Texas spiders – an identification information with images to frequent (and not-so-common) spider species present in Texas.
Introduction
Texas is house to all kinds of spiders, from conspicuous orbweavers in gardens and woodlands to looking spiders discovered on partitions, grass, and the bottom.
On this web page is an inventory of spider species present in Texas, forming a broad overview of the kinds of species discovered within the state. We have now included consultant species that readers are prone to discover or might want assist figuring out, together with leaping spiders, wolf spiders, cobweb spiders, recluses, widows, lynx spiders, and tarantulas.
As a result of Texas has a big and numerous spider fauna, the species coated right here don’t type a whole state guidelines, however fairly an identification-focused collection of notable, widespread, or generally encountered spiders.
This information focuses on look, habitat, habits, and pure historical past options helpful for identification.
Texas Spiders Checklist
Venomous Spiders In Texas
The 2 spiders of best medical concern in Texas are:
- Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) – A venomous spider whose chunk can generally trigger pores and skin harm and, not often, extra critical problems.
- Black Widow (Latrodectus spp.) – A bunch of venomous spiders whose bites could cause extreme ache, muscle cramps, and different systemic signs.
Texas can also be house to the Brown Widow, which is venomous however is usually thought of much less harmful than the black widow.
You’ll find additional details about these spiders within the record under.
Whereas many different Texas spiders can chunk if dealt with or threatened, they aren’t typically thought of as medically vital because the species listed above.
Arrow-Formed Micrathena
- Scientific title: Micrathena sagittata
- Household: Araneidae
- Rank: species
A vivid yellow, arrowhead-shaped stomach with darkish margins is one of the best subject mark of the arrow-shaped micrathena. Grownup females have a tough, triangular stomach with small black-tipped projections and reddish to darkish legs. Females are about 0.25–0.35 in (6–9 mm) in physique size; males are a lot smaller, about 0.16–0.20 in (4–5 mm), darker, and fewer conspicuously formed.
In Texas, this orb-weaver is most frequently present in wooded areas, brushy edges, gardens close to timber, and alongside shaded trails. Females sit in small vertical orb webs, typically at about knee to chest top.
The daring arrowlike stomach, compact spiny form, and woodland internet placement assist separate this species from smoother-bodied orb-weavers.
An orb-weaver is a spider that spins a big, round “orb” internet to catch bugs. Most orb weavers belong to the household Araneidae.
Banded Backyard Spider
- Scientific title: Argiope trifasciata
- Household: Araneidae
- Rank: species
Females are massive, long-legged orb-weavers with an oval stomach, about 0.6–1 in (15–25 mm) in physique size. Males are a lot smaller, about 0.16–0.24 in (4–6 mm), slender, and fewer colourful. The feminine has a silvery carapace, banded legs, and plenty of slender black, yellow, white, and silver crossbands throughout the stomach.
In Texas, the banded backyard spider is frequent in sunny gardens, fields, roadsides, prairie edges, and weedy heaps, particularly from late summer time into fall. It builds a big vertical orb internet amongst grasses, shrubs, or backyard vegetation, typically with a white zigzag silk band within the heart. The evenly striped stomach and open, sunny websites assist separate it from the yellow backyard spider.
Daring Leaping Spider
- Scientific title: Phidippus audax
- Household: Salticidae
- Rank: advanced
A stocky black silhouette with vivid white belly spots is typical of the daring leaping spider. Adults are about 0.25–0.75 in (6–19 mm) in physique size, with females often bigger and heavier-bodied than males. The stomach typically exhibits one massive pale central spot and two smaller rear spots; juveniles could have orange spots. The metallic inexperienced or blue chelicerae are a robust close-up clue.
In Texas, this lively daytime hunter is frequent on home partitions, fences, tree trunks, backyard vegetation, fields, and sunny edges. It doesn’t use an orb internet, however stalks prey with brief jumps.
The species’ compact physique, excessive front-facing eyes, pale belly spots, and iridescent mouthparts assist separate it from many different black leaping spiders.
