What are the spiders?
Spiders found in the state of Georgia include black widow spiders, brown recluse spiders, wolf spiders, and fishing spiders. Black widow spiders are easily recognizable by their glossy black body and red hourglass marking on their underside. They typically inhabit dark areas such as basements and garages and build webs to ensnare prey. Brown recluse spiders are small and light brown in color, with a distinct dark violin-shaped marking on the dorsal side of their body. They can be found living in undisturbed areas such as inside closets and around furniture. Wolf spiders are large and hairy, with eight eyes arranged in three rows. They often hunt for food on foot instead of building webs, and are typically found in grassy areas or near water. Fishing spiders have long legs that allow them to walk across the surface of water, where they hunt for their prey. They can be identified by their striped markings and two large eyes on the front of their heads. All spiders should be handled with caution as they can bite if provoked.
Spiders in Georgia USA
Georgia is home to a variety of spider species, some of which are quite large and fearsome looking. The black widow spider is probably the most well-known inhabitant of the state, found in dark, sheltered places such as woodpiles, sheds, and other outbuildings. Other common species include wolf spiders, sac spiders, cobweb spiders, and jumping spiders. All of these spiders in Georgia can be found throughout the state in a variety of habitats, from riverbanks to fields and forests.
One fascinating spider species native to Georgia is the southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans). These spiders are distinctive due to their glossy black coloration and characteristic red hourglass shape on the abdomen. Southern black widows are solitary creatures and typically stay in their webs, making them difficult to spot. They can be found in dark, sheltered places such as woodpiles, sheds, outbuildings and other man-made structures.
Georgia is also home to several species of tarantula. These large, hairy spiders are usually active at night and can be found in most regions of the state, particularly southern Georgia. Tarantulas do not typically make webs but instead hunt their prey or “ambush” it by hiding among leaf litter or rocks.
Wolf spiders are common throughout Georgia and range in colors from grey to brown to black. They are usually active during the day and can be found in open meadows, woodlands, and other habitats. Wolf spiders do not make webs but instead hunt their prey directly.
Georgia is also home to a variety of harmless jumping spiders. These small, colorful spiders often have large eyespots on their heads and are typically active during the day. While they do not spin webs, jumping spiders can leap several times their body length to catch prey.
How poisonous Spiders are in Georgia?
There are several species of potentially dangerous spiders found in Georgia. These include the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider. The black widow is typically black with a red or orange hourglass marking on its abdomen, while the brown recluse has a violin-shaped mark on its back. Both spiders have venom that can cause severe allergic reactions and they should not be handled without proper protection. Other poisonous species in Georgia include the wolf spider, yellow sac spider, southern black widow, and Mediterranean recluse. People who are bitten by a venomous spider should seek medical attention immediately.
Top 5 poisonous Spiders in Georgia
In Georgia, there are five species of poisonous spiders that should be identified and avoided. These include the black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans), brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa), wolf spider (Lycosidae spp.), yellow sac spider (Cheiracanthium inclusum), and Mediterranean recluse spider (Loxosceles rufescens). While some species of these spiders are more common than others, all should be treated with caution.
- Black Widow Spiders
Black widow spiders are identified by their black coloring and characteristic red hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of the abdomen. They like to hide in dark undisturbed areas such as sheds, garages, and woodpiles. They mainly feed on other insects and can be very aggressive when disturbed or threatened. If bitten by a black widow spider, seek medical attention immediately.
- Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluse spiders are usually identified by their light-brown to dark-brown coloring with a darker violin or fiddle shape on the back of their head. They are most often found hiding in dark crevices such as closets, basements, attics and behind furniture. These spiders will bite only if they feel threatened or provoke so it is important to be careful when dealing with them. If bitten by a brown recluse spider, seek medical attention immediately.
- Hobo Spiders
Hobo spiders are most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest and can be identified by their distinct chevron pattern on the abdomen. They feed mainly on other insects and can be quite aggressive when disturbed or threatened. If bitten by a hobo spider, apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are large and hairy and can be identified by their long legs. They prefer to live in dark, damp areas such as basements, crawlspaces and underneath piles of leaves or debris. Wolf spiders do not spin webs and rely on their excellent vision and speed to hunt for food. If bitten by a wolf spider it is important to note the type of spider and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Jumping Spiders
Lastly, jumping spiders are small and can be identified by their bright colors. They have excellent vision and use this to hunt for food rather than spinning webs like other types of spiders in georgia. Jumping spiders actively search for prey and pounce on it when it is within range. When threatened or startled, they can leap several feet away from danger. Unfortunately, jumping spiders can bite if provoked and medical attention should be sought in such cases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although all spiders are intimidating, there are many different types of them with varying behaviors and capabilities to consider. It is important to remember that most spiders in georgia pose no threat to humans and even the jumping spider, which can bite in defense, is generally harmless. It is best to leave them alone if encountered outdoors and take steps to ensure spiders are not entering homes or businesses. Appreciate their beauty from a distance and let nature take its course!