In Indiana, some spiders prefer to dwell in humid areas.
Spiders are common pests both indoors and outdoors. In Indiana, the spider species you will find depends on the environment and climate. Spiders such as the garden writing spider live exclusively outdoors, while some species, such as the black widow spider, can live both indoors and outdoors. Because each spider species varies, they are easily identifiable by distinctive markings, typical web characteristics and leg lengths. The color and size of the female egg sac also helps to identify the spider species. Does this Spark an idea?
Color
The color of a spider is a visible way to identify a spider. Depending on the spider, the spider's body color sometimes is the same as its legs. The brown recluse spider and the black widow spider are common single-colored spiders found in Indiana. The uniform black color identifies the female black widow spider. A red hourglass on the abdomen distinguishes the female spider from the male spider. Juvenile females sometimes have red stripes or red spots. Brown recluse spiders are a two-tone shade of brown. The dark brown color behind the spider's head in the shape of a violin correctly identifies the spider.
Habatit
Different spiders live in different environments. Certain spiders, such as the common garden spider, prefer to live outdoors near plant life, in home gardens and wooded areas. Other spiders, such as the wolf spider, are terrestrial animals. They prefer living in humid climates such as those found in southern Indiana. They live near the ground around doors and plants.
The house spider and the cellar spider are the two most common spiders found indoors. They live mainly in crawlspaces, garages, basements and under furniture. Living most of its life in seclusion, the brown recluse spider dwells near electrical outlets and storage areas.
Size
The size of the spider varies with the species. The body of the cellar spider is small in comparison to its legs. The body is not noticeable unless the onlooker is looking directly at the body. The spider measures about 1.5 inches when its legs are stretched completely out.
Depending on the species, the spider may vary in length. For example, the yellow sac spider size varies from 1/8 to 5/8 inch. The size of the wolf spider ranges from 5/8 to 1 inch. The best way to identity the wolf spider is by its fury outer body.
Bites
Although a bite from the brown recluse spider is the most dangerous, in Indiana humans are more likely to be bitten by the yellow sac spider. Smaller than the brown recluse spider or the wolf spider, the yellow sac spider's size makes it less noticeable. Dwelling on the inside of homes near wall junctions, the yellow sac spider has a greater chance of coming in contact with humans.
Tags: brown recluse, brown recluse spider, recluse spider, wolf spider, yellow spider, black widow