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Dangerous spiders in Michigan
Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse spider, a legendary and feared species in Michigan, is known for its potent venom, causing adverse effects on those unfortunate enough to be bitten. The venom affects the central nervous system, leading to severe consequences such as organ failure, muscle aches, and tissue necrosis. Adult brown recluse spiders can reach up to 2 centimeters, with females typically larger. Their appearance varies in shades of dark grey, light brown, and dark brown, often showcasing a distinctive violin-shaped marking on the cephalothorax. These nocturnal creatures can be encountered at night, making caution paramount, and immediate medical attention necessary if bitten.
American Grass Spider
The American grass spider, identifiable by its oblong abdomen with white stripes, holds the title of the fastest running spider in Michigan. Creating non-sticky webs, they swiftly respond to triggered silk, making them harmless to humans. Inhabitants of grassland areas, encountering them poses no threat.
Six Spotted Fishing Spiders
In Michigan’s diverse habitats, the six-spotted fishing spider thrives, particularly in wetlands and aquatic areas, earning it the alias “dock spider.” With females growing up to 20 millimeters and males up to 13 millimeters, these agile spiders feature brown or grey coloring with two light bands along their abdomen. Recognizable by the six dark spots on their dorsal side, they exhibit impressive speed, capturing prey up to five times their size. Caution is advised due to their neurotic venom.
Cellar Spider
The cellar spiders, distinguished by their eight eyes, are unique arachnids found in various Michigan buildings. Typically located in attics and dark spaces, they vibrate vigorously when their webs are disturbed. Also known as vibrating spiders, these creatures are beneficial as they prey on venomous spiders.
Shamrock Orb Weaver
Thriving in Michigan, the shamrock orb weaver spiders stand out with their vibrant colors, reaching lengths of up to 20 millimeters. Typically found in diverse habitats, their appearance includes brown or beige coloring, with yellow, orange, or pale green abdomens. Weaving webs up to two feet wide, their unique prey-catching tactics make them noteworthy. Caution is advised, as their bites can result in symptoms such as swelling, muscle pain, and breathing difficulties, especially for those with low immunity.
Tiger Wolf Spider
The tiger wolf spider, also known as the woodland giant wolf spider or speckled wolf spider, is a common Michigan species. Adult spiders can grow up to 25 millimeters, with females generally larger and darker in color. Known for their agility and swift legs, these spiders can run at remarkable speeds. Bites from tiger wolf spiders can lead to the death of cells and tissues, emphasizing the importance of caution in their presence.
Dimorphic Jumper
The dimorphic jumper, a unique spider in Michigan, thrives in various habitats across the state. Belonging to the jumping spider family, it exhibits two morph varieties in males. Found in the eastern half of North America, females can grow up to 10 millimeters, displaying distinctive white faces with black or red lines on their abdomen. Males, morphic in nature, sport black bodies with white legs, transitioning to grey and brown with white striped legs. As carnivorous spiders, they eschew web-building, opting to ambush prey, injecting venom to immobilize them. While generally not posing a significant threat to humans, exercise caution, especially if you have compromised immunity.
Northern Crab Spider
The northern crab spider, prevalent in different parts of Michigan, patiently awaits insects for ambushing, particularly when pollinating flowers. Females can grow up to 7 millimeters, with males reaching 4 millimeters. Sporting green or brownish-yellow bodies with two central brown stripes, they are commonly found in outdoor areas. Though not a major threat to humans, individuals with compromised immune systems should remain cautious.
Furrow Orb Weaver
Known as the foliate spider, the furrow orb spider boasts intricate markings on its body, belonging to the Araneidae family. Thriving across the northern hemisphere, adult females can grow up to 14 millimeters, while males reach 9 millimeters. Exhibiting various colors such as red, olive, grey, tan, black, and brown, their abdomen features shaped markings, including zigzag patterns resembling a furrow.
Giant House Spider
The giant house spider, a common Michigan species, stands out due to its adaptability to diverse habitats, often found in homes. Females can grow up to 19 millimeters, and males up to 15 millimeters. Distinguished by three light spots on each side forming an arrow-shaped pattern, they have large, hairy legs and construct extensive webs for prey capture. While not inherently aggressive, caution is advisable, as provocation may lead to bites causing tissue and organ damage.
Broad-Faced Sac Spider
A member of the ground sac spider, the broad-faced sac spider, exhibits uniqueness in Michigan. Nocturnal by nature, they can be found under stones, boards, and leaf litter. Females reach up to 10 millimeters, while males grow up to 6 millimeters. Their abdomen displays varying colors, including yellow, grey, and light grey. Although their bites are not dangerous, they may lead to infections, necessitating avoidance.
Daring Jumping Spider
The daring jumping spider, a common species in the region, reaches lengths of up to 14 millimeters. Known for black and white markings, it showcases exceptional agility, capable of jumping up to 50 times its body length. Thriving in grassy areas and fields, and occasionally found in homes, they hunt down prey, immobilizing them through bites or extensive web creation.
Triangulate Cobweb Spider
Commonly known as the triangular bud spider, the triangulate cobweb spider inhabits various parts of Michigan. Females, larger than males, grow up to 6 millimeters, displaying brownish-orange abdomens and yellow, hairy legs. Their distinct feature is the zigzag purple line running from the back to front of their round abdomen. Constructing irregularly shaped cobwebs with sticky threads for prey capture, these spiders are likely encounters during trips across the state.
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