Common Backyard Spiders

According to the University of Maine Extension Pest Management Office, there are approximately 3,000 species of spiders in North America today alone, most of which are beneficial to the environment. Spiders, also called arachnids, eat insects that not only are detrimental to plants but to humans as well. Numerous spiders are found commonly in backyards.

  1. The St Andrew's Cross Spider

    • The St Andrew's Cross Spider is so named because of the characteristic "X" that it weaves into its web, which is reminiscent of the Scottish flag bearing the St Andrew's Cross, and because of the way the spider displays its paired legs in the form of an "X" or cross while on its web. The spider, which is non-toxic to humans, also is referred to as the black and yellow garden spider. Female St Andrew's Cross spiders have several distinctive yellow, white and reddish brown horizontal bands across their abdomens and legs. Their bodies and legs may vary in colors, such as light brown, tan or sometimes black. The males are plain and significantly smaller than the females, and can be a solid tan to dark brown in color. The St Andrew's Cross Spider is found commonly in the backyards of North America, Australia, and in many parts of Europe and Asia.

    Grass Spider

    • The grass spider is a species of funnel web weavers, which spin their silky webs into a funnel or cone shape to catch their prey. Grass spiders look similar to a wolf spider, but have slightly longer legs. More often than not, the grass spider is mistaken for its distant cousin the brown recluse spider. Grass spiders are found commonly in backyards throughout North America, in grassy areas, along foundations, in low hedges and shrubs, and around outside decks and stairs. The body of the grass spider is light brown with dark brown to black vertical stripes along their head and backs. The grass spider does carry a venom, called a hemotoxin, that it injects into its prey. However, this spider is of relatively low risk to humans.

    Golden Silk Orb-Weavers

    • According to H.V. Weems, Jr., and G.B. Edwards, Jr., authors of the DPI Entomology Circular article the "Golden Silk Spider", the female golden silk spider is the largest spider in North America other than the tarantula. The golden silk spider has an unusual elongated oval shaped abdomen and females can vary in color, from brown and tan to dark orange. Some species are bright yellow with black horizontal bands along its legs. Males are generally dark brown and smaller (less than ½ inch) than the females, which can reach lengths of 1 to 2 inches.