How to Identify the Most Common North American Spider Species
Identify a black widow spider easily by looking at its abdomen: there will be a red hourglass figure on its shiny, black body., Locate common house spiders by their messy, tangled webs.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Identify a black widow spider easily by looking at its abdomen: there will be a red hourglass figure on its shiny
They make webs in corners, most often in attics and cellars.
Observe the size: most common house spiders range in size from .23 to .79” (6 to 20 mm).
Note the color: all common house spiders are brown to brownish-black and have no striking identifying marks, such as an hourglass or violin shape.
Their legs may be a light yellow color with darker rings around the ends and middle joints.
Check to see if they “play dead.” Common house spiders are shy, and are most likely to pretend they are dead if they feel threatened. -
Step 2: black body.
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Step 3: Locate common house spiders by their messy
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Step 4: tangled webs.
Detailed Guide
They make webs in corners, most often in attics and cellars.
Observe the size: most common house spiders range in size from .23 to .79” (6 to 20 mm).
Note the color: all common house spiders are brown to brownish-black and have no striking identifying marks, such as an hourglass or violin shape.
Their legs may be a light yellow color with darker rings around the ends and middle joints.
Check to see if they “play dead.” Common house spiders are shy, and are most likely to pretend they are dead if they feel threatened.
About the Author
Virginia Robinson
Writer and educator with a focus on practical cooking knowledge.
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