the U.S.

There are thousands of species of spiders found in the United States. They come in many different shapes and sizes. For the most part, spiders are beneficial to the environments that they inhabit, and are often less dangerous than the insects that they feed on. There are a couple of spiders with dangerous bites that are found in the United States, but the risk of being bitten or suffering major health issues from spiders is relatively low.

  1. Tarantulas

    • Tarantulas are normally colored between brown and black.

      Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders that are present in much of the American southwest, and are especially common in Texas and Oklahoma. The name "tarantula" describes spiders of several species, most of which have a 1 1/2- to 3-inch body length when fully grown. They feed on large insects like crickets, beetles, roaches and caterpillars. Every year in Texas, large numbers of tarantulas can be seen as they wander about searching for mates. Though they can look intimidating, and do bite on occasion, they are not considered dangerous to humans.

    Jumping Spiders

    • Jumping spiders are small and often found in gardens.

      Jumping spiders are small, stocky-looking spiders that can be found in many different colors. They're usually seen in gardens but can be found in the home. They have excellent eyesight, the best of all spiders, and can jump great distances to attack their prey. When they jump they spin silk which they attach to in case they fall, but they do not spin webs. They can bite, but rarely do, and their bites are not particularly harmful to humans. Bites range from asymptomatic to the equivalent of a large mosquito bite.

    Brown Spiders

    • Brown spiders are also known as brown recluses or fiddleback spiders, and are usually between tan and deep brown in color. They have long spindly legs and small bodies, with a darker, fiddle-shaped mark on their heads. They are a shy species, and are not often seen, dwelling in woodpiles, basements or closets during the day. They come out at night in search of food. They do not normally bite until pressure is applied to their bodies, as when someone puts on clothing in which a spider is hiding. The bite affects different people differently, but usually causes intense pain, fever and difficulty sleeping. The flesh surrounding the bite dies off, leaving scars up to the size of a quarter if not treated properly.

    Cob Web Spiders

    • Cob web spiders belong to the genus Theridiidae, and are the most common type found in homes. The common house spider which weaves small irregular webs in the corners of many houses is among this type of spider. Probably the best known of the genus is the black widow, the most poisonous spider found in the U.S. The bite itself usually isn't too painful but as its neurotoxic venom spreads through the body it causes immense pain and even vomiting. Despite these harsh reactions, death from black widow bites only occurs about 1 percent of the time. The black widow has a distinctive look, with a red hourglass-shaped marking on its abdomen.