How to Identify Dangerous Spiders in Indiana

Bites from dangerous spiders may cause nausea, paralysis, and even death.

Many people suffer from arachnophobia, a fear of spiders. Most spiders are relatively harmless and keep to themselves. In Indiana, only two species of spiders commonly found in the state are dangerous: the brown recluse and the black widow. Bites from either of these two spiders can be deadly; learn how to identify them so you can avoid them.

Instructions

1. Look at the spider's color. Black widows are obviously black; in fact, they are jet black and shiny (not muted and hairy). Brown recluses are toffee-colored; they almost look like old leather in terms of coloring.

2. Observe the size and shape of the spider. The black widow is approximately the size of a penny when all its legs are extended, according to Indiana's Purdue University. The black widow also has a spherical abdomen. Brown recluses are larger spiders; according to Purdue University, a brown recluse spider can be as large as a half dollar when its legs are fully extended. The body of a brown recluse resembles a scorpion; it has very long and thin legs.

3. Spot the identifying marks. Female black widows have a red hourglass shape on their abdomens. Brown recluse spiders have a fiddle shape on their back, just behind the eyes.

4. Familiarize yourself with images of these dangerous Indiana spiders. Look at pictures online, or purchase a spider guide specific to Indiana.

References

• Purdue University: Black Widow and Brown Recluse Spiders
• Venombyte.com: Venomous Spiders Found in Each State
• In.gov: Brown Recluse Spider
• Michigan State University: Northern Black Widow Spider