Brown Recluse
- Scientific title: Loxosceles reclusa
- Household: Sicariidae
- Rank: species
In Texas, the brown recluse is most frequently encountered indoors in undisturbed, cluttered locations resembling closets, garages, attics, sheds, containers, saved clothes, and behind furnishings. Outside, it could shelter beneath bark, rocks, logs, or particles, particularly in dry protected websites.
The Brown Recluse is thought for its venomous chunk, which may generally trigger pores and skin harm and different medical signs.
Adults are about 0.25–0.5 in (6–13 mm) in physique size, with lengthy slender legs and a plain tan to medium brown physique. Key identification clues embody a darkish violin-shaped mark on the highest of the cephalothorax, with the “neck” pointing towards the stomach, and 6 eyes organized in three pairs. The legs are unbanded, the stomach is apparent, and the physique lacks daring spots or stripes. Its internet is an irregular retreat fairly than an open orb internet.
Brown Widow
- Scientific title: Latrodectus geometricus
- Household: Theridiidae
- Rank: species
An orange to yellow-orange hourglass on the underside of the stomach is a key clue for the brown widow. Females are mottled tan, grey, and brown above, typically with a geometrical sample, banded legs, and a rounded stomach. Grownup females are about 0.25–0.5 in (6–13 mm) in physique size; males are smaller and slimmer, about 0.12–0.25 in (3–6 mm).
In Texas, this spider is commonly discovered round buildings, patio furnishings, garages, eaves, fences, mailboxes, playground gear, and shrubs. It makes an irregular tangled internet in sheltered corners. The spiky, cream-colored egg sacs, coated with pointed projections, are top-of-the-line identification indicators and assist separate it from black widows, which have smoother egg sacs.
The Brown Widow is venomous and might ship a painful chunk, however it’s typically thought of much less harmful to people than the black widow.
Carolina Wolf Spider
- Scientific title: Hogna carolinensis
- Household: Lycosidae
- Rank: species
The carolina wolf spider is a really massive, sturdy floor spider with lengthy, robust legs. Grownup females are about 0.9–1.4 in (22–35 mm) in physique size, whereas males are often smaller and slimmer, about 0.7–1 in (18–25 mm).
This species is mottled grey, brown, and tan, with a broad pale stripe down the carapace and darker markings alongside the stomach. Its low, working posture, massive dimension, and reflective eyeshine at evening assist separate it from many different spiders. It doesn’t construct an orb internet.
In Texas, the carolina wolf spider is commonly present in open floor, lawns, fields, prairies, sandy areas, and round burrows. Females could also be seen carrying a spherical egg sac connected behind them or spiderlings on their again.
Widespread Home Spider
- Scientific title: Parasteatoda tepidariorum
- Household: Theridiidae
- Rank: species
A mottled tan to brown, rounded stomach offers the frequent home spider its typical cobweb-spider form. Females are about 0.2–0.25 in (5–6 mm) in physique size, with slender, typically banded legs and variable pale, darkish, and grey markings. Males are smaller and slimmer, about 0.12–0.18 in (3–4.5 mm), with longer-looking legs.
In Texas, this species is frequent in houses, garages, sheds, barns, window frames, porch corners, eaves, and different sheltered locations. It makes an irregular, messy tangle internet fairly than a neat orb internet. Identification clues embody the small dimension, rounded mottled stomach, banded legs, and papery tan egg sacs saved within the internet. It lacks the shiny black physique and pink hourglass of widow spiders.
Darkish Fishing Spider
- Scientific title: Dolomedes tenebrosus
- Household: Pisauridae
- Rank: species
In Texas, the darkish fishing spider is often encountered on tree trunks, fences, exterior partitions, sheds, wooded edges, and rocky areas, generally close to streams or ponds however typically away from water. It’s a massive wandering spider that hunts with out an orb internet and will relaxation flattened towards bark or partitions.
Females are about 0.6–1 in (15–26 mm) in physique size, with a leg span which will attain about 3 in (75 mm). Males are smaller and slimmer. The physique is mottled grey, brown, and tan, with banded legs, a pale-edged carapace, and darkish W-shaped or chevron markings on the stomach.
