common spiders of ohio field guide

8/12/2019 Common Spiders of Ohio Field Guide

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COMMON SPIDERS OF OHIO f i e l d g u i d eDIVISION OF WILDLIFE


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MYGALOMORPHAE SUBORdERA large, diverse suborder containing about 2,500 species in 15families. Mostly tropical and subtropical; only six species are knownfrom Ohio. The Mygalomorphae includes incredible variation, fromthe gargantuan goliath bird-eating spider (Theraphrosa blondi) ofSouth America, with its 10 inch leg span, to other species measuringless than three millimeters. Some species can live to 20 years or more.

ARANEOMORPHAE SUBORdERThis suborder is the worlds largest, 38,500 spiders in 94 familes, andincludes the vast majority of commonly encountered spiders. Manyspecies are large, conspicuous, and colorful, such as the gardenspiders. A number of species also make complex, obvious webs. Mostspiders within this group are short-lived, surviving for less than a year.Almost all of Ohios 624 spider species fall within the Araneomorphae.

cOMMON SPIdERS OF OHIOT A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

Common Spiders of OhioText by: Richard A. Bradley, Ph.D

It seems that everyone has an opinion ofspiders. Either they admire their intricate and

beautiful webs, appreciate their importantrole in the control of pest insects, or despisethem out of fear or misunderstanding. Muchof what you may have heard about spiderscould be based upon reputation rather thanfact. This booklet will provide you with a basicintroduction to the spiders of Ohio, includingtheir life histories, behaviors, and habitats.

INTROdUcTION

4 Symbol Index

4 Acknowledgments

5 What is and isnt Spider

6 Life Cycle

8 Spider Webs & Silk

10 Venom & Bites

11 Spiders & Wasps

12 Distribution & Conservation

13 What are Spiders Good for?

14 Species Accounts

77 Funding Information

78 Glossary

Common Name

Seasonality Bar:highlights adult phase

which is when thespider is its largest and

most visible

Quick Reference:preferred habitat, webtype, and sizes basedon body length

Page Number

Size Range:represents the averagesize of the spider ifmales and females areof similar size only onesilhouette is shown

Scientific Namewith pronunciation

Primary Photo

Secondary Photo


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FUNNEL WEAVERS A G E L E N I D A E

14 Grass Spider 15 House Funnel Weaver

hakle-mesh weavers A M A U R O B I I D A E

16 Hackled-mesh Weaver

orbweavers A R A N E I D A E

17 Arabesque Orbweaver 18 Arrow-shaped Micrathena 19 Banded Garden Spider

20 Barn Orbweaver 21 Black & Yellow Garden Spider 22 Bolas Spider 23 Cross Spider 24 Furrow Orbweaver 25 Labyrinth Orbweaver 26 Marbled Orbweaver 27 Shamrock Orbweaver 28 Spined Micrathena 29Trashli ne Orbweaver 30Triangle-bearing Orbweaver 31 Variable Orbweaver

groun sa-spiers C O R I N N I D A E

32 Banded Sac Spider 33 Bull-headed Sac Spider

Woolouse Spiers D Y S D E R I D A E

34 Woodlouse Spider

groun spiers G N A P H O S I D A E

35 Parson Spider

sheetweb weavers L I N Y P H I I D A E

36 Bowl and Doily Spider 37 Filmy Dome Spider

38 Hammock Spider39 Scarlet Sheetweaver

wolf spiers L Y C O S I D A E

40 Burrowing Wolf Spider 41 Field Wolf Spider

42 Brush-legged Wolf Spider 43 Pirate Wolf Spider 44 Striped Wolf Spider 45Thin- legged Wolf Spider

Prowling Spiers M I T U R G I D A E

46 Yellow Sac Spider

lynx spiers O X Y O P I D A E

47 Striped Lynx Spider

running rab spiers P H I L O D R O M I D A E

48 Common Crab Spider 49 Grassland Crab Spider

ay long-legs spiers P H O L C I D A E

50 Long-bodied Cellar Spider

nurseryweb spiers P I S A U R I D A E

51 Chocolate-brown Fishing Spider52 Common Fishing Spider53 Nursery Web Spider54 Six-spotted Fishing Spider

umping spiers S A L T I C I D A E

55 Bold Jumper

56 Dimorphic Jumper57 Emerald Jumper

58 Zebra Jumper

spitting spiers S C Y T O D I D A E

59 Spitting Spider

six-eye spiers S I C A R I I D A E

60 Brown Recluse61 Mediterranean Recluse

long-awe orbweavers T E T R A G N AT H I D A E

62 Long-jawed Orbweaver 63 Orchard Spider

obweb weavers T H E R I D I I D A E

64 Checkered Cobweb Spider 65 Clown-faced Spider 66 Common House Spider

67 False Black Widow 68 Northern & Southern Black Widow

69 Parasitic Cobweb Spider

ray orbweavers T H E R I D I O S O M AT I D A E

70 Ray Orbweaver

typial rab spiers T H O M I S I D A E 71 Brown Crab Spider 72 Goldenrod Crab Spider 73 Northern Crab Spider

74 Red-banded Crab Spider

hakle orbweavers U L O B O R I D A E

75Triangle Orbweaver

A R A N E O M O R P H A E S U B O R D E R

M Y G A L O M O R P H A E S U B O R D E R

foling-oor spiers A N T R O D I A E T I D A E

76 Foldingdoor Spider

ON THE cOVER C O M M O N S P I D E R S O F O H I O

Emerald Jumper Photo byThomas Shahan

S P E C I E S A C C O U N T S

W I L D O H I O . C O M


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PREFERRED HABITAT

SYMBOL INdEXC O M M O N S P I D E R S O F O H I O

WEB TYPES

All spiders possess the ability to spin silk. Some only use the silk to protect their eggs, build a simpleretreat, or as a safety line when jumping. Other spiders have up to seven distinct types of silk that theyuse for specific purposes. Silk is extremely strong and elastic. This combination of tensile strength andstretchiness combine to give spiders amazing stopping power to catch flying insects whose mass is muchgreater than the web.

Forests:mature trees,dense understory, debriscovered floor.

Grasslands: tall grass areas,prairies, farmlands, openfields.

Sheet: relatively flat shapewith dense irregular lines.

Funnel: sheet web shapethat funnels down to atube shape or reteat.

Wetlands:humid areasusually near bodies ofwater.

Structures:houses,garages, barns, gardens,urban areas, and cities.

Orb:circular shapewith parallel lines, anarchitectural appearance.

Tangled:irregular shapewith multi-directional lines,also called cobwebs.

AcKNOWLEdGMENTS

Thanks to Dr. RichardBradley for his tireless effortsto cast spiders in a positivelight. Without his hard work

this publication would nothave been possible.

Our sincere appreciationgoes to the following

photographers for theirdonations: Stacey Allen,

Richard Bradley, Valerie Cirelly,Jon Coddington, Mike Creel,Tim Daniel, Susan Hamilton,

Bob Klips, Kay Dee Kostos, JimMcCormac, Dave McShaffrey,Thomas Shahan, Phoebe Roy,

and Rick Vetter.

Illustrations: Holly Coovertand Traci Greenwalt.

Retreat: tube shape largeenough for the spider, withno attended capture web.

None:no capture web orretreat used.

Shrubbery:bushes, youngtrees, tall brush.

All: found in all or nearlyall of Ohios habitats

W I L D O H I O . C O M

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ENDITE

LABIUM

STERNUM

PEDICEL

BOOK LUNG

EPIGYNUM (FEMALE)

SPIRACLE

SPINNERETS

ABDOMEN

CEPHALOTHORAX

PALP

CHELICERA(WITH FANGS)

WHAT IS ANd ISNT A SPIdERC O M M O N S P I D E R S O F O H I O

It is easy to confuse spiders with animalsthat resemble them. The group mostfrequently mistaken for spiders are theharvestmen. These animals, sometimescalled daddy-long-legs, are related to

spiders, and like spiders they are classified asarachnids (Class Arachnida). Another groupof arachnids, the mites and ticks are alsosometimes confused with spiders.

Spiders differ from these other arachnidsby virtue of their body being divided into tworegions separated by a narrow connectioncalled a pedicel. The front part of a spidersbody is a combination of the head and

thorax called the cephalothorax. This partusually bears four pairs of eyes, four pairs ofwalking legs and a pair of smaller leg-likepalps at the front. Also at the front are pairedmouthparts that have a stout base and amoveable fang. The fangs are used to graspand bite prey. Spiders also possess finger-like

appendages at the back of the body on theabdomen. There are typically three pairs ofthese structures, called spinnerets. They havedozens to hundreds of tiny spigots on theirtips where silk is secreted. The spinnerets aresometimes short and blunt, but occasionallylong and flexible. They can be importantfeatures for identification.

Harvestmen have very long, almostimpossibly thin legs. They often shed theirlegs when grasped, but if they are intact they

too possess eight. The body of harvestmenis compact and somewhat football-shapedwith all three body regions broadly fusedinto one part. Atop the body is a singlepair of relatively large protruding eyes.

The harvestmen have both palps and tinymouthparts, but they do not bite humans andhave no venom. Harvestmen are predators orscavengers, harmless to humans and pets.

