How to Identify a Domestic Spider: 8 Steps

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How to Identify a Domestic Spider: 8 Steps
How to Identify a Domestic Spider: 8 Steps

Video: How to Identify a Domestic Spider: 8 Steps

Video: How to Identify a Domestic Spider: 8 Steps
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The weaving spiders, which are part of the Theridiidae family, are usually found inside and around houses. Most of them are harmless. There are more than 2300 species of weaving spiders and hundreds of them in Brazil alone. They are known for their irregularly woven webs, which can be useful when identifying. Another good tip is to look at the rounded abdomen, the length of the legs and keep an eye out to recognize this species' preference for living in dark corners.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Identifying Anatomical Features

Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 1
Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 1

Step 1. Notice if she has long legs

The weavers' legs are long and slender, with the first pair being longer than the others. The third pair of legs is the shortest and the fourth has the calamistro, that is, rows of tiny bristles.

The legs have no divisions or segments; they are smooth and even

Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 2
Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 2

Step 2. Check the rounded abdomen

Weaver spiders have a rounded body rather than an elongated or oval abdomen. This species is usually identified by its globe-shaped belly.

Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 3
Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 3

Step 3. Look for small and medium spiders

There are thousands of species of web spiders and they tend to have very different sizes, being very small or medium. Most of them measure from 3 mm to 1 cm in length.

Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 4
Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 4

Step 4. See if the spider has a faded color

There are many varieties within this species of arachnid, with marks or signs that differentiate them. However, most weavers are brown or grayish.

Some of these signs may be red dots, white stripes, yellow dots, or orange stripes

Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 5
Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 5

Step 5. Notice the two rows of eyes

One of the most specific characteristics of weaving spiders is the eyes. The eight eyes form two rows across the head, each with four eyes.

Method 2 of 2: Studying the Web

Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 6
Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 6

Step 1. Check for irregular shape

Some house spiders are called weavers because of the shape of their webs. This type of spider creates an irregular web that has no particular shape.

These webs are not round or have a definite pattern, as is the case with other species of web-making spiders. Instead, they can be uneven, irregular and sometimes have large holes in one place and clumps of web elsewhere, giving the impression that someone has tampered with them

Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 7
Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 7

Step 2. Look for a spider hanging upside down

This species likes to make the web and hang upside down in the middle. If you look closely, you'll notice that it's really upside down, right in the center of the web.

Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 8
Identify the Cobweb Spider Step 8

Step 3. Expect to find them in dark corners

Weaving spiders make the webs in dark, dry places. They can be found in garages, eaves, attics, sheds and basements. They are also found in every corner of the house and around windows.

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