Types of Common Spiders

Although spiders are often referred to as insects, they are not insects at all. Spiders actually belong to a group of invertebrates called arthropods. Arthropods are organisms that have jointed limbs, exoskeletons and two main body regions. Characteristically, spiders have eight legs, fangs and, unlike insects, do not have wings or antennae. Spiders are perhaps best known for spinning intricate webs which they use to catch prey and to hold their eggs. While some spider species are dangerous, many are harmless. Common species of spiders include the black widow, jumping spiders, wolf spiders, black and yellow Argiope spiders and the brown recluse.

  1. Black Widows

    • The black widow is one of the most notorious and well-known species of spider in the world. With a red hourglass-shaped mark on its black abdomen, the black widow is easily identified. The black widow gets is name from the fact that after mating, some females will subsequently kill and consume the male. This nocturnal, solitary creature usually bites only in self-defense. Although its venom is extremely potent, fatalities from a black widow bite are rare.

    Jumping Spiders

    • Jumping spiders reside both indoors and outdoors. They are active during the day and prefer sunlit areas. Jumping spiders come in a range of dark colors with light markings. Unlike the black widow, jumping spiders are not venomous and do not catch prey using their webs. Instead, jumping spiders catch prey using their unique ability to jump up to 50 times their own body length. High-resolution, color vision also helps to enhance their hunting skills. This exceptional sight enables jumping spiders to see as far as eight inches away.

    Wolf Spiders

    • Except for one genus, wolf spiders are one of the few species of spider that do not spin webs. As a result, female wolf spiders must carry their egg sacs and newly hatched young with them on their backs. Wolf spiders make their homes underground by digging holes in the dirt. They inhabit areas such as forests, swamps and meadows. Although they live primarily outdoors, wolf spiders can make their way indoors as well. Typically gray or brown in color, wolf spiders have eight different sized eyes and claws on the ends of their legs.

    Black and Yellow Argiope

    • As a result of their large size, black and yellow Argiope spiders can appear to be menacing. However, they rarely bite and are not a threat to humans. Black and yellow Argiope spiders have yellow and black markings and can reach well over an inch in length. They like to build their large, circular webs in gardens, backyards and fields. Black and Yyellow Argiope spiders weave bright, vertical patterns in the middle of their webs. These spiders hang head down on their webs and wait to feel the vibration of trapped prey. They then encase the insect in a cocoon, liquefy and consume its insides.

    Brown Recluse

    • The brown recluse is common throughout the southeastern United States. It has six eyes, medium to dark brown colorings and is about 3/8 of an inch long. The brown recluse may live both indoors and outdoors. This solitary creature likes to hide in dark or shady areas such as shoes, garages, sheds, basements, closets, attics and the folds of clothes or linens. Like the black widow, the brown recluse is also highly feared because of its venom. Although some individuals bitten by a brown recluse may suffer more severe symptoms, most experience only mild irritation.