Table of Contents
Crevice Spider
Encountering the crevice spider in Georgia is common, as these arachnids thrive in various habitats around the state. As the name implies, they often hide in crevices, patiently waiting for prey. Living in crevices and along baseboards, these spiders offer benefits by consuming flies, wasps, beetles, and roaches. While generally harmless, crevice spiders may bite when feeling threatened or provoked, potentially causing discomfort to humans.
Dotted Wolf Spider
The dotted wolf spider, often mistaken for the rabid wolf spider due to its appearance, is another species present in the region. Recognizable by distinctive dots on the underside of their abdomen, these spiders can grow up to 15 millimeters (females) and 13 millimeters (males). Carrying their eggs attached to spinnerets, they hunt for prey before finding a suitable location for hatching. While not venomous, they may bite when provoked, transferring bacteria and causing possible infections.
Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse spider, globally recognized for its venomous nature, thrives in various habitats across Georgia. With females growing up to 20 millimeters and males up to 14 millimeters, their coloration varies, often appearing in shades of brown, grey, or tan. Caution is crucial, as their bites can result in severe effects such as vomiting, nausea, skin necrosis, muscle aches, and, in extreme cases, death for individuals with compromised immune systems. Regional names like brown fiddler and violin spider may differ.
Southeastern Wandering Spider
The southeastern wandering spider, found in different parts of Georgia and the southeastern United States, varies in size from 6 to 40 millimeters. Often confused with other species like wolf spiders, they may attack when feeling provoked. Sporting colors like tan or orange with dark mottling and a central strip on the abdomen, these spiders may cause side effects such as sweating, swelling, and intense muscle pain when they bite.
Joro Spider
Originating from East Asia and now present in the southern United States, including Georgia, the Joro spider is an invasive orb-weaving species. Among the largest spiders in the region, females can grow up to 25 millimeters, and males up to 10 millimeters. Recognizable by yellow and dark blue stripes with red patches, Joro spiders spin robust silk webs to catch prey. While generally non-aggressive, provoking them may lead to bites, injecting venom that can cause severe health conditions.
Twin-Flagged Jumping Spider
The Twin-Flagged Jumping Spider stands out as a unique arachnid in Georgia, belonging to the jumping spider family. Ranging in size, with females growing up to 6 millimeters, these spiders are identifiable by flag-shaped markings on their cephalothorax, often in hues of white, pink, and green. Renowned for their exceptional jumping skills, they confront their prey head-on, leaping forward before consumption. While intriguing, it’s crucial to exercise caution as they carry a variety of toxins that may cause severe side effects if they come into contact with the human body.
Ravine Trapdoor Spider
The Ravine Trapdoor Spider, found thriving in various Georgia habitats, is notable for its unique burrowing ability, facilitated by a disk at its back. This distinctive feature allows them to move efficiently between locations. Females of this species can grow up to 28 millimeters, displaying a disk-shaped abdomen in irregular shapes and circles, often glossy light or dark brown. This disk serves a multifunctional purpose, acting as a protective barrier against potential predators.
White-Banded Fishing Spider
Thriving in different Georgia habitats, the White-Banded Fishing Spider exhibits unique behaviors, creating an air pocket in its abdomen for underwater prey capture. Common in the southern United States near waterbodies like ponds and streams, females can reach up to 23 millimeters, while males max out at 18 millimeters. Recognizable by their brown color with light green and dark mottling, a distinct white band across their eyes gives them their name. These spiders consume small insects and even small fish.
Southern House Spider
The Southern House spiders, common Georgia residents, often mistaken for the brown recluse due to similarities, are members of the weaver spider family. Differing significantly from the brown recluse, these spiders lack the violin-shaped marking. Females grow up to 18 millimeters, appearing darker than males. Their nonstick silk, coupled with exceptional precision in creating entangled webs, aids in catching prey.
American Green Crab Spider
Thriving in various Georgia habitats, the American Green Crab spiders are characterized by itheirs long legs, aiding in swift movements and prey capture. Found in the southeastern region, they sport a distinctive lime green color, move sideways like crabs, and use their color for camouflage. Measuring between 4 to 8 millimeters, they possess a thin red line around their abdomen. Their bites can leave bacteria and venom, affecting the central nervous system and causing side effects such as blood clotting, swelling, and headaches.
Black Widow
The Black Widow Spider, another resident of Georgia, is infamous for its high bacterial and venom content. A bite from this spider can lead to severe consequences, affecting the central nervous system and causing symptoms like swelling, nausea, vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, and even death for those with compromised immune systems. Given their danger, it’s crucial to avoid areas inhabited by black widows and seek immediate medical attention if bitten.
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