Spider identification

The photos below have been copied from "What is this pest" pages.
This page will be continuously revised.
As time permits we will add more and sort the photos by species.
Ant Mimic Spider
Cobweb Spiders       Crab Spiders    Giant House spider       Giant Crab Spiders
Fishing Spiders          Funnel Web        Jumping Spiders         Orb Weaving Spiders
Sac Spiders      Wolf Spiders

Click photos to enlarge

Ant Mimic Spider

1340 Hello, I live in Denton, Texas... I caught this guy crawling up the wall, and had to put him outside. He was quite a fast little guy! Does anyone know him? Thank you! -Cat

This appears to be a red-spotted antmimic spider (Castianeira descripta; Aranae:Corrinidae); sometimes known as a velvet ant mimic spider - see http://canadianarachnology.dyndns.org/data/canada_spiders/images/habitus/Castianeira_descripta.jpg for an image. They are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Cobweb Spiders

1091 This could be Enoplognatha ovata, a highly variable species in the family Theridiidae (cobweb spiders). See http://st.blog.cz/f/foto.blog.cz/obrazky/101589.jpg and http://www.ulg.ac.be/museezoo/ara/agrandi/images/45.jpg for images. It is not dangerous to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1146. This spider is in the family Theridiidae (cobweb/comb-footed spiders); likely in the genus Latrodectus, such as the western black widow (L. hesperus; see http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/insects/bugsfaq/pics/blackwid.jpg ). False black widow/cupboard spiders in the genus Steatoda are similar in overall appearance, but females in this genus usually have a prominent pale transverse band near the front of the abdomen, and no such marking is visible in the photo. Bites from Steatoda can be painful, and bites from at least one species in this genus (S. grossa in Australia) may require medical attention. As a small child, I received a very painful bite from one of these spiders (likely S. borealis) that left a lasting impression. It was a long time before I picked up another spider! Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Crab Spiders

1015 This is a crab spider (family Thomisidae); specifically, the goldenrod crab spider, Misumena vatia - see http://www.zoo.org/educate/fact_sheets/spiders/crab.html). These are ambush hunters that do not spin a capture web. Usually, they are found on flowers that more or less match their own color, which they can change to some degree. They are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Fishing Spiders

1388 Hello, attached is a couple of photos of what I believe to be a Fishing Spider. When my son first found it, we were convinced it must have been a lost Tarantula of some sort. We aren't used to finding hairy spiders in the 4" diameter range. It was found in a 2nd story bedroom in our home in Bracebridge, Ontario. After determining that it was likely a Fishing Spider, we let it go in the woods. We are about 100 meters from the Muskoka river. Is it common for these spiders to enter and live indoors, or did he hitchhike a ride home in our gear while boating?
This is indeed a fishing spider (family Pisauridae) in the genus Dolomedes; see http://canadianarachnology.dyndns.org/data/spiders/19664. They will wander some distance from water in search for prey, so it may not have needed to ‘hitchhike.’ See no. 1386 for a different example of this family. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1389 I live in Chelsea, QC and found this spider on my daughter's stroller. I was just wondering if anyone knows what it is and if it might be harmful. It is about 3 inches in diameter. Leah
Like no. 1388, this is another fishing spider (family Pisauridae) in the genus Dolomedes. It is harmless to humans, although a specimen as large as this one could deliver a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1364 Hello, I noticed a frighteningly large spider outside my home in Athens, Ohio and photographed it. The spider appeared, night after night, for several weeks in the same spot on a cinder block wall. It disappeared for a few days and then reappeared on my porch right in front of my door. This is the largest spider I have ever seen other than those in the Tarantula family. I believe it to be a wolf spider, but I am certainly no expert. I tossed the only thing I had on me, a cigarette butt, next to it to give a representation of the spider’s size. The cigarette butt measures roughly 1.1 inches in length, so obviously this is a large specimen. It appears to be pregnant- can this be? Hope you enjoy the photo. Ian
This could be a fishing/dock/nursery web spider (family Pisauridae). Closely related to wolf spiders (family Lycosidae), they differ in their eye arrangement and in how females carry their egg sac. Nursery web spiders carry their egg with their chelicerae (‘fangs’) - see http://bio-ditrl.sunsite.ualberta.ca/detail/?P_MNO=5143 whereas wolf spiders carry theirs attached to their spinnerets at the end of their abdomen - see http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/31961757. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Funnel Web Spiders

1497 Found this big ugly guy sitting in my tub. He was very quick! Just wondering what he is. Shawn.

This appears to be a male spider in the family Agelenidae (funnel web/grass spiders), likely in the genus Tegenaria (see http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/spidermyth/images/gigantea.jpg for an image). Males in this family often wander quite some distance from their web, and then come to human attention when their wandering results in their accidental entrapment in tubs and the like. In spite of their appearance, they should pose no threat to human health. One species in this genus, the so-called ‘hobo spider’ (Tegenaria agrestis), has been implicated in cases of slow-healing ulcers (necrotic arachnidism) following a bite, but some controversy still exists on this subject. See http://www.xs4all.nl/~ednieuw/Spiders/Agelenidae/Agelenidae.htm for much more information on this group of spiders. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist, Sinks Grove, WV.

