Orb weaver spiders are some of the most recognizable spiders in gardens, forests, fields, and around homes. They are best known for building the classic round, wheel-shaped webs that many people picture when they think of a spider web. The name “orb weaver” does not refer to one single species. It describes a large group…
Finding a hobo spider in your house can feel alarming, especially if you have heard that this spider is dangerous. The good news is that a hobo spider indoors does not usually mean you are in serious danger. Hobo spiders are shy, fast-moving funnel-web spiders that usually prefer dark, quiet places. They may enter homes…
A huntsman spider can get much bigger than many common house spiders, especially because of its long legs. Most common huntsman spiders have a body length of about 2 centimeters and a leg span up to 15 centimeters, or nearly 6 inches. However, the giant huntsman spider can reach a leg span of up to…
A huntsman spider usually lives for about two years, although lifespan can vary by species, sex, climate, food supply, and whether the spider is wild or captive. Some huntsman spiders may live longer in protected conditions where they avoid predators and have steady food. These large, fast spiders are found in many warm parts of…
Keeping a huntsman spider as a pet is possible, but it is not the best choice for every beginner. Huntsman spiders are fast, nervous, and excellent escape artists. They can be fascinating display animals, especially for experienced invertebrate keepers, but they are not pets you should handle like a tarantula, gecko, or hamster. A pet…
Huntsman spiders look scary because they are large, flat, hairy, and very fast. Many people panic when they see one on a wall, ceiling, car visor, or curtain. But despite their frightening appearance, huntsman spiders are usually not dangerous to humans. They are venomous, like most spiders, but their venom is not considered medically dangerous…
Brown recluse spider eggs are usually hidden inside small silken egg sacs, not left exposed in open spaces. These sacs can be difficult to identify because many house spiders make pale, round egg cases. However, knowing the size, color, texture, location, and timing can help you understand whether you may be dealing with brown recluse…
Brown recluse spiders live mainly in the south-central and Midwestern United States, especially in warm, dry, and undisturbed places. They can survive outdoors under rocks, bark, logs, and debris, but they also adapt well to homes, garages, attics, closets, and storage rooms. Their secretive behavior makes them difficult to notice until one is accidentally disturbed….
Brown recluse spiders are often blamed for mystery bites and brown spiders found indoors, but they are not common throughout Florida. Most brown spiders seen in Florida homes are harmless look-alikes, such as wolf spiders, house spiders, huntsman spiders, or sac spiders. Still, recluse spiders can occasionally be found in limited areas, so learning the…
A brown recluse spider web does not look like the neat round web many people imagine. These spiders make messy, irregular silk in dark, hidden places rather than large open webs for catching flying insects. Their webs are often found in closets, basements, storage boxes, attics, garages, and wall gaps. Knowing what a brown recluse…
