Table of Contents
Common House Spider
The common house spiders, belonging to the cobweb spider family, are prevalent in the state of Maine and other parts of the eastern United States. Females can grow up to 6 millimeters, while males are typically around 5 millimeters. Recognizable by their varied colors, including black and light tan, these spiders are often confused with black widow spiders due to similar markings. Despite their abundance, common house spiders pose minimal threats to humans, building irregular webs to capture prey in their natural habitats.
Eastern Parson Spider
The eastern parson spiders, characterized by a distinctive cravat-like white mark, thrive in diverse habitats across Maine, including woodlands and residential areas. During winter, they may migrate to homes, making it essential to be cautious during trips to the region. These spiders can bite, potentially transferring bacteria and causing infections. Vigilance is especially important in residential areas during the winter months when encounters with these spiders are more likely.
Forest Wolf Spider
The forest wolf spiders, iconic species in Maine, can grow up to 50 millimeters, exhibiting powerful legs that aid in high-speed prey chasing. Their coloration includes dark grey, tan, and brown, with a unique grey stripe at the abdomen’s center. Unlike web-building spiders, forest wolf spiders hunt at night with great agility. Their venom can cause swelling, pain, and severe headaches. During the day, they burrow in the sand, presenting potential dangers to those unaware of their presence.
Cave Orb Weaver
The cave orb weaver, also known as the cave spider, belongs to the jawed orb-weaving family and is found in the state of Maine. Females grow to about 10 millimeters, while males are smaller. Distinguished by their absence of long legs, jaws, or bodies, these spiders construct vertical webs to catch prey. Their preferred locations include abandoned mines, caves, old wells, and ceilings, making awareness crucial when exploring such environments.
Bronze Jumper
The bronze jumper, a spider species in Maine, is versatile in various habitats throughout the state. Females, measuring up to 8 millimeters, and males, around 6.5 millimeters, exhibit different colors, with the females having white bands on the abdomen and cephalothorax. These spiders, characterized by a light brown or bronze color, do not use webs to capture prey. Instead, they rely on their excellent eyesight and jumping ability, posing minimal harm to humans due to their less potent venom.
European Sheet Web Spider
The European sheet web spider is a familiar species in the state of Maine and the eastern United States. Adult females grow up to 6 millimeters, displaying brown or dark grey carapaces with markings. Their legs are grey, and they construct meticulous webs to capture prey. Positioned under the web, they wait for insects to become entangled before delivering paralyzing venom for consumption.
Long-Bodied Cellar Spider
The long-bodied cellar spider, often known as the daddy long legs, is prevalent in various parts of Maine. Thriving in humid and warmer climates, especially in human dwellings during winter, females can grow up to 8 millimeters, while males reach about 6 millimeters. With legs extending up to 50 millimeters, these spiders come in colors like tan, grey, and yellow markings on their carapace. Occasionally referred to as skull spiders due to markings resembling a human skull, they are rarely aggressive, making encounters during exploration generally non-threatening.
Six-Spotted Fishing Spider
Thriving in diverse habitats around the state, the six-spotted fishing spider is adept at both land and water hunting. Females, reaching up to 60 millimeters, can extend their legs up to 20 millimeters, while males are slightly smaller at 13 millimeters. Found in colors such as cream, white, grey, and light brown, these spiders hunt small fish and creatures in water bodies. Their ability to run on water or dive to capture prey makes them a unique and potentially fascinating species to observe during travels.
Barn Orb Weaver Spider
Encountering the barn orb weaver spider is likely during exploration, especially in grasslands and farm areas in Maine. Classified under the orb weaver family, these spiders, also known as barn spiders, are prevalent in the northeastern United States and Canada. Females grow up to 16 millimeters, and males up to 10 millimeters, displaying a variety of colors, including brown and yellow with dark stripes on their legs. Their bodies feature hairs and small humps on the abdomen, adding to the distinctiveness of this spider species.
Flower Crab Spider
The flower crab spider, widespread in North America, is a common species encountered in gardens and forested areas during travels. Females grow up to 10 millimeters, while males reach up to 5 millimeters. Notable for their ability to change colors based on their environment and diet, these spiders possess long, curved legs similar to crabs. Their adept hunting skills eliminate the need for webs as they use venom to immobilize prey. Observing these spiders requires vigilance due to their hunting capabilities.
Northern Cupboard Spider
Found in various areas, the northern cupboard spider is a common species in the United States and Canada. Adult females can grow up to 7 millimeters, while males are slightly shorter. These spiders, often black and dark brown with markings on the front of their bodies, are sometimes confused with black widow spiders, earning them the colloquial name “false black widow spiders.” Understanding the distinct features of these spiders is essential for accurate identification and to dispel any misconceptions.
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