Mites and ticks are somewhat similarin appearance to harvestmen, in that thebody appears to have one region withouta constriction. If eyes are present, they areusually tiny and inconspicuous. Many mites

are external parasites of animals, while othersfeed on plants. Many are tiny predators orscavengers in the soil. Ticks are parasitic andoccasionally feed on humans and pets. A fewticks can be vectors of disease.

spidertick

harvestmen

ILLUSTRATIONS BY: TRACI GREEN WALT

ILLUSTRATION BY: HOLLY COOVERT

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SPIdER LIFE cYcLEC O M M O N S P I D E R S O F O H I O

All spiders develop from eggs laid in a silkcase. The spiderlings emerge from the case,huddle together for a few hours or days, thendisperse. Dispersal in spiderlings is often viaballooning, a form of flight. The tiny spiders

climb up to the tip of a twig, leaf or otherobject, turn to face the breeze then release afew strands of silk. As the silk is drawn out, itproduces enough force to pull the spider fromits perch into the air. The process is much likeflying a kite. Typically spiders choose calm

or nearly calm sunny days for ballooning.

The gentle rising air currents created bythe sun heating the ground are usuallysufficient to carry the spiders aloft. Therehave been cases of spiders being capturedin air samples taken thousands of feet abovethe ground. Ballooning spiders may travelonly a few yards, but some are transportedmany miles. In fact, there is probably a gentlerain of spiders across the Ohio landscapeduring the warm months of the year. It has

been observed on many occasions thatthe first arrivals to barren ground after avolcanic eruption, fire or similar catastropheare almost always ballooning spiders. In asimilar way, spiders re-populate plowed fieldsin the spring. Undoubtedly some arrive onfoot from adjacent untilled hedgerows and

roadside strips, but these are supplementedby arriving ballooning individuals.

Some spiders are wanderers, but manyestablish a web in a suitable microhabitat

and spend the rest of their life there. As theycapture prey, they grow through a series ofmolts. The old exoskeleton is shed, and a newslightly larger one replaces it. Finally afterabout 5-10 molts, a spider becomes an adult.Sometimes with close observation we can

recognize the spiders that are nearly adult,

perhaps one molt away, by the possession ofrudimentary reproductive structures.In the females there is often a darkor contrasting patch near thefront on the underside of theabdomen. In males, the lastsegment of the palps swell toappear like miniature boxinggloves. Spiders that possessthese developing reproductive

structures are said to be sub-adult. The final molt into adulthoodsignals a major change in thebehavior of spiders. While females ofweb-building spiders may stay in thesame area that they grew up in, the malesoften take up a wandering existence. They

Long-bodied cellar spider,

Pholcus phalangioides, holding egg case.

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PHOTO BY: RICHARD BRADLEY

PHOTO BY: SUSAN HAMILTON

search for recently matured females. Evenmales of ordinarily sedentary web-buildingspecies wander to seek out potential mates.

When the male locates a female he will court

her. For many spiders the males use chemicalcues, special odors called pheromones tolocate the females. These chemical cues mayeven be present in the silk web, or drag linesof females. For example, some wolf spider

males find the females by following her silk

drag lines. When a male encounters a female,he usually begins to court her immediately.

This courting may involve a combinationof plucking the web, vibrating or wavinghis palps and legs, producing soft soundsby stridulation (rubbing two body parts

together). Some spiders even tap the surfaceof the substrate (leaf, ground) with their legsor body to produce the courtship sounds.Some species of diurnal spiders, especiallythe members of the jumping spider family,

use brightly colored body parts in theircourtship displays. Watching courtship in

jumping spiders can be fascinating. The malejumpers may wave their legs, their palps oreven show the colorful fang-bases to providethe female with courtship cues.

If the female accepts the male, they willmate. The male has previously transferred hissperm into a reservoir in his palps. He reaches

out to the female and inserts a syringe-likestructure of the palp into her reproductiveopening and pumps in the sperm-ladenfluid. After mating, the pair usually separates.

Typically the males provide little parental care.Females will continue to feed, adding yolk tothe eggs. The abdomen swells noticeablyin gravid females. At the appropriate timethe female will spin a special platform of silkupon which she deposits the eggs. She will

then cover the eggs with a series of layersof soft silk padding, a tough outer coveringand finally attach the egg case in a suitablelocation. For some spiders, this is the end oftheir contribution; they leave the eggs tohatch and emerge on their own. Other spiderfemales may carry the egg case with them

female Northern black widow,Latrodectus variolus,with egg case.

Black and yellow garden spiders,Argiope aurantia, courting.

until the young emerge. An example of this isthe wolf spider. Yet a third strategy is to waitnear the egg case for the young to emerge.One family of spiders, the nurseryweb spiders,actually build a silken retreat under a folded

leaf and place the egg case there when theyoung are about to emerge. The femaleremains near the nursery web, presumably

providing some protection against potentialpredators or parasites. For spiders that layeggs in the late autumn, the female may diewith the arrival of frost. The eggs are capableof surviving the freezing weather and hatchin the spring.

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PHOTO BY: RICHARD BRADLEY

The orb-weaving spiders often re-buildtheir web each day. First the frame ofstrong non-sticky threads is attached tosurrounding vegetation or other supports.

The spider spins a new line parallel to thetop line of the support frame which is left

slack. Then she moves to the center, herweight pulling the slack line down, attachesa new line and drops to the bottom of theweb area, thus forming a triangle. This willbecome the first portion of the radial spokestructure. She then works from the hubadding additional radial strands, pulling eachtaut before attaching it to the support frame.When there are a sufficient number of radials,she begins to spin a temporary spiral. The

number of radials and the spacing of the finalsticky spiral threads are fairly consistent foreach species of spider. She will usually workfrom the center outwards, stepping aroundthe web using her legs to assist in pulling silkout of her spinnerets and attaching it to the

next radial. This non-sticky temporary spiralserves to hold the developing round web inposition so that the final sticky spiral can beplaced correctly.

The sticky spiral is laid down with

remarkable precision, with silk drawn outcarefully from the spinnerets using a leg togauge the distance from the last line. Thespider begins construction of the stickyspiral at the outer edge and works towardthe central hub. This sticky silk is secretedfrom different glands (aggregate glands)than the other parts of the orb. As she spinsnew webbing, she removes and eats thetemporary spiral threads. The movements

of the spider are both careful and repetitive,resembling a slow-motion dance. Oneof our most common orbweavers is evencalled the arabesque orbweaver (Neosconaarabesca) because she spins her web withmovements suggesting a tiny dancer. The

All spiders possess the ability to spin silk.Some only use the silk to protect their eggs,or build a simple retreat. Other spiders haveup to seven distinct types of silk that theyuse for specific purposes. Some silk is sticky,other silk is not. Silk is extremely strong and

elastic. This combination of tensile strengthand stretchiness combine to give spidersamazing stopping power to catch flyinginsects whose mass is much greater thanthe web. The most fascinating thing aboutspiders may be their webs. These can beround webs with concentric spirals of silkof perfect architectural beauty, or messy-looking tangles.

In the familiar circular orb web, only thespiral strands are sticky. The radial spokes,the hub where the spider often waits, and thesupporting frame threads are all built of non-sticky lines. Each type of spider uses a veryspecific method to build her web.

SPIdER WEBS & SILKC O M M O N S P I D E R S O F O H I O

Dew-covered web of a black andyellow garden spider,Argiope aurantia.

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PHOTO BY: RICHARD BRADLEY PHOTO BY: CHAD CROUCHPHOTO BY: RICHARD BRADLEY

amount of sticky glue, a distinctive type ofsilk, is precisely gauged. The entire processusually takes only about an hour, sometimesless. This is important because the web mayneed to be replaced because of damage eachday. Most orbweavers do replace at least thesticky spiral each day because the stickiness

gradually fades as the silk dries out andgets clogged with dust and pollen. Spidersusually eat the old silk and have been shownto recycle the silk proteins quite quickly intonew silk.

Even the superficially messy tangle websare built with care. Some members of thecobweb weaver family (Theridiidae) arefamous for their gumfoot webs. The spider

adds special strands of silk from the centraltangle down to the substrate, each of whichhas two important features. At the pointof attachment to the substrate there is anintentional structural weakness. Just abovethe attachment points are droplets of stickyglue. The entire thread is stretched so that it

is held under tension. When a walking insect,or other prey animal, bumps into the threadit sticks to the glue drops. Struggling to freeitself, the prey breaks the strand at the weakspot and the tension catapults the prey intothe air, stuck firmly to the gluey strand. Thespider typically rushes down to the helplesscaptive and wraps it with additional silk. Oncethe victim is completely immobilized, the

spider bites it, injecting paralyzing venom,and then commences feeding.

Many other animals take advantage ofsilk that they scavenge from spider webs.Hummingbirds use large amounts of silkin their tiny nests. The properties of silk are

important for the hummingbird because thenest is built only large enough for the eggs andincubating female. The silks elastic qualitiesallow the nest to stretch to accommodate thegrowing young hummers, yet still provide asnug fit. Blue-gray gnatcatchers use spidersilk to wrap their nests too, taking advantageof the stickiness of the silk to glue tiny bits ofbark and lichen to the outside of the nest forcamouflage.

