New Jersey is home to over 500 species of spiders though only a fraction of those are commonly encountered by residents. While many people fear spiders these arachnids play an important role in controlling insect populations and are mostly harmless to humans. This article will highlight some of the most common spider species living in the Garden State.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are very common in New Jersey and can be found in virtually any habitat. There are many different wolf spider species, but they can be identified by their fuzzy appearance and swift hunting skills. Wolf spiders don’t spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they rely on camouflage and their quick speed to ambush passing insects. They may deliver a painful bite if threatened, but their venom is not medically significant to humans.
Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders, also called daddy longlegs, are frequent invaders of New Jersey homes and buildings. These spiders have long, spindly legs and small, peanut-shaped bodies. Some species have 8 eyes while others have 6. Cellar spiders build messy looking webs in corners and prey on small insects. An interesting behavior they exhibit when disturbed is rapid vibration, presumably to startle predators. Their venom is essentially harmless to people.
Jumping Spiders
Several jumping spider species, like the daring jumping spider and tan jumping spider, reside in New Jersey As their name suggests, jumping spiders can leap several times their body length to ambush insect prey or evade predators They have excellent vision provided by their large front eyes. Jumping spiders don’t spin webs to catch food. While they can deliver a nip in self-defense, their bites are not dangerous.
Orb Weavers
Orb weaver spiders like the orchard orbweaver, marbled orbweaver, and banded garden spider all spin characteristic web wheels with silk. The orb webs allow the spider to ensnare flying insects. Most orb weavers found in New Jersey have colorful abdomens with intricate patterns. Females are noticeably bigger than males. If disturbed, these spiders may bite but aren’t venomous to people.
Sac Spiders
Sac spiders, including the northern yellow sac spider, don’t build webs to catch prey. Instead, they wander and hunt insects at night. During the day, they hide in silken retreats called sacs – hence their name. The northern yellow sac spider is one species that enjoys living in human homes. They will bite humans without provocation, though their venom typically only causes a mild reaction.
Fishing Spiders
New Jersey wetlands are home to several species of large fishing spiders. They can run across the water’s surface and also hunt underwater. Some even catch small fish and tadpoles. Fishing spiders vary in color but often have dark blotches or stripes on their body and legs. They don’t build webs to capture prey. While fishing spiders appear intimidating due to their size, they are not aggressive and rarely bite people.
Crab Spiders
Crab spiders ambush prey rather than spinning webs. They patiently wait in a concealed spot until an unsuspecting insect comes along. Then they use their long front legs to grasp the prey. Crab spiders are often found hunkered down inside flowers. They can be difficult to spot due to their excellent camouflage abilities that help them blend in. There are many different crab spiders found in New Jersey that range in color from white to yellow to green.
Black Widow Spiders
The notorious black widow spider unfortunately calls New Jersey home. Black widows are shiny black with a red hourglass shape on the underside of their large abdomen. Female black widows have potent venom that can cause severe reactions in humans, though fatalities are rare. These spiders aren’t aggressive, but may bite if their web is disturbed.
Harvestmen
Harvestmen, also known as daddy longlegs, are a familiar sight in New Jersey yards and gardens. Unlike true spiders, harvestmen only have one body segment and just two eyes. They also don’t bite or posses venom glands. Their long legs help them navigate vegetation as they search for small insects and fungi to eat. Harvestmen are harmless to humans.
While the spiders in New Jersey range from tiny to large, brightly colored to drab, the vast majority are not dangerous. They play an important ecological role in keeping insect pest populations in check. Understanding their variety and behaviors can help ease fear and promote appreciation for these fascinating creatures.
Common Spiders Found In New Jersey
An innocent orb-weaver doesn’t hold the power to paralyze you like the black widow or the brown recluse. Still, people kill spiders unnecessarily, so you must know which ones need to go and which ones are safe to have around.
While any infestation of a spider is cause for concern, there’s no need to kill those living in their natural habitat, not bothering a soul. Here are the 11 most common spiders we find in the Garden State.
You’ve probably encountered the American grass spider dozens of times but never knew the proper name. They’re of the larger size, with their bodies getting up to 20 mm. You’ll notice them instantly due to their bizarre arrangement of eyes. These common spiders have eight eyes altogether, and these peepers are categorized into three distinct rows. The first row of eyes has two, the middle section of eyes has four, and on the bottom tier, they have another two. These spiders are primarily brown with a darker pair of bands that run longitude on their eight legs. However, you might see some color variations of yellowish-brown in the mix. They have two spinnerets they use to make their webs, and they’re pretty prominent in their rear section. The bands on their legs also are pretty visible, making them easier to identify. If they should bite you, the venom they release won’t be toxic to humans. However, their prey is paralyzed with one puncture, and they succumb to their web of torture.
The hackle-mesh weaver is a common spider that won’t typically come into the home, as they prefer to be outside in a woodpile or under leaf litter. You may even spot them if you lift a stone in your yard. These are woodland creatures, and they love the dark and damp conditions they find outside. Hecklemesh Weavers can make their way into your home through your cellar or basement during the moist fall and winter months. These spiders show no aggression toward humans and lack venom. The negative attention these spiders receive is because they look similar to the brown recluse. The dark ‘violin’ silhouette they have on their bodies is the difference. You won’t wonder or awe at the webs they design, as they often lack symmetry and intrigue.