Identification clues embody its massive dimension, flattened resting posture, lengthy legs, camouflaged barklike sample, and behavior of working shortly when disturbed.
Grass Spider / Darkish-Legged Grass Spider
- Scientific title: Agelenopsis naevia
- Household: Agelenidae
- Rank: species
Lengthy, fingerlike spinnerets projecting from the rear of the stomach are a key clue for figuring out this grass spider. Adults are slender, fast-running funnel weavers, often about 0.35–0.75 in (9–19 mm) in physique size. The physique is tan, grey, or brown, with two darkish lengthwise stripes on the carapace and a darker stomach marked with pale chevrons or a herringbone sample. Legs are lengthy and infrequently faintly banded.
In Texas, grass spiders are frequent in lawns, fields, low shrubs, groundcover, fence traces, porch edges, and round outbuildings. They make flat sheet webs with a funnel-shaped retreat, typically seen with dew. Identification is helped by the online, lengthy spinnerets, striped physique, and lack of the stout construct typical of wolf spiders.
Inexperienced Lynx Spider
- Scientific title: Peucetia viridans
- Household: Oxyopidae
- Rank: species
Females are about 0.5–0.9 in (12–22 mm) in physique size, with a slender, high-legged form; males are smaller and slimmer, about 0.4–0.5 in (10–12 mm). The inexperienced lynx spider is often vivid leaf inexperienced, with lengthy legs coated in conspicuous black spines. The stomach is tapered and will present pale, pink, or reddish-orange spots or markings, particularly alongside the edges.
In Texas, this spider is commonly discovered on wildflowers, shrubs, tall weeds, backyard vegetation, and crops, the place it hunts by sight fairly than utilizing a prey-catching internet. Identification clues embody the vivid inexperienced shade, spiny legs, agile leaping motion, and behavior of sitting uncovered on vegetation. Females could also be seen guarding a spherical egg sac amongst leaves or flower heads.
Hentz Orbweaver / Noticed Orbweaver / Barn Spider
- Scientific title: Neoscona crucifera
- Household: Araneidae
- Rank: species
Brown, rusty orange, grey, or tan coloring with a rounded, patterned stomach is typical of the hentz orbweaver. Females are often about 0.35–0.8 in (9–20 mm) in physique size; males are smaller, about 0.2–0.5 in (5–13 mm). The stomach typically exhibits a pale cross-like or leaf-shaped sample, although markings differ. Legs are bushy, spiny, and generally banded.
In Texas, this orbweaver is commonly present in yards, gardens, woodland edges, porches, barns, and round lights the place flying bugs collect. It builds a vertical round internet, often at nightfall or evening, and will cover in a close-by retreat through the day. Identification clues embody the massive nocturnal orb internet, variable brownish coloration, banded legs, and rounded stomach with pale dorsal markings.
Hogna Antelucana
- Scientific title: Hogna antelucana
- Rank: species
On open floor in Texas, this wolf spider is almost definitely encountered at evening in grassland, fields, sandy areas, woodland edges, or yards, typically working over soil or hiding beneath stones, boards, and leaf litter. It doesn’t make a prey-catching internet.
Adults are medium to massive, sturdy, bushy brown spiders, roughly about 0.4–0.8 in (10–20 mm) in physique size. The carapace often has pale lengthwise bands, and the stomach is mottled brown to grey with darker chevrons or a central mark. Legs are lengthy, spiny, and infrequently faintly banded.
Identification clues embody the massive forward-facing eyeshine of a wolf spider, ground-running habits, and ponderous construct. Separation from comparable Hogna species is troublesome and will require shut examination of grownup reproductive constructions.
Mabel Orchard Orbweaver
- Scientific title: Leucauge argyrobapta
- Household: Tetragnathidae
- Rank: species
A shiny silver-white, oval stomach with darkish lengthwise traces is one of the best seen clue for the mabel orchard orbweaver. The edges typically present inexperienced, yellow, orange, or reddish markings, and the lengthy slender legs are greenish to yellow with darkish joints. Females are about 0.20–0.30 in (5–8 mm) in physique size; males are smaller and slimmer, about 0.14–0.18 in (3.5–4.5 mm).