Marbled orbweaver,Araneus marmoreus, biting a cricket.

Web and retreat of a grass spider,Agelenopsis pennsylvanica.

Webs of a bowl and doily spider,Frontinella communis.

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PHOTO BY: THOMAS SHAHAN

In Ohio, all but one of our spiders possessvenom, but their venom has little effect onhumans or pets. There are several reasonsfor this: the amount of venom in a spideris tiny and their venom is adapted for

subduing insect prey. Our large size and ourphysiology, which is very different from aninsects, protect us. Only two groups of Ohiospiders, the black widows and the reclusespiders are considered dangerous to humans.Fortunately for us, these spiders are relativelyuncommon in Ohio.

While spider bites are frequentlysuspected, and often diagnosed, they are

actually rare. Many wounds, particularlythose with a persistent blister or unhealed

patch are mis-diagnosed as spider bites. Intruth, it is often difficult or impossible todetermine if a wound was caused by a spider.

The fangs rarely leave any visible puncturewounds (bites would involve both fangs

producing two tiny holes). In true spider bitesthese tiny punctures are so close togetherthat the tissue damage from the venomwould very likely cause the wound to mergeinto one spot. Spiders have no reason tobite humans - if they do, it is in self defense.

This might happen if the spider has taken uptemporary residence in a glove finger, tinyspace under a box, or perhaps in a crumpledarticle of clothing. When the unsuspecting

human thrusts a hand into the glove or donsthe clothing, the spider is crushed against

the skin and bites in self defense. Often thespider is crushed and killed. With care, thecrushed spider can be located where the biteoccurred.

A recent alarming increase in slow-healing wounds related to a variety ofbacterial infections (for example MRSA) hasproduced a large number of mis-diagnosesof spider bite. Doctors and other medicalpersonnel are now beginning to realize thatspider bites are quite rare, and the medicalliterature includes a number of recent reportsof bacterial infections that were initially,and incorrectly, reported as spider bites. If

no dead or injured spider can be found,or if there is a repeated incidence, spiderbite is not likely to have been the cause ofan unexplained wound. Much more likelycauses are insect bites or stings, chigger bites,or bacterial infections that began with a tinypuncture wound. Despite these facts, manypeople continue to believe that they havebeen bitten by spiders and the fear of spiders,arachnophobia, is sadly quite common.

SPIdER VENOM & BITESC O M M O N S P I D E R S O F O H I O

A male jumper spider,Hentzia palmarum, eyeing its next meal.

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PHOTOS BY: TIM DAN IELPHOTO BY: JIM McCORM AC

Spiders have many enemies and just asthey are highly predatory, spiders in turn arepreyed upon. Birds such as Carolina wrensare spider hunters, ferreting around in woodpiles, sheds, and under eaves in search of

arachnid prey. Many other songbirds grabspiders when the opportunity arises, as doa variety of small mammals, insects, andcentipedes.

Perhaps no predator/prey relationship ismore specialized than that of spider-huntingwasps. There are many species of wasps thathave evolved to the degree that certainspider species are essential to completingtheir life cycle. There are representatives ofspider wasps in at least two families in Ohio,probably totaling over a dozen species.

SPIdERS & WASPSC O M M O N S P I D E R S O F O H I O

The most conspicuous and well knownspider wasps are pipe organ mud daubers,Trypoxylon politum. These large blue-black wasps construct elaborate series ofmud tubes, often on the exterior walls of

buildings. Each pipe is cross-partitionedinto small chambers, and these areprovisioned with spiders collected bythe female. She does not kill the spider;rather she paralyzes it with neurotoxininjected by a sting. The mud dauber thenlays an egg in the chamber before sealingit. When the wasp grub emerges, it isassured of a fresh supply of food.

A particularly fearsome species is thewolf spider wasp, Entypus unifasciatus.Females are large and black, with prominentyellowish-orange wing spots, which theyconstantly flick. Wolf spider wasps walkrapidly about the ground, searching forvictims. When a suitable spider is found,the wasp seizes and stings it in a seeminglyimpossibly fast movement. The paralyzedspider is then drug up to 130 feet across the

ground to a pre-made burrow. The waspthen entombs the arachnid after laying anegg on it. After fattening up on the spider,the wasp grub will pupate and emerge thefollowing season as an adult wasp. Pipe organ mud dauber nest

cutout reveals cryptspacked with paralyzed spiders.

Female spider wasp, Entypus unifasciatus,with a striped wolf spidervictim.

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PHOTO BY: KAY DEE KOS TOS

dISTRIBUTION & cONSERVATIONC O M M O N S P I D E R S O F O H I O

Spiders are found nearly everywhere.There are 40,700 known species worldwide.We have a diverse and interesting spider

fauna in Ohio comprised of over 620 species.Many of these spiders never grow very largeand spend their entire lives unnoticed. Forexample, one group of spiders, the sheetwebweavers of the family Linyphiidae, includes125 species in Ohio but are rarely noticedbecause individuals of most species grow toless than 2 mm (1/16) in length. They livenear the ground, often under our feet in theloose leaves of a forest floor or the thatch

of our backyard lawn. These tiny creaturesperform an important role as predators onminiscule prey. Our largest spider in terms

of legspan is probably the Carolina wolfspider which is now quite rare in Ohio, butcan grow to a body length of nearly 1.5inches and a legspan of over 4 inches. On theother hand, our smallest spider is probablythe dwarf hunting spider that is only 1 mmlong (


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PHOTO BY: THOMAS SHAHAN

WHAT GOOd ARE SPIdERS?C O M M O N S P I D E R S O F O H I O

Spiders are remarkably common. Most ofus are unaware that spiders are present, evencommon, almost everywhere. A relativelysmall number of species are nearly alwaysfound living in or around humans or their

structures. These human-adapted spidersfeed on each other as well as the inevitableinsects who wander into our buildings.Many more species of spiders occasionallywander into houses, often causing concern.

The common house spiders in Ohio are notdangerous to humans or pets. Outdoors,

spiders represent the most numerous smallpredators. Estimates of spider density innatural habitats can be astounding. Onecareful study found that there were hundredsof thousands of spiders per acre of woodland.

Of course, most of these were immatureindividuals or tiny species. Nevertheless, thecombined impact of so many small predatorshas a controlling effect on insect populations.

Thus spiders are a very important l ink in thefood web.

A number of scientific studies haveestablished that spiders play an importantrole in the control of pest insects inagricultural fields and orchards. Whilethey cannot completely control explosive

pest outbreaks, spiders tend to dampenfluctuations in pest insect populations. Eventhe few spiders that share our buildings areprobably an important limiting factor onindoor pest insect infestations.

Emerald jumper, Paraphidippus aurantius

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PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADULTS

EASON

ALITY:MID-AUGUSTTOOCTOBERF

UNNE

LW

EAVERS

AGELENI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

The grass spider is one of the most familiarOhio spiders. They are common throughoutthe state. There are five species, all very similar

in appearance. The species discussed here isthe most common, widespread form. Juvenilespiders emerge from the egg case in springand begin constructing miniature versions ofthe typical web. Throughout the summer theweb is enlarged, and by late summer it can bequite large. The adults are found in the latesummer and autumn. The web is a fairly densesheet of criss-crossing threads with a distinctfunnel-shaped retreat at one end where the

spider waits, just in the shadows. The retreat isopen at the back, and if pursued the spider canescape into the leaf litter below or behind thefunnel. Sometimes the web has a thin tangle ofthreads above the sheet. These act as knock-down threads to flying insects. After hittingthese threads, the flying insect tumbles ontothe sheet and is attacked by the spider. The silkof the tangle and sheet are not adhesive. Thespider depends upon lightning reflexes to dash

out and grapple with prey on the sheet. Aftersubduing the prey, the spider typically returnsto the retreat, out of view, to consume its meal.

GRASS SPIdERA g e l e n o p s i s p e n n s y l v a n i c a

Ag-el- in-op-s is pen-s i l -van- ih-ka

-A-ALL OHIO

FnFUNNEL

FEMALE:3/4 (20mm)

MALE:3/8 (15mm)

14M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU

N JUL AUG SEP OCT NOVDEC

JA

NFEB

C O M M O N S P I D E R S O F O H I O


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PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADULTS

EASON

ALITY:ANYMONTHOFTHEYEARF

UNNE

LW

EAVERS

AGELENI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

PHOTOBY:JIMMcCORMAC

This spider is quite common in buildingsin Ohio, but it is seldom seen. They hide incracks and out of the way areas of the house,

basement or garage. Their web is a sheetconnected to a retreat by a funnel-shapedtunnel. Typically the web grows stronger andlarger as the spider grows. It continues to addmaterial to the sheet throughout the year. Thehouse funnel spider is a member of a genus ofspiders famous for a large species introducedto northwestern North America in 1930. Thislarger species is calledTegenaria agrestis. Manypeople assume that the specific name refers to

aggression, but it does not. The name means ofthe fields. In the Seattle area Tegenaria agrestisis considered a pest because it occasionallybites humans. The House Funnel Weaver is notaggressive and does not usually bite humans.It is generally considered to be a harmlessspider. Because this spider looks quite similarto T. agrestisit generates many false reports ofthat species from Ohio, despite the fact thatthere are no valid records here. The house

funnel weaver is also found in outbuildings,particularly barns. Another common name forthis spider is barn funnel weaver.