You can identify this arachnid by its color, any variations of red to brown, and the hair covering its body. The average size of these spiders is 6mm to 11mm, and they’re known for their large, bubbled hind side.
Sometimes called the banana spider, these yellow garden arachnids are fascinating. They’re quite large, getting up to one inch in size. The female is always more prominent than the males, sometimes by three times. These creatures are master web weavers, and their circular web is done to perfection. This is because they have a claw on each foot that helps them to make these tricky designs. While you’ll notice the bright yellow on them, the spider’s base is reddish-brown to black. The female is more colorful than the male, but both are pretty striking. Though the yellow garden spider does produce venom, it won’t harm you. However, they use it to help capture their prey.
By their sheer size, they can eat bees as well as all the other common insects. An amazing fact about this spider is that they create a zigzag pattern throughout their webs to ensure birds see it.
They want larger animals to see and avoid this area where they’ve worked so hard. If this spider gets bored or wants to change the decoration, they may eat the web and spend the entire night re-spinning another one with a different design.
The parson spider is a ground hunter and common spider that makes webs to capture its prey on the ground. They like to come out at night when they can be least noticeable, and they hide under stones, boards, and leaves to do their hunting. They will come into your home during the fall months seeking shelter from the elements, but otherwise, you shouldn’t see them inside much. The presence of this spider is so vast that it’s become an epidemic in the northern part of the country and Canada. They get their name from the bizarre abdominal markings, which are said to resemble an old-fashioned clerical collar worn back in the 18th century. They’re actually two spiders in one, as there are the Eastern and Western Parson Spiders, which many don’t differentiate. You probably won’t tangle with one of these spiders as they come out at night, but if you do, their bite will be painful but harmless. You can identify them by their larger size, up to a half-inch, and their dark brown or black color with the white collar-like shape on the back. They have hair on them, which makes them a hairy spider that looks more ominous.
Another member of the orb family is the cross-orb weaver. Their legs are quite powerful and able to help them spin beautiful webs with ease. Females are the larger of the species, and they can get up to 20 mm in length. Males only get up to about 13 mm. The colors are quite vast as they can be anywhere from yellow to gray. One of the most common things to help you identify this arachnid is the cross mark that appears on the dorsal abdomen. These are other fascinating spiders, as they create silky webs that are vast and complex in design. Scientists have found webs that get up to 40 cm, which is substantial for such a small creature. The cross orb can bite you, but it won’t be dangerous.
However, it won’t be a pleasant experience. Due to their larger size, they can pack a powerful punch should you tussle.
Wolf spiders are common spiders in New Jersey, and you might notice one by the eggs they carry on their back. These arachnids are known for having excellent eyesight due to the eight eyes they possess. You won’t miss this one, as they can grow to a massive two inches in length. They get their name from the wolf in the wild, as they’re pretty hairy. You will find color variations of brown to gray, but the most distinctive feature of them is the Union Jack mark on the back. They don’t spin webs as they hunt on the ground, but you may not notice them since they can camouflage their body color. They can pounce on their prey, so they’re quite aggressive. However, they won’t bother you. Should you encounter them, their bite may sting, but it won’t cause any issues.
Which Common Spiders Bite?
Are you afraid of spiders? Does the very sight of them make your spine tingle as cold chills run up and down your back? Perhaps your hair might even stand on end when one is in the room, but did you know that your spider fears could be genetically linked? Research has proven that you might be so against spiders due to a trauma that occurred in childhood or from your genetic makeup. Whether you like them or not, living in New Jersey means that you’ll, no doubt, encounter a few. Oddly enough, many people call these common spiders insects or bugs, which is incorrect.
They’re actually an arachnid because they have eight jointed legs and two distinct body parts. Another shocking fact is that they’re relatives of the crayfish, which means they’re related to the lobster too. So, they’re no ordinary bug that lingers in your home.
Many people overlook the importance of spiders. Spiders are predators of insects such as mosquitoes, moths, earwigs, cockroaches, and flies. The spider occupying your window is helping you enjoy your porch as it takes care of the other insects around you.
The good thing is that they capture something that can drive you crazy while trying to enjoy the great outdoors. However, not all spiders are created equal, and you must educate yourself.
Identifying Spiders in New Jersey
FAQ
Are there any poisonous spiders in New Jersey?
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These spiders are known for their potent venom, which can cause symptoms like muscle cramps, nausea, and difficulty breathing. While bites are not usually fatal, seeking medical attention is recommended.
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While not native to New Jersey, brown recluse spiders can be found in the state. Their bites can cause tissue damage and require medical attention.
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These spiders are venomous, but their venom is less potent than that of the black widow or brown recluse, and their bites are usually not life-threatening.
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While not native to New Jersey, there are reports that these venomous spiders may be spreading to the Northeast and could potentially reach New Jersey.
What is the most common house spider in New Jersey?
The two most common types of house spiders are the Opiliones arachnids, also known as harvestmen, and the Phocidae, commonly called cellar spiders.
How do I identify a spider I found?
Look at the size of the legs in proportion to the body. Some spiders have long, thin legs (like the yellow sac), while others have stocky, thick legs (like the wolf spider). Some spiders (such as the lynx spider) have tiny hairs on their legs, while others have spikes (such as the funnel spider) or fur.
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