In fact, having some spiders around is beneficial, because they trap insects that actually can harm you. [1] X Expert Source Kevin CarrilloMMPC, Pest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 22 October 2019. Keep in mind that most spiders are non-aggressive biters, meaning they will typically only bite if they feel threatened. [2] X Expert Source Kevin CarrilloMMPC, Pest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 22 October 2019. If you live outside of North America, consult one of several widely available guides to learn about the dangerous spiders in your locale. [3] X Research source
Look for the tell-tale violin shape on its back. The brown recluse spider has a medium brown body and legs, with a slightly darker brown violin shape on the back. Count the eyes; if there are 6, it might be a recluse. The recluse’s eyes are arranged in pairs, with 1 pair in front and a pair on either side. [5] X Research source Analyze where you found the spider. If it’s in a warm, dry place, like a shed or woodpile, it might be a recluse. The brown recluse is known to be aggressive, rather than hanging back when it encounters someone.
These aptly-named spiders are a striking shiny black color, with a bright red hourglass shape on the abdomen. Black widows commonly dwell in woodpiles and under eaves. They have long legs that taper into points.
Hobo spiders are brown with chevron-shaped yellow markings. [7] X Research source They make their webs in cracks, corners, and holes, and can be found in woodpiles and other sheltered places.
Does the spider have spots, or coloration in a striking shape like the brown widow’s hourglass marking or the brown recluse’s classic violin? Are the legs the same color as the body? Note that many species of spider have similar coloring, so looking at this characteristic alone won’t be enough to give you a definitive answer.
While the spitting spider is one of the exceptions, most spiders have 8 eyes, sometimes equal in size (like the nursery web spider), but other times with 2 (like the portia) or 4 of the 8 much more prominent; the eyes can also be arranged in many different patterns.
Chances are you’re not dealing with infra-order Mesothelae, because only 116 species belong to this infra-order, making it the rarest infra-order of spiders. These 116 species are also restricted in terms of geography to Southeast Asia, China, and Japan, meaning you will not find these in the wild in most places in the world. This is important as an identifying feature, because, for example, while a wolf spider might be taken as a small tarantula, we know that tarantulas are Mygalomorphae species and that wolf spiders belong to Araneomorphae. Thus, the fang orientation will always be a dead giveaway between those 2 species. [8] X Research source
For example, an adult brown recluse is about the size of a U. S. quarter when its legs are spread out. The harmless wolf spider, on the other hand, is closer in size to a U. S. silver dollar when full grown. [9] X Research source
WikiHow is also a handy source for spider info — check out the identification guides on, for instance: Garden Spider; Barn Spider; Redback Spider; Tarantula
A body divided into 2 segments. Unlike insects, which have 3 body segments, spiders only have 2. 8 legs. Don’t mistake an insect’s antennae for legs. No wings. No species of spider has wings. No matter how spider-like the creature may otherwise appear, if it has wings, it’s not a spider.
There are many excellent resources you can use to learn more about spiders. Check out a book from your library or look at spider databases online. You can search according to region. [12] X Research source
Where did you find the spider? Was it in the bathroom, the basement, the shed, outside, etc. ? Was it in a dark place (as preferred by the baboon spider), or a place with plenty of light? Was it a wet place (or even in the water, like the water spider) or a dry one? What type of web does the spider have? Is it a classic-looking spider web (the type built by orb weavers), a tunnel web (as made by the purse spider), or just a few strands of webbing that aren’t neatly woven?