In Texas, this small orbweaver is probably going present in shaded gardens, shrubs, woodland edges, orchards, and moist areas close to vegetation. It builds a small, often horizontal or angled orb internet and infrequently hangs beneath it. Identification is aided by the metallic silver stomach, delicate greenish legs, low vegetation internet, and vivid aspect markings. Comparable orchard orbweavers could require shut examination to separate.
Rabid Wolf Spider
- Scientific title: Rabidosa rabida
- Household: Lycosidae
- Rank: species
About 0.5–1 in (13–25 mm) in physique size, the rabid wolf spider is a long-legged, fast-running wolf spider with a low, bushy physique. It’s often yellowish brown to tan, with two darkish lengthwise stripes on the carapace and a darker central stripe or collection of marks on the stomach. The legs are lengthy, spiny, and calmly banded.
In Texas, it’s typically present in grass, fields, pastures, gardens, yards, and woodland edges, particularly at evening. It hunts on the bottom and doesn’t use a prey-catching internet. Identification clues embody its paired darkish carapace stripes, pale central banding, robust eyeshine beneath a flashlight, and lively working habits. Mature males are slimmer and will have darker entrance legs.
Silver Longjawed Orbweaver
- Scientific title: Tetragnatha laboriosa
- Household: Tetragnathidae
- Rank: species
Silvery, slender, and sticklike, the silver longjawed orbweaver has an elongated stomach, very lengthy legs, and projecting jaws. The stomach is often vivid silver to pale gold with a darkish lengthwise mark or stripe, whereas the carapace and legs are yellowish brown to tan. Females are about 0.24–0.35 in (6–9 mm) in physique size; males are slimmer, about 0.20–0.28 in (5–7 mm), and infrequently have particularly noticeable jaws.
In Texas, this spider is frequent in grasses, shrubs, gardens, fields, woodland edges, and moist areas, typically close to water however not restricted to it. It builds a fragile orb internet, typically angled or almost horizontal. Identification clues embody the metallic stomach, lengthy forward-projecting jaws, and behavior of resting stretched lengthwise alongside stems or internet traces.
Southern Black Widow
- Scientific title: Latrodectus mactans
- Household: Theridiidae
- Rank: species
In Texas, the southern black widow is most frequently encountered in darkish, sheltered locations resembling garages, sheds, crawl areas, woodpiles, meter containers, rock piles, and out of doors muddle. It builds an irregular, tangled internet near the bottom or in protected corners.
The grownup feminine is shiny black with a spherical, swollen stomach and a pink to orange hourglass mark on the underside. Females are about 0.3–0.5 in (8–13 mm) in physique size, not together with the legs. Some could have small pink marks on the higher stomach.
Males are a lot smaller, about 0.1–0.2 in (3–6 mm), slimmer, and infrequently patterned with pale or reddish markings. Identification clues embody the shiny black feminine, rounded stomach, underside hourglass, and messy retreat internet.
Southern Home Spider
- Scientific title: Kukulcania hibernalis
- Household: Filistatidae
- Rank: species
A flat, lace-like sheet internet spreading from a wall crack, window body, or crevice is commonly one of the best clue to a southern home spider. Females are darkish brown to almost black, with a velvety physique, lengthy sturdy legs, and an oval stomach. Grownup females are about 0.5–0.75 in (13–19 mm) in physique size.
Males are slimmer, tan to brown, and longer-legged, about 0.35–0.5 in (9–12 mm) in physique size. They’re typically seen wandering indoors and could also be confused with brown recluses, however they lack a transparent violin mark and have a unique, extra elongated construct. In Texas, this spider is frequent round homes, garages, sheds, barns, fences, and tree holes, the place it stays in cracks with its internet.
Spinybacked Orbweaver
- Scientific title: Gasteracantha cancriformis
- Household: Araneidae
- Rank: species
About 0.2–0.35 in (5–9 mm) in physique size, the feminine spinybacked orbweaver is a small, flattened, crablike spider with a broad, laborious stomach typically about 0.4–0.5 in (10–13 mm) vast throughout the spines. The stomach is often white, yellow, or orange, with black spots and 6 brief, pointed spines alongside the sting. Spines could also be pink or black.
