How to Distinguish Different Types of Spiders

It's good to know if a spider in your home is poisonous. However, some nonpoisonous spiders have physical characteristics that are similar to poisonous spiders, so it can be difficult to distinguish the different types.

Things You'll Need

  • Magnifying glass
  • Bug catcher
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the main colors that make up the spider. For example, a black widow spider is shiny and black with a bright red mark underneath that looks like an hourglass.

    • 2

      Determine how many eyes the spider has. Most arachnids have eight eyes, but the brown recluse has six eyes and is brown without any markings.

    • 3

      Notice the patterns on the spider's abdomen and the amount of hair on its legs. For example, the hobo spider and brown recluse look similar, but the hobo has a herringbone pattern on its abdomen and more hair on its legs.

    • 4

      Catch the spider in a humane bug catcher if you cannot identify it immediately. Examine it closely, using a magnifying glass if necessary.