Spiders in Northern Nevada
Northern Nevada is a high desert environment with numerous species of spiders. Although the region is arid and hot in the summer, the high elevation, numerous mountain ranges and proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountains leads to snow and freezing temperatures in the winter. The low temperatures exclude many of the typical poisonous desert spiders from flourishing in the region.
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Black Widow
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The black widow is a venomous spider that thrives in northern Nevada. The large females are the most obvious with a distinct red spot beneath the large abdomen. The males are small, but females will grow over 1 inch long. Black widows in northern Nevada typically occupy damper areas like crawl spaces and areas around vegetation. The spiders spin and occupy webs beneath houses and in debris piles. The spiders are often found in stacks of fire wood.
Wolf Spider
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The Wolf Spider is present in northern Nevada but it is more prevalent in the warmer climates of central and southern Nevada. The spider will grow to more than 1 inch in length in some areas, but the winters in northern Nevada limit growth as the spider spends the cold months in a dormant state. Wolf spiders are commonly found in the home as the temperature drops and they seek a warmer environment. The black, fuzzy spiders have a venomous bite but they are not deadly.
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Crab Spider
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Northern Nevada is home to a large crab spider and a small crab spider. The large crab spider carries a painful venom and is most prevalent in the lower desert transition zones. The black spider reaches 2 inches in length and becomes more prevalent in the southern end of northern Nevada. The small crab spider is less obvious and more prevalent in higher altitudes of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The spider has a tan body with a light red abdomen and it looks like a miniature hermit crab. The small crab spider is not aggressive and carries very little venom in its bite.
Funnel Spider
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The funnel spider is smaller than the latter two at less than 1 inch in length. The spiders occupy vegetative areas closer to the ground, and according to Insect Identification.com, they hunt and chase down prey. The small brown spiders are common in northern Nevada but they are less visible as they nest beneath cover and live at a ground level. The spiders do not commonly appear on house walls and ceilings like the wolf spider.
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