HOUSE FUNNEL WEAVERT e g e n a r i a d o m e s t i c a Teg-en-ar-ee-ah do-mes-tih-ka

-A-ALL OHIO

FEMALE:1/2 - 7/8 (13-22mm)

MALE:1/2 - 7/8 (13-22mm)

FEMALE:1/3 - 3/8 (9 - 10mm)

MALE:1/4 - 1/3 (6 - 9mm)

FnFUNNEL

15M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



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PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADULTS

EASON

ALITY:ANYMONTHOFTHEYEAR

HACKLED- M

ES

HW

EAVE

RS

AM

AUROBI ID

AE

FAM

ILY

This spider is most often found among rocks,in cracks in rock walls, or under rocks or logson the forest floor. It prefers relatively humid

habitats. The spider is fairly large and heavy-bodied with relatively short legs. It typicallyfreezes when disturbed. This species can berecognized by its generally very dark browncolor with a series of light-colored chevrons onthe top of the abdomen. If the web extendsaway from the rocky lair, it is often a messyirregular tangle with zig-zag connections. Thisis typical of spiders with a cribellum, an unusualtype of spinneret where hundreds of very fine

threads are produced. The spider spins this finewebbing into the zig-zag portions of the web.

They are not gluey, but adhere much like Velcro,to the subtle texture of the preys body parts.

HAcKLEd-MESH WEAVERC a l l o b i u s b e n n e t t i

Call-oh-be-us ben-et-eye

web on mossy rock wall

HABITAT

FoFORESTS

WEB

FnFUNNEL

FEMALE:1/3 (9mm)

MALE:1/4 (7mm)

16M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



17/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADULT

SEASONA

LITY:JULYTOOCTOBERORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FAM

ILY

This species is probably the most commonand widespread orbweaver in Ohio. They are amedium-sized spider with an adult body length

just over inch. They are found in suburbanyards and parks as well as woods and fields.

The web is typically built fairly close to theground, in low shrubs or trees. Most individualsshow a series of thin black spots on either sideof the central pattern on the abdomen. Someindividuals are plain in color, either light brownor even orange. It is not unusual to see them outeven at mid-day. Because of their abundanceand diurnal (daytime) behavior they are often

seen while building their orb webs. The web isa complex series of repetitive geometric forms.

The spiders movements as she adds the spiralthreads resemble a ballerinas careful dance,hence the name arabesque.

N e o s c o n a a r a b e s c a Nee-oh-sko-na air-ah-besk-ah

ARABESqUE ORBWEAVERHABITAT

-A-ALL OHIO

WEB

CrORB

FEMALE:1/4 (6.5mm)

MALE:1/4 (7mm)

17M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



18/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADULTS

EASO

NALITY:LATE-JULYTOEARLY-OCTOBER

ORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

This is one of the most distinctive spiders foundin Ohio. The shape of the abdomen resemblesan arrowhead. In addition to the triangular

shape, the colorful spikes and projections differfrom the somber black and white of the spinedmicrathena. Like that species, arrowshapedmicrathena build low in the understorybetween bushes and occasionally across trails.

They prefer moist woods, sometimes nearcreeks or streams. The tiny males of this spiderare so different in appearance from the femalethat it is hard to recognize them as belongingto the same species.

ARROW-SHAPEd MIcRATHENAM i c r a t h e n a s a g i t t a t a My-kra-thee-na sag- ih-tate-ah

most spiders hang head down

WtWETLANDS

CrORB

FEMALE:3/8 (8 - 9mm)

MALE:1/8 - 1/4 (4 - 5mm)

18M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



19/80

PHOTOBY:JIMMcCORMAC

PHOTOB

Y:TIMD

ANIEL

ADUL

TSEA

SONA

LITY:LATE-JUNETOEARLY-NOVEM

BER

ORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

This spider is only slightly smaller than theblack-and-yellow garden spider, but it is oftenquite a bit thinner in profile. The banded

abdomen is covered with silver hairs, as is thecephalothorax. The abdomen is noticeablypointed. The web of this species is sometimesdecorated with white silk bands, but these areusually not as conspicuous as in the black-and-yellow garden spider. Similar to that species,the males of the banded garden spider aremuch smaller than the females. On occasiongrassy fields are filled with banded gardenspider webs. Scores of dew-covered webs

create a spectacular sight at dawn on a mistymorning. The distinctive egg cases are usuallya grayish color and are flat on top.

BANdEd GARdEN SPIdERA r g i o p e t r i f a s c i a t a Ar- je-oh-pe tr i - fas-ee-ate-ah

female eating a grasshoper

GrGRASSLAND

CrORB

FEMALE:5/8 - 1 (15- 25mm)

MALE:1/8 - 1/4 (4 - 5mm)

19M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



20/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADULTS

EASON


ORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

Barn orbweavers rank high among our mostspectacular orb-weaving spiders. The spideris large and often builds its beautiful circular

web between a rock wall or building and theground. The support for the web may stretch10 feet or more. The orb may be several feetin diameter. On occasion they can be found ingroups, such as over 100 barn orbweaver websalong one rock face in the Hocking Hills. Thisspecies was likely the star of the childrens bookCharlottes Web. Author E.B. White gave this hint;

My name, said the spider, is Charlotte.Charlotte what? asked Wilber, eagerly.

Charlotte A. Cavatica. But just call me Charlotte.Of course the code is the name Charlotte A.Cavatica, it is no coincidence that the commonbarn spider is our very own Araneus cavaticus,which was called Aranea cavatica when thebook was first published in 1952, before theLatin was corrected. As indicated in CharlottesWeb, adult female barn orbweavers typicallylay their eggs in autumn and die with the firsthard frosts. In some years, a few of the females

survive the winter and can be found again inearly spring.

BARN ORBWEAVERA r a n e u s c a v a t i c u s Ah-ran-ee-us ka-vat- ih-kus

FoFORESTS

CrORB

FEMALE:1/2 - 7/8 (13 - 22mm)

MALE:3/8 - 3/4 (10 - 20mm)

20M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



21/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:THOMASSHAHAN

ADUL

TSEA

SONA

LITY:LATE-JUNETOEARLY-NOVEM

BER

ORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

This is perhaps the most conspicuous spider inOhio. The large females are found in gardensand fields in late summer and survive until

the first killing frosts of autumn. They are verylarge, with a leg span of nearly 2 inches. Thefemale is familiar and obvious; the male istiny and inconspicuous. If you find a femaleduring mid-summer, check nearby for oneor more small males in webs close to hers.

These suitors compete to mate with her, andthe victor often guards her from other males.

The large orb webs are often decorated witha vertical zig-zag of bright white silk. The

favorite prey of adult female black-and-yellowgarden spiders are grasshoppers. When a large,powerful prey item like a grasshopper hits theweb, the spider rushes out and rapidly wrapsit in thick layers of silk. It spins the prey withtwo pairs of legs while playing out sheets ofsilk from the spinnerets. The egg case is oftensuspended from silk lines in a sturdy bush. Thecase is about the size of a grape, tan in colorand somewhat oval in shaped. When the tiny

young spiderlings emerge from the egg case inspring they are bright yellow.

BLAcK & YELLOW GARdEN SPIdERArg iope au rant ia

Ar-je-oh-pe ar-an-te-ah

female with wrapped wasp

GrGRASSLAND

CrORB

FEMALE:3/4 - 1 1/8 (19 - 28mm)

MALE:1/4 - 3/8 (5 -9mm)

21M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



22/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADU

LTSE

ASON

ALITY:EARLY-AUGUSTTOOCTOBER

ORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

The bolas spider gets its name from theamazing way it hunts. Early in the eveningthe spider moves to the low branches of a tree

and spins a few lines of silk to hang from, thenprepares a single line with a drop of glue onthe end. She does this by combing out newglue from her spinnerets until she has a largedroplet at the end of a short line, then shewaits. If a moth flies in close she hurls the linewith its glue ball at the moth. The glue sticksfast and the moth is tethered. All that is left isfor her to reel in the line and grasp the moth.

The question immediately arises: why would a

moth fly close by? The answer is that the spiderproduces a perfume that is a perfect imitationof the sexual attractant pheromone producedby female moths. This was discovered whenscientists noticed that the bolas spiderscatch only adult male moths. The name bolasactually refers to the similarity of the glue ballon a silk strand to the line-and-ball weaponemployed by the gauchos (cowboys) of theSouth American pampas. During the day the

bolas spider sits motionless on a leaf, and itsbody somewhat resembles a bird dropping,providing camouflage.

