Spiders in North Carolina – An Identification GuideNorth Carolina is home to a diverse range of spider species Learning to identify the most common spiders found in the state can help homeowners know what they may encounter around their property This identification guide covers some of the spiders you’re most likely to see if you live in North Carolina,
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are very common in North Carolina and can be found in virtually any habitat. They are medium-sized, hairy spiders that tend to be brown, grey, black, or tan. Wolf spiders don’t spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they rely on stealth and speed to hunt. While they can bite in self-defense, their venom is not considered dangerous to humans.
Orb Weavers
Orb weaver spiders construct circular webs withpoke holes design to trap flying insects. Some common orb weavers in North Carolina include the banded garden spider, marbled orb weaver, arrowhead orbweaver, and the spotted orbweaver. These spiders are not aggressive, and their bites generally only cause mild reactions in humans. Look for their intricate webs in gardens, woodlands, and on porches.
Jumping SpidersJumping spiders are small hairy spiders that pounce on their prey. They have excellent eyesight and can leap several times their body length to ambush insects. Common jumping spiders found in North Carolina include the daring jumping spider tan jumping spider, and the magnolia green jumping spider. Jumping spiders may bite if handled roughly but are not considered medically significant.
Crab Spiders
As their name implies, crab spiders move sideways and backwards with ease. They do not spin webs. Instead, crab spiders lie in wait on flowers and plants to ambush visiting pollinators. Some crab spiders found in North Carolina include the running crab spider and the white-banded crab spider. Their venom is not dangerous, but their bites can be painful.
Sac SpidersSac spiders get their name from the tube-shaped sacs they build for shelter The southern house spider is one type of sac spider native to North Carolina homes and buildings. Male southern house spiders wander at night which causes them to frequently encounter humans However, their fangs cannot penetrate human skin.
Black Widow Spiders
The southern black widow is one of the most infamous spider species. The adult females are shiny black with a distinctive red hourglass shape on the underside of their large abdomens. Luckily, black widows are not aggressive, and bites rarely occur. But their neurotoxic venom means bites should receive rapid medical care.
Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluse spiders are brownish-yellow in color with darker bodies and legs. A key identifying feature is the dark violin-shaped marking on their heads. Brown recluses build irregular webs in undisturbed areas like attics or cluttered basements. Bites are rare but can cause mild to severe reactions in people. Prompt medical treatment is advised.
Being able to identify the most common spider species is the first step in knowing how to safely coexist with these beneficial predators. Most spiders pose no danger to humans and help control pest insect populations around North Carolina homes and gardens.
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Bug Identifier: Know Your Spiders
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, chances are you know a spider when you see one. Spiders are arachnids, and that means all of them can be identified by a few shared characteristics.
Arachnids can be easily spotted by their eight legs, two body segments, and skin-piercing pinchers. Many also have eight eyes, though some may have as few as two and as many as 12 —and a few species don’t have any eyes at all!
Beyond those traits, though, there can be a lot of variety in the appearance of each, as well as in the level of danger they present to you and your family. It’s important to brush up on your spider identification skills so you can know exactly what kind of pest you’re dealing with, and what, if any, kind of risks they present.
Homegrown | The Amazing Spiders of North Carolina
FAQ
What is the most common spider in North Carolina?
Cellar spiders are one of the most common types of spiders found in the state of North Carolina. They get their name from the fact that they’re often found in dark, damp places like basements and cellars – hence the name “cellar spider.” These spiders are generally harmless to humans and pose no threat.
Are there any poisonous spiders in NC?
In North Carolina, there are few spiders that can inflect serious and painful injuries. The two best-known poisonous spiders found here are the black widow spider and the brown recluse.
What is the largest spider in NC?
The Carolina wolf spider is the largest wolf spider in North America. Adult females can reach 22–35 mm (0.87–1.4 in) and adult males 18–20 mm (0.71–0.79 in).
Are spiders a problem in North Carolina?
Whilst most spider species found in the North Carolina area are considered harmless, and most like the giant house spider, will only bite for example when …
Are there spiders in North Carolina?
It is important to remember that spiders seen in North Carolina are not bound by the territorial lines decided on by humans, therefore their distribution is subject to change. Occasionally, spiders can be found well outside of their known range due to being intentionally or accidentally transported by humans in cars, luggage, and other belongings.
Are brown recluse spiders common in North Carolina?
The hands, underarms, lower abdomen and ankles are the areas of the body most likely to be bitten. Although brown recluse spiders can be found in North Carolina, they are simply not very common. There are several spiders that closely resemble the brown recluse. Misidentification can cause unnecessary fear and anxiety.
What is the largest spider in North Carolina?
The pantropical huntsman spider is one of the largest species to be found in North Carolina, growing to nearly an inch. Wolf spiders are also abundant in the state and are a very large species to come across. The Carolina wolf spider is the largest of all Lycosidae and is also one of the largest spiders in North Carolina.
Are there wolf spiders in North Carolina?
Wolf spiders are one of the most recognizable spiders in North Carolina! They are found everywhere and in almost any habitat. I know that I see them often when flipping over rocks or logs. Unfortunately, there are so many individual species of wolf spiders that it would be impossible to list them here, especially since most look very similar.
How do you know if a spider is in North Carolina?
Most often, these spiders are golden-orange or rusty-red. The legs have alternating dark brown and light brown bands. The abdomen is hairy. These spiders are most often seen in North Carolina in late summer and early fall. Look for their large, orb-shaped web near lights, often constructed on buildings or other man-made objects.
Are green lynx spiders common in North Carolina?
Green Lynx Spider (Peucetia viridans) on a bright pink flower in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA. – Source Green lynx spiders are appreciated for their emerald green coloring, a unique trait found in this species. This spider is most common in the southern United States and can be found in North Carolina.