Most everyone you meet has a pretty solid feeling when it comes to spiders. They either think they are pretty cool, or they are terrified of them. When you see articles with headlines that read, “The number of flesh-eating spider bites is on the rise in Arkansas,” it’s no wonder people have some level of fear. Let’s look a little closer at the facts and learn more about Arkansas spiders.
A spider is an arachnid in the class of arthropods. We can simplify it a bit and say that spiders have eight legs, fangs used to inject venom and spinnerets that extrude silk, so they can spin a web. The idea of all those legs and venom and getting caught in a web can be quite frightening. Arachnophobia (the extreme/irrational fear of spiders) is one of the world’s most common phobias. But should we be afraid?
Spiders are related to ticks and scorpions and are not in this world without purpose. Yes, you read that right. Spiders are important and not just to scare Little Miss Muffet. Spiders play a pretty important role in our ecosystem.
They are considered predators, and they mainly feed on other insects. Spiders are phenomenal at helping to control cockroaches, flies, moths, fleas and even the dreaded Arkansas mosquito. They also eat other spiders. They are essential to our farmers to control pests and do the same for your backyard garden. Without spiders, other insects would become a huge problem, and while a world without spiders sounds glorious to some, the consequence could be severe issues with insects and other pests.
Arkansas is home to a diverse array of spider species. From tiny jumping spiders to large tarantulas spiders can be found living in forests fields, wetlands, caves, and even in our homes. While a small number of venomous spiders live in the state, most are harmless to humans. Learning to identify and understand the different types of spiders in Arkansas can help shed light on these fascinating creatures that play critical roles as predators in ecosystems.
Common Spider Families in Arkansas
There are over 40,000 known species of spiders in the world, divided into 109 families. Below are some of the most common spider families found in Arkansas
Jumping Spiders (Salticidae) With their large front eyes, jumping spiders have excellent vision and can leap long distances to ambush prey. Some common jumping spiders in Arkansas include zebra spiders gray wall jumpers bold jumpers, and tan jumpers.
Orb Weavers (Araneidae): Orb weavers spin large, circular webs to trap flying insects. Common Arkansas species include garden spiders, spotted orbweavers, and arrowhead orbweavers.
Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae): Wolf spiders actively hunt instead of building webs, sometimes chasing prey over long distances. Rabid wolf spiders and fishing spiders are among the most common in Arkansas.
Ground Spiders (Gnaphosidae): As their name suggests, ground spiders live on the ground, hiding under debris. Parson spiders and ground spiders are frequently seen examples.
Cobweb Spiders (Theridiidae): Known for building messy cobwebs in dark corners, this family includes black widows and common house spiders.
Jumping Spiders account for 25% of spider sightings, Orb Weavers 20%, Wolf Spiders 15%, Ground Spiders 10%, and Cobweb Spiders 5% based on sightings data.
Habitats and Behaviors
Arkansas has diverse ecosystems ranging from mountains and forests to wetlands and grasslands. Different types of spiders can be found living in specific habitats:
-
Forests: Many orb weavers, jumping spiders, and ground spiders live in Arkansas forests. Species like arrowhead orbweavers build webs in shrubs and low branches, while zebra spiders climb tall tree trunks.
-
Fields & Grasslands: Rabid wolf spiders, parson spiders, and ground spiders hunt prey at ground level in open areas. Jumping spiders also live in fields, hiding in low vegetation.
-
Wetlands & Aquatic Habitats: Fishing spiders, nursery web spiders, and dark fishing spiders dwell near the water and even hunt for aquatic insects and small fish.
-
Human Dwellings: House spiders, cobweb spiders, and some jumping spiders live in buildings and structures like sheds, barns, and crawlspaces.
-
Caves: Some spiders like cellar spiders inhabit the dark zones of Arkansas caves. Their long legs help them navigate the terrain.
Spider behaviors also vary between species. Web builders like orb weavers wait for prey to become ensnared in their sticky traps. Jumping spiders and wolf spiders actively pursue their meals. Spiders use venom to subdue prey, but most Arkansas species pose little risk to humans.
Venomous Spiders in Arkansas
While the large majority of spiders in Arkansas are harmless, there are two potentially dangerous species:
Black Widows: The Southern black widow is found throughout Arkansas. Females have a distinctive red hourglass shape on their undersides. They build messy webs in sheltered areas. Though shy, they will bite in self-defense. Their neurotoxic venom can cause severe muscle cramps and pain.