In Texas, this spider is commonly present in gardens, shrubs, woodland edges, and round homes, the place it builds a round orb internet between twigs, branches, or out of doors constructions. It typically hangs within the internet with the brilliant stomach going through outward. Males are a lot smaller, about 0.08–0.12 in (2–3 mm), darker, and much much less conspicuous.
Striped Lynx Spider
- Scientific title: Oxyopes salticus
- Household: Oxyopidae
- Rank: species
A slim, long-legged spider with daring lengthwise stripes and bristly legs is typical of the striped lynx spider. It’s often tan, yellowish, or pale brown, with darkish traces on the cephalothorax and stomach and a tapered, pointed-looking stomach. Adults are small, about 0.16–0.28 in (4–7 mm) in physique size. Females are often bigger and fuller-bodied; males are slimmer, typically with darker, enlarged palps.
In Texas, the striped lynx spider is frequent in grasses, weeds, gardens, fields, shrubs, and woodland edges. It hunts on vegetation fairly than utilizing a prey-catching internet. Key identification clues are the very spiny legs, slender striped physique, fast working and leaping actions, and behavior of sitting on vegetation in sunny, open locations.
Tan Leaping Spider
- Scientific title: Platycryptus undatus
- Household: Salticidae
- Rank: species
On tree trunks, wood fences, porch posts, and home partitions in Texas, the tan leaping spider is commonly seen resting flat towards the floor or darting into cracks. It additionally lives beneath free bark and round logs, the place its mottled sample blends nicely with wooden and lichen.
Adults are medium-sized leaping spiders, about 0.35–0.5 in (9–13 mm) in physique size, with females often bigger than males. The physique is flattened, grey to tan or brown, with wavy darkish markings on the stomach, banded legs, and huge forward-facing eyes. Identification clues embody the broad, low physique form, barklike camouflage, fast brief jumps, and behavior of looking and not using a prey-catching internet. Males are slimmer and will have longer-looking entrance legs.
Texas Brown Tarantula
- Scientific title: Aphonopelma hentzi
- Household: Theraphosidae
- Rank: species
A big, shaggy brown spider with thick legs and a heavy physique is the clearest signal of the texas brown tarantula. Adults are about 2–3 in (5–8 cm) in physique size, with a leg span of roughly 4–5 in (10–13 cm). Colour is variable brown, typically with a darker stomach, tan to reddish-brown carapace, and dense pale or rusty hairs on the legs and physique.
In Texas, this tarantula is most frequently present in grasslands, prairies, open scrub, pastures, and dry woodland edges, often residing in silk-lined burrows. Wandering males are generally encountered on roads, trails, and yards in heat months, particularly late summer time to fall. Females are stockier and stay close to burrows; males are leggier and slimmer.
Triangulate Cobweb Spider
- Scientific title: Steatoda triangulosa
- Household: Theridiidae
- Rank: species
A small tan to brown cobweb spider with a rounded stomach marked by darkish triangular or zigzag patches is typical of the triangulate cobweb spider. Females are about 0.12–0.24 in (3–6 mm) in physique size, with males often smaller and slimmer. The legs are pale yellowish to orange-brown, typically with darker bands, and the stomach could look cream, grey, or purplish brown with paired angular markings.
In Texas, this species is commonly present in houses, garages, sheds, and different sheltered locations, particularly in corners, window frames, storage areas, and beneath furnishings. It builds an irregular tangle internet fairly than an orb internet. The small dimension, banded legs, and row of darkish triangular belly markings assist separate it from widow spiders and different indoor cobweb spiders.
Tropical Orbweaver
- Scientific title: Eriophora ravilla
- Household: Araneidae
- Rank: species
In Texas, the tropical orbweaver is most frequently seen at evening in gardens, brushy edges, woodlands, and round porch lights, eaves, fences, and shrubs. It builds a big, vertical orb internet after darkish, typically throughout open strolling areas, and often hides in foliage or a sheltered retreat by day.