M a s t o p h o r a h u t c h i n s o n i Mas-toe-for-ah hutch-in-son-eye

BOLAS SPIdERfemale hunting with bolas

-A-ALL OHIO

CrORB

FEMALE:1/2 (12 - 13mm)

MALE:1/16 (2mm)

22M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



23/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADU

LTSE

ASON

ALITY:LATE-AUGUSTTODECEMBER

ORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

Cross spiders were accidentally introduced intothe New England area from Europe more than100 years ago, and more recently to the Pacific

northwest. In Ohio, it occurs in the northeastcorner of the state, spreading to the southwestas far as Marion County. The very large webs ofthis species have been found around houses, inparticular, open porches. These spiders maturein late summer or autumn. There are a numberof color varieties, the most common being abeautiful orange with white markings (thecross). The base color is sometimes tan, rusty, oreven brown. This species can be distinguished

from our other large orange orbweavers bythe prominent shoulders on the abdomenthat give that part of the body a somewhattriangular appearance.

cROSS SPIdERAraneus d iademat us

Ah-ran-ee-us dy-ad-em-at-us

female at rest

-A-ALL OHIO

CrORB

FEMALE:1/4 - 3/4 (6 - 19mm)

MALE:1/4 - 1/2 (6 - 13mm)

23M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



24/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:JIMMcCORMAC

ADULTS

EASON


ORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

FURROW ORBWEAVER

This orbweaver is one of the few thatfrequently survives the winter. As a result, itis one of the earliest large orbweavers of the

spring. They are extremely common nearthe shores of lakes, particularly Lake Erie, butoccur throughout Ohio. The abdomen appearsrelatively smooth and shiny, quite differentfrom the typically dull fuzzy abdomen of manyorbweavers in Ohio. They are sometimes seenin their webs during the day, but are most oftenfound in the late evening as they re-build theweb for nocturnal hunting. The spiral circlesof the orb are fairly widely spaced, giving it a

thin open appearance. This species is commonthroughout the Northern Hemisphere.

L a r i n i o i d e s c o r n u t u s Lar-in-ee-oh-eye-dees cor-nu-tus

male searching for female

-A-ALL OHIO

CrORB

FEMALE:3/8 (10.5mm)

MALE:5/16 (8mm)

24M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



25/80

PHOTOSBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADU

LTSE

ASON

ALITY:LATE-JULYTOLATE-OCTOBER

ORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

Labyrinth orbweavers build a fairly typicalorb web, but with an unusual twist. It createsa tangle of webbing, a complex labyrinth,

directly adjacent to the orb. Then the spiderbuilds a central retreat in the tangle using afolded leaf. This retreat hangs below a centralstrand with a trash line of bits of dead prey,dead leaves, and even egg cases. This is a bitlike the strategy of the trashline orbweaver. Thelabyrinth orbweaver then hides in the retreatholding on to a strand of silk that is attachedto the hub of the capture web. If a prey itemflies into the orb, the struggling vibrations are

passed up the signal line to the waiting spider.She then rushes out and captures the victim.

This spider is common throughout Ohio, evenin suburban yards. The labyrinth web is usuallybuilt where small shrubs and trees provide anappropriate niche.

M e t e p e i r a l a b y r i n t h e a Met-eh-py-ra lab- ih-r in-thee-ah

LABYRINTH ORBWEAVER

female at entrance to retreat

ShSHRUBBERY

CrORB

FEMALE:1/4 (5.9mm)

MALE:3/16 (4.3mm)

25M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



26/80

PHOTOBY:DAVEMcSHAFFREY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADUL

TSEA

SONALITY:L

ATE-JULYTONOVEMBERO

RBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

Brightly colored marbled orb weavers rankamong our showiest spiders. Early in thesummer they are pale or yellowish juveniles

with inconspicuous markings. As they mature,the abdomen becomes yellow with a blackmarbled pattern. Some people think themarbling resembles a face. Around Halloween,the maturing females abdomen often becomesbright orange. The appearance of thesebright orange spiders at Halloween oftengenerates comments from observers. Marbledorbweavers feed at night and are usuallyhidden in a folded leaf retreat during the day.

Even while in the retreat, the spider typicallyholds a signal line that is attached to thecapture orb. Their webs are found in understoryshrubs or the low branches of trees, sometimesquite near the ground. Mature orange femalesare conspicuous in late fall as they search for agood spot to place their egg case.

MARBLEd ORBWEAVERA r a n e u s m a r m o r e u s Ah-ran-ee-us mar-mor-ee-us

-A-ALL OHIO

CrORB

FEMALE:3/8 - 3/4 (9 - 19mm)

MALE:1/4 - 3/8 (6 - 9mm)

26M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



27/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADULTS

EASO


ORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

The cephalothorax of this species typically hasthree dark stripes, separated by lighter lines.

This large orbweaver has distinctively banded

legs, the dark bands are often dark brownor black and matching the primary color ofthe head stripes. The abdomen color is quitevariable, sometimes very pale with nearlyindistinguishable white markings. Occasionallythe abdomen is green with white markings, thecolor form that probably gives the species itscommon name. There are some individualswith a red abdomen, also with white markings.In these red individuals the head stripes and

leg bands are also red or maroon in color.Shamrock orbweavers often hide in a retreatduring the day, holding a stout signal line thatis attached to the hub of the orb. If an insecthits the web, the spider feels the vibrationsof the struggling prey through the signal lineand rushes out to capture it. The abdomens ofsome gravid females can swell to the size of aripe cranberry.

SHAMROcK ORBWEAVERA r a n e u s t r i f o l i u m Ah-ran-ee-us tr i - fol-ee-um

-A-ALL OHIO

CrORB

FEMALE:3/8 - 3/4 (9 - 19mm)

MALE:1/8 - 1/4 (4 - 6mm)

27M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



28/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADULTS

EASO


ORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

This spider is infamous for building its websacross trails in the woods. Frequently the web isnot noticed until an unsuspecting hiker comes

face-to-face with the spider, or walks throughthe web and finds the spider crawling on them.Fortunately these spiders, like all members ofthis group, are reluclant to bite humans. Theirodd spiky appearance does generate plenty ofcommentary. Presumably the relatively hardand spiny abdomen helps to protect thesediurnal spiders from bird predators. The webshave very small spacing between the circularorb threads, indicating that they capture

relatively small prey. In Ohio we find the blackand white color form, while in other parts of thecountry the body can be yellow or brown.

M i c r a t h e n a g r a c i l i s My-kra-thee-na gras- i l - i s s

SPINEd MIcRATHENA

FoFORESTS

CrORB

FEMALE:1/4 - 3/8 (7 - 10mm)

MALE:1/8 (4 - 5mm)

28M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



29/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADUL

TSEAS

ONALITY:MID-MAYTOSEPTEMBER

ORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

There are two similar species referred to asthe trashline orbweaver, differing mainly indetails of thier reproductive structures. The

most obvious difference is that the speciestreated here has two little humps on the widepart of the abdomen at the base of the thinpart. These spiders are relatively small, growingto just over inch in length, and they are verycommon in Ohio. The web is a beautiful orbwith a very fine concentric circular pattern.

The most distinctive feature is a vertical line oftrash made up of crumpled leaves and preyremains as well as an occasional egg case. The

spider often hides in this line of debris and isalmost perfectly camouflaged. If disturbed,they sometimes shake the web violentlymaking it blurry and difficult to focus on. Thisresponse to threats may help to deter would-be predators.

TRASHLINE ORBWEAVERC y c l o s a t u r b i n a t a

Sy-clo-sa ter-bin-ate-ah

female hanging

in trashline

-A-ALL OHIO

CrORB

FEMALE:1/4 (6mm)

MALE:1/8 (3mm)

29M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



30/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADUL

TSEAS

ONALITY:AUGUSTTONOVEMBER

ORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

The yellow, white or cream-colored triangularmark on the abdomen gives this species adistinctive appearance. Even though the

color of the spider can be black, brown, orred, the presence of the pale triangular markis distinctive. Triangle-bearing orbweaversare found in their webs during the daytimeas well as at night. They hang in their webswith their head upwards. This is quite unusualamong spiders, most of whom hang headdown. Individuals with all of the various colorcombinations have occasionally been found inclose proximity.

Ve r r u c o s a a r e n a t a Vair-yu-ko-sa ar-en-ate-ah

TRIANGLE-BEARING ORBWEAVER

this is one of few spiders that hang with head up

-A-ALL OHIO

CrORB

FEMALE:1/4 - 3/8 (8 - 9mm)

MALE:1/8 - 1/4 (5 - 6mm)

30M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



31/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADULT

SEASONA

LITY:JULYTOOCTOBERORBWEA

VE

RS

ARANEI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

This species is a larger cousin of the arabesqueorbweaver. They too often build orbs nearhouses. Variable orbweavers are much larger

than arabesque orbweavers, as are theirwebs. The webs can stretch across a broadporch entrance, and cause considerableconsternation to homeowners. However, thespiders are harmless unless you are a moth, ofwhich they catch plenty. The widely-spacedsticky spiral threads are instrumental in thecapture of relatively large prey. Color variationin this species is remarkable. Some are ratherplain, with only faint banding on the legs and

solid tan abdomens. Others show a seriesof dramatic contrasting markings on theabdomen. These include a pale band up thecenter and lateral light bands near the frontforming a cross-shaped mark, hence the namecruciferawhich means bearing a cross.

