Different Breeds of Spiders

Spiders have eight legs and belong to the arachnid class known for their web weaving and multiple eyes. They're often a scary sight when encountered in the house or in nature, but spiders help humans by preying on insects that would otherwise be a nuisance. Most spiders are harmless, though a few breeds are venomous and can kill.

  1. Black Widow

    • The infamous brown widow spider is one of the most feared spider species. They're typically a bright black color but can sometimes be brown. Black widows tend to build webs low to the ground and in tight, confined spaces. Their bite is venomous but infrequently deadly if treated properly.

    Cellar Spider

    • The cellar spider is also commonly called a "daddy longlegs" for the length of its eight legs. They may benefit humans by eating insects and poisonous spiders, such as the black widow. They prefer moist, dark areas and can be identified by their habit of hanging upside-down from their web.

    Funnelweb Spider

    • This spider species is brown with dark stripes around the head. They form flat webs marked by a silken funnel on the end that they use to snare insects. They're on the small side, ranging from 1/2 to 1 inch in length. Funnelweb spiders prefer to live outdoors in tall grass and are rarely seen indoors.

    Tarantula

    • Tarantulas are the largest species of spider. They're dark, hairy and can reach 4 inches in length. In the U.S., they are concentrated in the South and Southwest. Tarantulas are not poisonous and are generally passive. Their method of hunting involves hiding and lying in wait for prey to come by.