1116 This is a male spider in the family Agelenidae (funnel web/grass spiders); likely in the genus Tegenaria. The males often wander far from any web in search of mates. See no. 1069 for another example. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

1069 This appears to be a male funnel-web or grass spider (family Agelenidae); note the prominent spinnerets. The males often are found wandering about away from any web in search of potential mates. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1065 Although the visible spinnerets would seem to place this spider in the family Agelenidae (grass/funnel-web spiders), the shape of the abdomen is more typical of a wolf spider (family Lycosidae), and the protruding spinnerets could be an artifact of swelling subsequent to immersion in water. Unfortunately, one defining character of wolf spiders, namely the enlarged posterior median pair of eyes, cannot be seen in this image. In either case, these spiders generally are considered harmless to humans, although a specimen as large as this one could deliver a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Giant House Spider

1060 I live in South Eastern Alberta. I have several of these spiders in my home. They always seem to come around in mid - August. I would really like to know what this is because I have two small children. I would like to know if they are dangerous. This is a smaller version(size of a quarter) of what I had in my kitchen sink yesterday. It was the size of a loonie. And they move VERY fast. I am not a fan of spiders and these are making me very uncomfortable because of their size. Can somebody help identify it for me? Thanks!
This appears to be a male of the species Tegenaria Gigantea, AKA the Barn Spider or Giant House Spider.
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tegenaria_duellica . It is large, fast, and scary looking, but harmless. The males are seen far more often than the females, as the females tend to stay in nests of silk under objects outside, and the males wander about looking for them. The large 'fist' shaped appendages in front of its front legs are its pedipalps, the spider's version of the penis. It is a close relative of the far more rare Tegenaria Agrestis, AKA the Hobo Spider. Scott S.

Giant Crab Spiders

1140. This is a giant crab spider (family Sparassidae; formerly Heteropodidae), likely in the genus Olios. Also known as huntsman spiders, they are harmless to humans, but large specimens reportedly can deliver a painful bite if mishandled.. See http://www.ag.arizona.edu/urbanipm/spiders/giantcrabspiders.html for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Orb-weaving spiders

1125 These an orb-weaving spiders (family Araneidae); this is a very large and widely distributed family, with all species harmless to humans. There are commonly seen throughout North America in September and October. If you scroll through the pages here, you will see many other examples.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1983 I found the following spider on 9/8/08 in by backyard in Wheatfiled, New York. I believe it is an orb weaving spider but I am not sure. Can you confirm this? The white bulbous part of the body is Slightly smaller than a dime. Feel free to use it on your website. Thanks! Joseph.
This is indeed an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae); likely in the genus Araneus - see http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/34080637 for an example. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1486 Found Four of these spiders by the side of my house. There was a web connected between my house and our neighbors house. They ranged in size from a nickel to bigger than a quarter but not as big as a fifty cent piece. I caught two of them in a container and the bigger one killed the smaller one. I live in Shoreview, MN. Aaron
These are orb-weaving spiders (family Araneidae); possibly in the genus Neoscona - see http://www.samford.edu/schools/artsci/biology/invert04f/photos/Arabesque-Orbweaver--Neosco.jpg and http://www.tenczar.net/midwest/Araneidae/araneid1-1.jpg for images. Several species of these spiders occur in Minnesota; all are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1509 Here's two views of my orb weaver. She/he is somewhat different from those I've been looking at on your wonderful website. This one's shell is about the size of a dime. I found him/her on our sandblasted pine front door late in September 2007 south of Tijeras, NM. By the way, I want to tell you how much I appreciate the pest identification information on your wonderful website. Thank you, Merle and Nancy Elson
As you likely already knew, this is an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae). Specifically, it appears to be Araneus gemmoides, sometimes known as the cat-face spider - see http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/images/catFace6.jpg. It is harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1505 I live outside of Halifax, NS and have found this spider on my deck for the past two days. I was hoping someone could help me to identify it. I was wondering if it's a wolf spider...Steve Prosser
This is an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae) that somehow has wandered away from its web. See nos.1494 and 1495 for other examples. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

This is an orb-weaving spider (family (Araneidae); possibly the so-called cat-face spider, Araneus gemmoides - see

Jumping Spiders

1501 I have checked many identification pages to no avail. This was crawling on our ceiling in St. Catharines, Ontario house on September 22. I believe it bit my daughter's arm. She's OK but it swelled quite a bit and she said it hurt and was itchy. Lynette.