Dark-marked forms also have much moredistinctive banding on the legs. Variableorbweavers are nocturnal. They re-build theirwebs at dusk, often near lighted windows or

patios, and hide nearby, such as under a shingle,during the day.

N e o s c o n a c r u c i f e r a Nee-oh-sko-na kroo-s i f -er-ah

VARIABLE ORBWEAVERunmarked form

cross-bearing form

StSTRUCTURES

CrORB

FEMALE:1/4 - 3/4 (8 - 20mm)

MALE:1/8 - 5/8 (4 - 15mm)

31M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



32/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADUL

TSEAS

ONALITY:MAYTONOVEMBER

GROUND

SAC

-SPI D

E RS

CORIN

NI D

AE

FAM

I LY

The banded sac spider is a member of a groupof spiders that resemble ants. They are activeduring the day and are sometimes found

running in open areas, often on trails. Theyoccasionally enhance their mimicry of ants bymoving in a similar way, darting and dashing inshort bursts. When they stop they wave theirfront legs, similar to the antennae of ants. Thesespiders are about the size of large carpenterants (~ inch long). Why mimic ants? Onereason is that many predators avoid eatingants. Ants can be foul tasting and they defendthemselves by secreting formic acid. Also, some

ant species can sting. By resembling an ant,the ant-like sac spiders gain some measure ofprotection from predators that are fooled intothinking the spider packs a potent sting.

BANdEd SAc SPIdERC a s t i a n e i r a l o n g i p a l p a

Kas-te-an-eye-ra long-ih-palp-ah

female running on ground

-A-ALL OHIO

ReRETREAT

FEMALE:1/2 - 7/8 (13-22mm)

MALE:1/2 - 7/8 (13-22mm)

FEMALE:1/4 - 3/8 (5 - 10mm)

MALE:1/4 - 3/8 (5 - 8mm)

32M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



33/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADUL

TSEA

SONAL

ITY:LATE-AUGUSTTOLATE-OCTO

BERG

ROUND

SAC

-SPI D

E RS

CORIN

NI D

AE

FAM

I LY

Bull-headed sac spiders have a bad reputationfor hiding in gloves. When the owner plungestheir hand into the glove the spider bites. They

are not particularly aggressive, but bite in selfdefense as they are about to be crushed. Thebite is said to be quite painful; however there donot seem to be lasting medical consequences.

These spiders have been reported from housesand garages, as well as under rocks or the loosebark of trees in woods. Their color patternresembles another species that is known to biteon occasion, the woodlouse spider. The darkred or rust-colored cephalothorax contrasts

with the pale cream-colored abdomen. Unlikethe six-eyed woodlouse spider, the bull-headedsac spider has eight eyes.

BULL-HEAdEd SAc SPIdERT r a c h e l a s t r a n q u i l l u s

Tra-kel-as tran-qui l -us

female guarding egg case

-A-ALL OHIO

ReRETREAT

FEMALE:1/3 (8.4mm)

MALE:1/4 (6.1mm)

33M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



34/80

PHOTOBY:TIMDANIEL

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADULT

SEASONA

LITY:MAYTOOCTOBERW

OODLO

USE

SPI D

E RS

DYSDERI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

The unusually large jaws and fangs ofwoodlouse spiders give them a fearsomeappearance. In reality, like the bull-headed sac

spider, these spiders only bite when threatened.And, like the previous species, woodlousespider bites are unlikely to cause significantmedical consequences. The heavy jaws areactually an adaptation for feeding on pillbugsor rolly-pollies also known as woodlice. Thesecommon crustaceans have hard exoskeletonsand roll up into a ball when attacked. The heavy

jaws of the woodlouse spider evidently help itto penetrate the pillbugs defenses. Woodlouse

spiders are often found near foundationsaround houses, in damp cellars and basementsor under rocks. Perhaps because of the largescary fangs, or maybe because these spiderspossess only six eyes, they are occasionallyconfused with the recluse. However, reclusesare much smaller, dull brown in color, and havetiny fangs.

WOOdLOUSE SPIdERD y s d e r a c r o c a t a

Dis -der-ah kro-kay-ta

female showing large fangs

StSTRUCTURES

ReRETREAT

FEMALE:3/8 - 5/8 (11 - 15mm)

MALE:3/8 (9 - 10mm)

34M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



35/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADULTS

EASON

ALITY:ANYMONTHOFTHEYEARG

ROUN

DS

PID

ER S

GNAPHO

SI D

AE

FAM

I LY

This distinctive spider is often associatedwith human-built structures. It is a memberof the ground spider family, characterized

by relatively long and divergent cylindricalspinnerets. The overall dark slate or black bodycoloration with the distinctive white markingon the top of the abdomen are reminiscent ofa parsons clerical dark robe and white cravat.

They are sometimes found on the floor inbuildings, often in dark places. Outdoors theyare most frequently encountered under rocks.

This is one of the most commonly reportedspiders in houses. The Ohio Spider Survey has

received 54 specimens from homeowners. Theparson spider is a species of ground spider,family Gnaphosidae. The ground spiders area group which possesses really weird-shapedposterior median eyes. For years, scientistshave wondered about these eyes. It has nowbeen shown that these spiders have the abilityto sense polarized light and can use this senseto navigate back to their hiding place.

PARSON SPIdERH e r p y l l u s e c c l e s i a s t i c u s

Her-pi l -us ek-klee-see-as-t ih-kus

StSTRUCTURES

ReRETREAT

FEMALE:3/8 - 1/2 (8 - 13mm)

MALE:1/16 - 1/8 (2 - 5mm)

35M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



36/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADUL

TSEAS

ONALITY:LATE-MAYTOOCTOBER

SHEETW

EB

WE

AVE R S

LIN

YPHI IDAE

FA

MIL

Y

This spider belongs to the sheet-weaver family.The members of this family hang below theirsheet-like webs and capture prey that land on

the sheet by biting through the sheet itself.Bowl and doily spiders build a curved sheetthat resembles a bowl. In addition to the bowl,the spider constructs a thin flat sheet under thebowl, referred to as the doily. This is a referenceto the common habit, years ago, of placingbowls on cloth or crochet doilies. The spideralso spins a tangle of non-sticky threads in thespace above the bowl. These may act as knock-down lines. When an insect flies into the area

over the bowl, it hits one of these strands andis knocked into the bowl where the spideris waiting (hanging underneath). Bowl anddoily spiders are quite common in both openfields and woodland edges. They are foundin suburban and even urban backyards. Thespider is quite small; a large female might growto just over 1/8 inch (3-4mm) in size.

BOWL ANd dOILY SPIdERF ront ine l la commun i s

Fron-t in-el-ah com-u-nis

web showing bowl (top) and doily (bottom)

-A-ALL OHIO

ShSHEET


MALE:1/8 (3 - 4mm)

36M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB



37/80

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ADULTS

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AVE R S

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YPHI IDAE

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Filmy dome spiders build a curved dome-shaped sheet web, suggestive of a bowl anddoily spider web. Unless it is very dewy, the

web is often inconspicuous. When it is visible,the spider can be seen hanging under themiddle of the web at the apex of the dome.If a prey item strikes the web, the spider willbite through the webbing from below. Thereis sometimes a tangle web associated with thisweb, either above or both above and belowthe dome. The filmy dome spider is small, andshows a few light-colored bands of yellow andwhite on the abdomen. There is a distinctive

pale margin to the cephalothorax. During earlysummer it is not uncommon to find a male ina nearby web, or even sharing the web of thefemale. This species has often been found inwoods and forests or forest edges, and can bequite abundant.

Ner iene rad iat aNer-ee-nee rad-ee-ate-ah

FILMY dOME SPIdER

male (above) mating with female

FoFORESTS

ShSHEET

FEMALE:1/4 (5.7mm)

MALE:1/5 (4.4mm)

37M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


A Oc S E


38/80

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BRADLEY

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Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADUL

TSEASO

NALITY:MID-APRILTOJULYS

HEETW

EB

WE

AVE R S

LIN

YPHI IDAE

FA

MIL

Y

The hammock spider hangs her hammock-shaped web from several attachment pointsin low understory vegetation in wooded areas.

The spider either rests under the web or in aloose retreat near the edge of the web. This isone of our largest sheet-weaving spiders, withadult females reaching nearly inch in length(7-8 mm). The spider is pale with a distinctivedark mark down the back of the abdomen thatlooks like a series of triangular marks stackedtogether. There are also dark bands on thelegs and a dark Y-shaped mark on the top ofthe cephalothorax. The split portion of the Y is

near the eyes at the front. These spiders maysurvive the winter as adults or subadults, sothat webs with large spiders are found duringthe early spring.

HAMMOcK SPIdERP i t y o h y p h a n t e s c o s t a t u s

Pit-ee-oh-hy-fan-tees kos-tate-us

web, which clearly shows the originof the spiders name

FoFORESTS

ShSHEET

FEMALE:1/8 5/16(4 - 8mm)

MALE:1/8 - 1/4 (4 - 6mm)

38M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


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NFEB


ScARLET SHEETWEAVER


39/80

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ADUL

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ONALITY:AUGUSTTOSEPTEMBER

SHEETW

EB

WE

AVE R S

LIN

YPHI IDAE

FA

MIL

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Wet, unkempt, grassy areas in southern Ohioare the places to look for scarlet sheetweavers.

