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.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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4
Catch the spider in a humane bug catcher if you cannot identify it immediately. Examine it closely, using a magnifying glass if necessary.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Don't be alarmed if you see jumping spiders with large eyes or giant house spiders that are yellowish with black stripes on their abdomens; these are not poisonous.
The black widow, brown recluse and hobo spiders are poisonous.
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- Photo Credit spider image by Vania from Fotolia.com
Comments
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I am wondering the same thing, what is it?
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What is the spider in the photo above known as? Thanks.
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Spiders are disgusting.
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A good article. I am a spider fan.
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Spiders are so Grotesque....but so intriguing at the same time.