This is a jumping spider (family Salticidae); they are active hunters, having excellent eyesight for spiders
(see http://tolweb.org/accessory/Jumping_Spider_Vision?acc_id=1946 for details). Larger specimens are capable of a painful bite if mishandled, but none are considered dangerous to humans. However, just as with bee stings, some individuals may be more sensitive to the venom than others. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1395. This large spider measured around 1" long. We live in Northeast Washington below the Canadian border. The staples next to the spider measure 1/4". We have never seen a spider like this one in 18 years. Note the hairs on it's legs. Thank you, Ellen

This appears to be a female red-backed jumping spider (Phidippus johnsoni), one of the largest members of its family (Salticidae) in North America (see http://spiderpharm.com/venoms/spp/spi/salticidae/images/phidippus_johnsoni_pop258.JPG for an image). Basically harmless to humans, specimens this large are capable of delivering a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Sac Spiders

1110 Please identify. This small spider (<1cm) came in a plastic container of small tomatoes. Became active when moved from fridge to counter top. Thanks, Dr Patrick M., McMaster University
This could be an immature sac spider (family Clubionidae; see http://www.insectimages.org/images/384x256/1252101.jpg for an image). Some sac spiders have been implicated in causing necrotic, slow-healing bites. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

Widow Spiders

1362 I.D. my spider please. Gabrielle
This appears to be a male widow spider (Latrodectus spp.); note the enlarged pedipalps and the ventral ‘hourglass’marking. Male widow spiders generally are considered harmless to humans (they are capable of biting, but both their fangs and venom glands are much smaller than those of female widow spiders). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Wolf Spiders

1956 Hi, I found this big spider in my kitty's litterbox, and wonder if he is harmful to me or kitty. I live in a rural area of southern Illinois, and carried the box WAY into the backyard and let this guy (girl?) out, so he could live in the barn. I looked all over your site and could not find similar - although some of the ones you ID'd as wolf spiders or fishing spiders may be close... Thanks! Cara
This is a wolf spider (family Lycosidae), likely a so-called ‘rabid wolf spider,’ see http://homepage.mac.com/eceisner/Spiders/rabidwolfm.jpg They are harmless to humans, but large specimens can give a painful nip if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1068 I suspect that this could be a male wolf spider (family Lycosidae; harmless to humans), but I cannot be certain. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1035 This appears to be a female wolf spider (family Lycosidae), but it would be nice to see a frontal view to be certain (the eye placement pattern is characteristic). Female wolf spiders often leave silk ‘draglines’ as they move about, and some also may construct silken retreats, but these usually are at or below ground level. They do not construct nests as such, but females carry their egg sac about with them until the spiderlings emerge. In spite of their appearance, they are harmless to humans; large specimens can deliver a painful bite if mishandled. Some funnel web spiders (family Agelenidae) can reach the size of your specimen, but the females have long spinnerettes at the end of their abdomen that appear to be lacking on yours.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1150. This appears to be a large wolf spider (family Lycosidae). About the only other spiders of that size and general appearance in your area are the fishing/dock/nursery-web spiders in the family Pisauridae, but their eyes are less prominent, and their legs tend to be longer in relation to their body size. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1345 This spider bit my wife this morning in the basement of our house in Pickering Ont.(down near Lake Ontario). Could you please help identifying it and should we worry? Thank you in advance. Rick Proctor

This could be a female wolf spider (family Lycosidae; note lack of visible spinnerettes and reflection of light from large eyes). They often are found indoors, and although larger specimens (such as this one) can deliver a painful bite if mishandled, they are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Male rabid wolf spider doing courtship dance..

http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Pests/catspid.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orb_Weaver

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Some comments from visitors
This site is fascinating! We just finished watching the new David Attenborough series on "Life in the Undergrowth". These creatures you are identifying are very important to life on the planet and I am very happy to have discovered your site after watching the series! Spellbinding! thank you.... Beth I'd like to add my sincere thanks to everyone responsible for this very informative web site, especially Ed Saugstad. Publishing 1000 pest photos and identifying them must have taken many hours. I recommend this site to all my students as a reliable learning resource. Charles McD. Toronto. Congratulations for having received question #1000, and I'd also like to join the previous readers in thanking Ed Saugstad for his conscientious work of providing great answers to all questions; I also like this site a lot, I even added it to my browser's toolbar! Best regards, -Peter (Canton, MI) This is a wonderful web-site! I learn something every time I visit, and have even had a couple of our own pests identified by your resident experts (including the weevil, #989 which is presently visiting our home, in northern Alberta) :) What I really want is to send a big thank-you to Ed Saugstad for the frequent responses and very helpful information, including web-links, for the many "bugs" that appear on these pages. He clearly loves what he is doing, and we are all beneficiaries of his beneficence. Thank you, Ed! Ted Drouin, retired biologist (not entomologist, though) Thanks to Ted Drouin and others for the kind words - this actually is fun, and teaches me how little I really know! Ed Saugstad I do some photography of various critters found around my house (central Okanagan, BC) as well as exotics from private collections. Often I have pictures I cannot complete as I have no name. Your site helps me find these names. Keep up the good work. John Whittall http://www.members.shaw.ca/jbc100/

A little background on a volunteer expert respondent:
Ed Saugstad. B.S. in Entomology - NDSU, 1963. M.S. in Entomology - Purdue University, 1967
A life-long interest in natural history. Formally trained in entomology, he also has a personal interest in herpetology and has read widely in many biological fields. He is a member of Entomological Society of America, Society for Vector Ecology & National Speleological Society.

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