They build sheet webs that may be 3-7 inches in

diameter. The webs, and even the small brightreddish-orange spiders can be easy to misson a dry day. On a dewy morning their websstand out against the green grass, and they canbe remarkably common in some areas. Thefemale has a prominent point at the back ofher abdomen that is colored black. The areaaround the eyes and the base of the spinneretsis black. Otherwise the spider is one of themost brilliantly colored animals in Ohio. Like

most sheetweavers, the spider hangs under thecenter of the web. When prey land on the webthe spider lunges through to bite and subduethe victim. It then pulls its prey through theweb and feeds on it. The males are also verybrightly colored and can sometimes be foundwith the females during the late summer. If youwant to get a good look at this spider, approachcarefully. When disturbed the spiders drop fromtheir web and disappear quickly into the debris

on the ground. This species is common in thesouthern states, but in Ohio it occurs mostly inthe southern unglaciated region.

ScARLET SHEETWEAVERF l o r i n d a c o c c i n e a

F lor- in-dah cox- in-ee-ah

female on a dew-covered web

FEMALE:1/2 - 7/8 (13-22mm)

MALE:1/2 - 7/8 (13-22mm)

FEMALE:3/16 (3.5mm)

MALE:1/8 (3mm)

GrGRASSLAND

ShSHEET

39M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


BURROWING WOLF SPIdER


40/80

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ADULTS

EASO

NALITY:EAR

LY-JULYTOMID-SEPTEMBER

WOLF

SPID

ERS

LYCOSI D

AE

FA

MI L

Y

The burrows of this large wolf spider havebeen found in sandy soils throughout thestate. There are other species of burrowing

wolf spiders in Ohio, but this species may bethe most common. The burrow entrance hasa silk lining that extends only a short distanceabove the ground surface and is usually leftopen. Other burrowing wolf spiders in Ohiobuild an extension of silk with bits of sand anddead leaves forming a turret. Some speciesclose the burrow when they are not active. Thespider stays about one foot (30 cm) below thesurface during the day. At night they come

up and wait just inside the burrow entrance. Ifsuitable potential prey passes by, for examplea cricket, the spider lunges out, grabs it, andrapidly retreats into the burrow to consume itsmeal. During late summer the males wanderfrom their burrows in search of females.

G e o l y c o s a m i s s o u r i e n s i s Jee-o- ly-ko-sa miz-er-ee-en-s is

BURROWING WOLF SPIdER

female at burrow entrance

-A-ALL OHIO

ReRETREAT

FEMALE:3/4 - 7/8 (18 - 22mm)

MALE:1/2 - 7/8 (14 - 22mm)

40M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


FIELd WOLF SPIdER f l t t b


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BRADLEY

PHOTOB

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ADULTS

EASON


WOLF

SPID

ERS

LYCOSI D

AE

FA

MI L

Y

This species is an important predator inagricultural fields in Ohio, and can be extremelycommon. In late autumn, the subadults as

well as a few surviving adults wander intowooded areas. There, they may spend thewinter under rocks or logs. Field wolf spidersalso often wander into buildings at this timeof year. For a relatively large spider, with abody length approaching inch (21mm),it seems remarkable that they enter houseseasily. Apparently they can squeeze underdoors or through small cracks. Because of theirlarge size, they inspire considerable fear when

discovered indoors. This fear is not justified,as they rarely bite, and only if provoked. Thebite is not considered dangerous. The verynarrow pale yellow line up the center of thedark brown carapace, continuing between theeyes, is distinctive. Females carrying white eggcases, or broods of young riding on their backs,are sometimes seen during the spring. Fieldwolf spiders may retreat into cracks in the soilor build shallow burrows, which usually lack

much of a silk lining that is characteristic oflarger burrowing wolf spiders.

H o g n a h e l l u o Hog-na hel-u-oh

FIELd WOLF SPIdERfemale at temporary burrow

GrGRASSLAND

-N-NONE

FEMALE:3/4 (20mm)

MALE:7/16 (11mm)

41M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


BRUSH LEGGEd WOLF SPIdER


42/80

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BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADU

LTSEA

SONALITY

:LATE-APRILTOLATE-AUGUSTW

OLF

SPID

ERS

LYCOSI D

AE

FA

MI L

Y

These medium-sized (~1/2 inch) wolf spiders arevery common in deciduous forests throughoutOhio. They can also be found in more open

habitats. The males bear conspicuous blackhairy tufts on their front legs which theyemploy in an elaborate courtship display. Thefemales are not as conspicuously colored asthe males. These wolf spiders are active bothday and night in the warm seasons of the year.As this species is easily found and because ofthe dramatic courtship, forest wolf spidershave been heavily studied. Numerous scientificstudies have been published on its behavior

and ecology.

S c h i z o c o s a o c r e a t a Sciz-o-ko-sa oh-kre-ate-ah

BRUSH-LEGGEd WOLF SPIdER

male showing brush-tipped legs

FoFORESTS

-N-NONE

FEMALE:3/8 - 1/2 (10 - 13mm)

MALE:3/8 (10 - 11mm)

42M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


PIRATE WOLF SPIdER


43/80

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ADUL

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ONALITY: MAYTOLATE-AUGUSTW

OLF

SPID

ERS

LYCOSI D

AE

FA

MI L

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These are our smallest wolf spiders, and canbe abundant in fields and lawns. This speciesis one of eleven members of its genus in Ohio.

On close inspection with a magnifying glass,a brown tuning fork-shaped pattern can beseen on the carapace of the members of thegenus Pirata. A few of the larger species ofthis genus are similar in size to wolf spiders inthe genus Pardosa. Pirate wolf spiders are tiny;mature females may only be 1/8-inch (


44/80

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The striped wolf spider has also been calledthe rabid wolf spider. This is one of two similarwolf spiders with a tan body marked with

longitudinal dark brown stripes. They grow toa relatively large size (~1 inches long) andprey on a variety of insects including crickets.Striped wolf spiders are found in sites with tallgrass. The males have distinctive dark brown orblack front legs. Like all wolf spiders the femalecarries the egg sac attached to her spinnerets.When the young emerge, they climb on herback and stay with her for a week or more andthen disperse. Most of our larger wolf spiders

hunt primarily at night. This species can also befound hunting during the day.

R a b i d o s a r a b i d a Rab-ih-dos-ah rab- ih-da

STRIPEd WOLF SPIdER

closeup of females face

GrGRASSLAND

-N-NONE

FEMALE:4/5 (21mm)

MALE:1/2 (13mm)

44M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


THIN LEGGEd WOLF SPIdER


45/80

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BRADLEY

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Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADUL

TSEAS

ONALITY:APRILTOSEPTEMBERW

OLF

SPID

ERS

LYCOSI D

AE

FA

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This small wolf spider is common in agriculturalfields, open areas, and lawns. They can also befound in large numbers in humid habitats near

streams or ponds. Thin-legged wolf spidersare part of a large group of similar species inthe genus Pardosa. Nine species have beencollected in Ohio. The males have dark palpswhich they wave while they search for females.Courtship involves a combination of bothvisual and acoustical signals. This species isintermediate in size between field wolf spidersand pirate wolf spiders. Like the brush-leggedwolf spider, this species has frequently been

the subject of scientific studies. For example arecent study at Ohio State University by RyanBell has demonstrated that they are quitevulnerable during droughts. This may explainwhy they are usually found near wet areas infields or the edges of ponds or streams.

THIN-LEGGEd WOLF SPIdERP a r d o s a m i l v i n a

Par-do-sa mil-vee-na

female carrying egg sac

GrGRASSLAND

-N-NONE

FEMALE:1/4 - 3/8 (5 - 10mm)

MALE:1/8 - 3/8 (4 - 10mm)

45M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


YELLOW SAc SPIdER


46/80

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BRADLEY

PHOTOB

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ADUL

TSEA

SONALITY:JANUARYTONOVEMBER

PROW

LIN

GSP

IDE R S

MIT

URGI D

AE

FA

MIL

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This species was introduced, probably fromEurope. It is more common than our nativespecies, Cheiracanthium inclusum. This is

probably because the yellow sac spider hasadapted well to human-associated habitatssuch as buildings and gardens. In buildings, thisspecies is active at night. It is a swift-runninghunter that supplements its diet with plantnectar as an energy source. There are a fewcases of bites that have caused some medicalproblems (slow healing wounds). The specificsof these situations are not well documented.Most likely, people roll over and accidentally

crush the spider while sleeping. This causesthe spider to bite in defense. Sometimes thespiders hide in clothing and defensive bitesmay occur when the piece of clothing is puton. Casual handling of dozens of individualsduring the spider survey has never resultedin a bite, even when they accidentally runacross surveyors arms or hands. During theday yellow sac spiders have often been foundin the corners of walls, between the wall and

ceiling or other similar edges. They are usuallyinactive at this time, resting in a transparent

YELLOW SAc SPIdER

silk cocoon. They are very pale greenish oryellowish in color, and appear white against adark background.

C h e i r a c a n t h i u m m i l d e i Ky-ra-can-thee-um mi l-dee-eye

female in diurnal retreat

StSTRUCTURES

ReRETREAT


MALE:1/4 (6 - 7mm)

46M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


STRIPEd LYNX SPIdER


47/80

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PHOTOB

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ADUL

TSEAS

ONALITY: MAYTOLATE-AUGUSTL

YNX

SPID

ERS

OXYOPI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

Lynx spiders are active daytime hunters in fieldsor tall grass. They seek small prey and grapplewith victims using their very spiny legs. They

are adept jumpers. Lynx spiders are among themost common spiders found in sweep samplesof field habitats, particularly prairies. We havetwo species in Ohio, this one being the mostcommon. On close inspection, the striped lynxhas thin black stripes along the front of the legsand on the face from the eyes to the fangs. Theyhave a distinctive arrangement of their eightsmall eyes, six of which form a slightly flattenedhexagonal shape. The eyes are relatively small

but these spiders evidently have good visionwhich they rely on while hunting. The maleswave their legs and palps as a visual displayduring courtship.

STRIPEd LYNX SPIdERO x y o p e s s a l t i c u s Ox-ee-oh-pees salt- ih-kus

GrGRASSLAND

ReRETREAT

FEMALE:1/4 - 3/8 (7 - 10mm)

MALE:3/16 (4mm)

47M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


cOMMON cRAB SPIdER


48/80

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BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:BOBKLIPS

ADULTS

EASON

ALITY:EARLY-APRILTOOCTOBER

RUNNI N

GCRA

BS

PI D E

RS

PHIL

ODROMID

AE

FAM

ILY

There are 16 species of running crab spidersin Ohio, most of which are in the genusPhilodromus. The specific name of this one,

vulgaris, means common which it is. Commoncrab spiders are often found near houses. Thisgroup used to be considered as part of thecrab spider family, but are now considereddistinct. Like true crab spiders, they often holdtheir legs in a curved crablike posture when atrest. They are active at night and can run veryrapidly. Their mottled gray coloration is verycryptic against tree bark, and they easily slipinto crevices, aided by their flat body shape.

Common crab spiders are easy to overlookwhen they are not moving. This species hasa distinct band of light color at the end of itsabdomen.

P h i l o d r o m u s v u l g a r i s Fil-o-dro-mus vul-gair- iss

cOMMON cRAB SPIdER

StSTRUCTURES

ReRETREAT

FEMALE:1/4 (6.6mm)

MALE:1/4 (6mm)

48M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


GRASSLANd cRAB SPIdER


49/80

PHOTOBY:RICHARD

BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADUL

TSEAS

ONALITY: MAYTOSEPTEMBER

RUNNI N

GCRA

BS

PI D

ERS

PHIL

ODROMID

AE

FAM

ILY

This long, thin spider is at home in tall grass.They are most often captured by using a sweepnet, but a careful visual search in appropriate

habitat may uncover one. They are ambushhunters, and quite well camouflaged wheninactive. Grassland crab spiders sit with fourlegs extended in front and four behind, allheld parallel to the narrow body. Longitudinalstripes on the body enhance the disguise.Sitting parallel to a blade of dry grass in thecrease, the spider is nearly invisible. Whendisturbed, they are capable of agile leaps andcan run very rapidly.

GRASSLANd cRAB SPIdERT i b e l l u s o b l o n g u s

T ih-bel-us ob- long-us

female in camouflage posture on grass blade

GrGRASSLAND

ReRETREAT

FEMALE:5/16 (8mm)

MALE:1/4 (7mm)

49M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


LONG BOdIEd cELLAR SPIdERfemale with recently hatched spiderlings


50/80

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BRADLEY

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ADULTS

EASON


DA

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EG

S SPI

DE

RS

PHOLCI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

This spider constructs messy tangle webs inbasements and cellars. They are the spidermost likely responsible for the cobwebs often

found in such situations. Long-bodied cellarspiders are one of the most common human-associated spiders in Ohio. They can survivein relatively dry environments and may fastfor many weeks between meals. The eggs areloosely wrapped in a thin silk basket whichthe female holds in her fangs. If, during thisperiod, prey is snared, she will temporarilyleave the eggs hanging in the web and moveto capture and eat the prey. When the eggs

hatch, the tiny spiderlings hang in a tightgroup for a week or two until their first molt.Then they may disperse. The young spiderlingsare so small that they can move through typicalwindow screens. This may be one reason thatthey have colonized most buildings in Ohio.Long-bodied cellar spiders often capture otherspecies of spiders and have been found feedingon large wolf spiders many times their ownweight. When disturbed they sometimes shake

and whirl the web rapidly, creating a blur andrendering themselves briefly invisible.

P h o l c u s p h a l a n g i o i d e s Fol-kus fal-an-jee-oh-eye-dees

LONG-BOdIEd cELLAR SPIdERy p g

female holding egg sac with fangs

StSTRUCTURES

TgTANGLED

FEMALE:1/4 - 3/8 (6 - 9mm)

MALE:1/4 - 3/8 (6 - 9mm)

50M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


cHOcOLATE-BROWN FISHING SPIdERfemale holding egg sac with fangs


51/80

PHOTOBY:DAVEMcSHAFFREY

PHOTOB

Y:STACEYALLEN

ADUL

TSEAS

ONALITY:MAYTOLATE-SEPTEMBER

NURSERY

WEB

SPI D E

RS

PIS

AURI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

Like all members of the fishing spider family(Pisauridae), female chocolate-brown fishingspiders carry their egg case held in the fangs.

Because the sac is large, the spider appears tobe teetering on its tip toes when she walks.Just before the young emerge, the femalebuilds a nursery web and suspends the eggcase within this silk refuge. The nursery webusually consists of a few broad leaves, stitchedtogether with a tangle of threads below. Theleaves provide a roof and some protection fromrainstorms. The tangle provides a relativelysafe environment for the emerging young to

rest before dispersing. The female remainsclose to the nursery. Her presence may protectthe young from parasites or predators.

cHOcOLATE-BROWN FISHING SPIdER

D o l o m e d e s v i t t a t u s Dol-oh-mee-dees vit- tate-us

g gg g

female feeding on monarch caterpillar

WtWETLANDS

-N-NONE

FEMALE:7/8 (23.5mm)

MALE:7/8 (23mm)

51M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


cOMMON FISHING SPIdERfemale holding egg sac with fangs


52/80

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ADUL

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ONALITY:MAYTOLATE-SEPTEMBER

NURSERY

WEB

SPI D E

RS

PIS

AURI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

With a leg span of up to four inches (20 cm),this is one of the largest spiders in Ohio. Theyoccasionally wander into buildings, particularly

those near woods. The discovery of one ofthese huge spiders hanging on a wall ordraped over the edge of a piece of furniturehas caused more than a few people to panic.Despite their formidable appearance, fishingspiders are not considered dangerous tohumans. They can bite if handled carelessly,but the consequences, while painful, are notserious. The spider is not aggressive and willretreat if given that option. Outdoors, they are

most commonly found in moist woods, or nearwell-vegetated streams. At night they hangon vertical surfaces, such as the bark of largetrees or wooden posts. Adults may survive thewinter, so large individuals can be found earlyin the spring.

cOMMON FISHING SPIdERD o l o m e d e s t e n e b r o s u s

Dol-oh-mee-dees ten-eh-bro-sus

g gg g

female resting on tree trunk

WtWETLANDS

-N-NONE

FEMALE:5/8 - 1 (15 - 26mm)

MALE:1/4 - 1/2 (7 - 12mm)

52M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


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NFEB


NURSERY WEB SPIdER


53/80

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BRADLEY

PHOTOB

Y:RICHARDBRADLEY

ADUL

TSEAS

ONALITY:APRILTOLATE-AUGUST

NURSERY

WEB

SPI D E

RS

PIS

AURI D

AE

FA

MIL

Y

The nursery web spider is common throughoutOhio. There are two closely-related but muchrarer species found here as well. Nursery web

spiders typically have a light brown or tancoloration with a darker central band runningthe length of the body. They forage in lowvegetation. When disturbed, they can runvery quickly. This spider is sometimes foundin or near houses, but they are not considereddangerous. The nursery web of this species isusually found relatively close to the ground.It consists of a bent leaf or two leaves woventogether with silk. The amount of silk used is

quite variable, and sometimes the spider spinsa dense white sheet as the nursery roof. Theegg case is placed under this canopy in a loosetangle of threads. When the young emerge,they stay in the protection of the nurseryuntil they are ready to disperse. A number ofobservers have reported that the plant oftenchosen for the nursery web is poison ivy.

P i s a u r i n a m i r a Py-saur-ee-na meer-ah

NURSERY WEB SPIdER

blackberry leaf formed into nursery web

-A-ALL OHIO

-N-NONE

FEMALE:1/2 - 5/8 (12 - 15mm)

MALE:3/8 - 5/8 (9 - 15mm)

53M

AR

APR

MA

Y JU


JA

NFEB


common spiders of ohio field guide

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