This can be a stout, variable-colored orbweaver with a rounded to oval stomach and spiny, banded legs. Females are massive, about 0.5–0.9 in (12–24 mm) in physique size, whereas males are smaller and slimmer, about 0.3–0.5 in (8–12 mm). Colour ranges from tan or grey to reddish brown. A darkish central leaf-shaped belly sample, pale spots, and strongly ringed legs are helpful clues, however markings differ. The massive nighttime orb internet and ponderous physique assist distinguish it from indoor cobweb spiders.
Twin-Flagged Leaping Spider
- Scientific title: Anasaitis canosus
- Rank: species
Two pale, flaglike markings on the entrance palps of grownup males are essentially the most distinctive clue to the twin-flagged leaping spider. This can be a small, compact leaping spider, often about 0.16–0.24 in (4–6 mm) in physique size. It’s brown, grey, or tan with a bushy physique, banded legs, and mottled pale markings on the carapace and stomach. Males are darker and extra contrasting; females are plainer and lack the plain “flags.”
In Texas, this spider is often present in leaf litter, on tree trunks, fences, porch rails, backyard vegetation, and exterior partitions. It hunts by sight in daylight fairly than utilizing a seize internet. The massive forward-facing eyes, fast leaping actions, tiny dimension, and male palpal markings assist establish it.
Western Noticed Orbweaver
- Scientific title: Neoscona oaxacensis
- Rank: species
About 0.24–0.7 in (6–18 mm) in physique size, the western noticed orbweaver is a stout spider with a rounded to oval stomach and lengthy, spiny legs. Females are bigger and heavier-bodied, about 0.35–0.7 in (9–18 mm), whereas males are slimmer, about 0.24–0.5 in (6–13 mm). Colour varies from grey or tan to yellowish or orange brown. The stomach often exhibits paired pale spots, a darker leaf-shaped central mark, and banded legs.
In Texas, this orbweaver is most frequently encountered in grasslands, desert scrub, brushy edges, gardens, fences, and round out of doors lights. It builds a vertical orb internet, typically at nightfall or evening. The noticed stomach, ringed legs, cumbersome physique, and nighttime internet assist separate it from cobweb spiders and leaping spiders.
Yellow Backyard Spider
- Scientific title: Argiope aurantia
- Household: Araneidae
- Rank: species
Vivid yellow and black markings on a big oval stomach make the yellow backyard spider one of many best Texas orbweavers to acknowledge. Females are massive, about 0.75–1.1 in (19–28 mm) in physique size, with a silvery cephalothorax and lengthy black legs typically banded with reddish or yellowish tones. Males are a lot smaller, about 0.2–0.35 in (5–9 mm), slimmer, and fewer conspicuous.
This spider is frequent in sunny gardens, weedy fields, prairie edges, roadsides, and round shrubs or tall vegetation. It sits head-down in a big vertical orb internet, typically with a daring white zigzag band by way of the middle. The mixture of enormous dimension, yellow-and-black stomach, banded legs, and conspicuous internet is distinctive.
Yellow Sac Spider / American Yellow Sac Spider / Black-Footed Yellow Sac Spider
- Scientific title: Cheiracanthium inclusum
- Household: Cheiracanthiidae
- Rank: species
In Texas, yellow sac spiders are sometimes present in shrubs, grasses, gardens, crop edges, and generally indoors alongside ceilings, partitions, and corners. They don’t construct an orb internet; as a substitute they relaxation in a small, pale silk retreat, typically in a curled leaf or hidden crevice, and wander at evening.
Adults are small, about 0.2–0.4 in (5–10 mm) in physique size. The physique is pale yellow, cream, or mild greenish tan, with a barely darker head space, darker jaws, and lengthy slender legs. The entrance legs are often held ahead and are longer than the others. Identification clues embody the plain unmarked stomach, translucent yellowish shade, darkish mouthparts, and daytime silk sac retreat.
Additional Studying
You’ll be able to uncover extra Texas wildlife on the next pages:
Uncover extra about spiders and different arachnids on these pages:
