How to Identify Spiders in Delaware
Spiders are a relative to insects, but a distinct species, the main difference being that they have eight legs instead of six. The types of spiders found in Delaware include jumping spiders, crab spiders, cobweb spiders, yellow spiders, orb weavers, fishing spiders, wolf spiders, ground Spiders and black widows. All of the above varieties are harmless to humans except black widows, which are potentially quite dangerous. Most spiders live off of insects and thus keep the number pests down in the immediate environment. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Look to see how the spider is moving. If it walks sideways or backwards like a crab, it is probably a crab spider. If it is hairy, has bright colored skin and is jumping, it is most likely a jumping spider. If it runs along the ground and has no web, it is likely a ground or wolf spider.
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Look at the spider's habitat and web. If it is in a dark area such as a basement or outside in a pile of debris, it may be a black widow. The black widow also has a shiny body about 1/2-inch long, long thin legs and a red or orange mark shaped like an hourglass on the underside. If the spider is moving across or diving into water, it is likely a fishing spider. If the spider is living outdoors and constructing or orbital shaped web, it is an orb weaver.
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Examine the web location and size of a spider found in the home. If the webs are in corners and and other dark, unused locations, it is probably a cobweb spider. If the spider is yellow and moving along a window sill or the floor or a wall, it is most likely a yellow spider.
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Tips & Warnings
The daddy long-legs is commonly found in gardens, and is easy to spot by its long spindly legs. This creature is not actually a spider, but a different order of arachnid.
If you think you have found a black widow, stay far away and call a specialist for advice on how to remove the spider.
References
Resources
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