Brown Recluses: Also called “violin spiders” due to markings on their bodies, brown recluses hide in dark places like attics and cellars. They only bite when crushed against skin. Though rare, their hemotoxic venom can cause tissue damage at the wound site. Seek medical attention if bitten.
Black widows account for an estimated 40% of venomous spider bites. Brown recluses account for 60% based on medical data.
While dangerous spiders should be avoided and removed from homes, the vast majority of spiders contribute to healthy ecosystems by preying on pest insects. Learning how to identify local species can replace fear with fascination and appreciation for these diverse arachnids. With over 27 recorded spider species, Arkansas offers plenty of opportunities to observe their behaviors, habitats, and place in our natural world.
Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa)
Key Characteristics:
- Grayish brown to yellowish-brown.
- Sometimes also called a fiddleback spider, they have a dark fiddle-like shape on their cephalothorax.
- Live indoors and outdoors and prefer dry locations.
- It can go long periods without food or water.
- Most active at night.
- Non-aggressive and only bite when provoked or trapped in clothing.
What to do if bitten:
Sometimes bites from a brown recluse can go unnoticed for several hours. The victim will begin to feel localized pain around a bite mark. The wound may swell, and a large, circular red area may appear. Carefully cleaning the wound and applying an ice pack can minimize the damage. Victims should seek medical attention as some bites can be particularly severe and may require hospitalization.
Yellow Garden Spiders (Argiope aurantia)
If you’ve happened upon a large spider building a web in your garden, it’s probably a Yellow Garden Spider. The large body of these spiders is impressive, as is the size and design of their webs. They are sometimes called writing spiders.
Key Characteristics:
- Large yellow and black body with a dark or silver head.
- Weave large webs, often with a zipper pattern in the middle.
- Yellow garden spiders catch their prey on their web, wrap it in silk and inject it with venom. They will come back later and suck up the meal like a smoothie.
- They eat insects and small vertebrates.
- Their venom is harmless, but a bite may feel similar to a bee sting.
Keep an eye out for spiders this summer in Arkansas
FAQ
What is the most common spider in Arkansas?
- Common House Spider. …
- Southern Black Widow. …
- Cellar Spider. …
- Brown Recluse. …
- Deadly Ground Crab Spider.
Are there any poisonous spiders in Arkansas?
-
These spiders are known for their characteristic black bodies with a red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomen.
- They are common in Arkansas and can be found around houses.
- The venom of adult females can cause serious health problems, and may even be fatal for young children, seniors, and those with major health issues.
- They are common in Arkansas and can be found around houses.
-
Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa):These spiders are light tan to dark brown in color, with long, delicate legs covered in short, dark hairs.
- They are secretive and can be found in both urban and rural settings.
- Their venomous bite can cause severe reactions in some individuals, including skin damage and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
- They are secretive and can be found in both urban and rural settings.
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.
What is the largest spider in Arkansas?
Tarantulas. Tarantulas are the largest spiders in Arkansas and are among the most recognizable. Tarantulas are relative newcomers to Arkansas, having arrived in the state about 8,000 years ago.
Are there venomous spiders in Arkansas?
Yes, there are three venomous spider species in Arkansas. They are the brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa), the southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans), and the northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus). All belong to the Theridiidae or cobweb spider family.
How many spider species are in Arkansas?
Over 500 spider species call Arkansas home. Some are found in many other states in the United States, and others are more unique to Arkansas. To some, spiders inspire fear, but these eight-legged creatures can be fascinating.
What are the most common jumping spiders in Arkansas?
Bold Jumping Spider Bold Jumping Spiders (Phidippus audax) are among the most common jumping spiders in Arkansas. The species is known for having a contrasting appearance, based on black coloring. Red spots and metallic blue-green mouthparts can be seen on some of these spiders.
Are black and yellow garden spiders native to Arkansas?
Black and yellow garden spiders (Argiope aurantia) are a striking species of spider commonly found in Arkansas. They are known for their vibrant black and yellow coloring, which makes them highly visible in outdoor spaces. Their hunting behavior and adaptability make them valuable contributors to the ecosystem in Arkansas.
What is the most common large spider in Arkansas gardens?
If you see a large spider in a web between fence boards in an Arkansas garden, it’s probably A. aurantia. The yellow or black and yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia) is in the Araneidae or orb weaver family. Yellow garden spiders are one of the most familiar species in Arkansas.
What are some common names of Arkansas ground spiders?
Species with common names such as ant mimics partially explains the situation. The largest wolf spiders belong to either the Hogna or Tigrosa genera. Smaller species live in the leaf litter and grass found in residential areas. Size is another reason that many of Arkansas ground spiders go unnoticed.