Table of Contents
Southern Black Widow
The southern black widow is a notable spider thriving in various parts of Oklahoma, recognized as the most dangerous in the state. Caution is advised, as their bites can be fatal. Belonging to the cobweb spider family, these arachnids, with curved legs and glossy backs, display a distinctive red hourglass-shaped marking on the abdomen. Adult females can reach up to 13 millimeters in length, while males are typically around 8 millimeters. Female spiders often cannibalize their mates after mating, utilizing irregular cobwebs for prey capture. Symptoms of bites include difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, and severe muscle aches.
Hentz’s Orb Weaver
The Hentz’s orb weaver, a unique spider found in various parts of Oklahoma, belongs to the orb weaver family. Common in the southern states and parts of North America, these spiders, with females growing up to 18 millimeters, have small hairs covering their bodies. Known for their nocturnal nature, they create radial-style webs for hunting prey. While their venom poses minimal threat to humans, it can cause redness, swelling, and itchiness.
Black Widow Spider
The black widow spider, known for its glossy black appearance and a recognizable reddish hourglass marking on the abdomen, is highly dangerous. Found in dark places, these spiders should be avoided at all costs during your trip, as their bites can lead to fatalities and severe infections.
Texas Brown Tarantula
The Texas brown tarantula, one of the largest arachnids in the region, is common in areas of Oklahoma, Missouri, southern states, and parts of Mexico. Adult females can grow up to 4 inches, with males being smaller. While mostly brown, these docile spiders can deliver painful bites, emphasizing the need for caution during travel.
Rabid Wolf Spider
A common sight in Oklahoma, the rabid wolf spider stands out with its unique movements. Adults can grow up to 25 millimeters, with males averaging about 13 millimeters. Despite their size, these spiders, recognizable by yellow sides and dark brown stripes, are not dangerous to humans. Active hunters at night, they walk, run, and jump simultaneously, thriving in various parts of the state.
Brown Recluse Spider
Encountering the brown recluse spider in various parts of Oklahoma poses a unique risk due to its neurotoxin secretion affecting the central nervous system. This arachnid, preferring dark and quiet places like attics and garages, can cause adverse side effects upon biting, including blurred vision, difficulty breathing, and, in immunocompromised individuals, potential fatalities. The spider exhibits varying colors such as dark brown, tan, and light brown.
Triangulate Cobweb Spider
Another prevalent species in Oklahoma, the triangulate cobweb spider, belongs to the cobweb spider family, found across North America and Europe. The females, growing up to 6 millimeters, have distinct brownish-orange cephalothorax, yellow legs with short hairs, and zigzag marks on their abdomen. Building irregular cobwebs for prey capture, these spiders rely on vibrations for awareness. Bites can be painful, emphasizing caution in their thriving areas.
Woodlouse Hunter
The woodlouse hunter, also known as the sowbug killer, is an exceptional species in various Oklahoma areas. Adult females, growing up to 15 millimeters, are prevalent in locations like logs and bricks. Recognizable by their orange-red bodies and yellow-brown and grey abdomen, these spiders derive their name from consuming woodlice with powerful jaws penetrating exoskeletons.
Green Lynx Spider
Common in the region, the green lynx spider, one of the largest lynx spiders, is found in southern and eastern United States. With adult females reaching 22 millimeters, they display colors like yellow, green, and yellowish-green, featuring distinctive red markings. Known for exceptional hunting skills without using webs, they contribute to natural pest control in gardens and farmlands.
Long-Legged Sac Spider
Widespread in Oklahoma, the long-legged sac spiders construct sacs while awaiting prey. Adult females can grow up to 9 millimeters, exhibiting various colors and long legs. Nocturnal creatures, they hunt at night by ambushing prey, with their long legs enabling quick movement. Beware of their painful bites while traveling in the region.
Dimorphic Jumper
The dimorphic jumping spider, found in diverse Oklahoma habitats, grows up to 10 millimeters for females and 7 millimeters for males. Female spiders display a white face and abdomen lines, while males exhibit morphs with grey abdomens and distinctive markings. Known for web-making and exceptional hunting skills, these spiders pose a potential danger to humans due to bacterial infection while traveling in Oklahoma.
Star-Bellied Orb Weaver
Thriving in various parts of Oklahoma, the star-bellied orb weaver stands out as a unique species. With a maximum size of 15 millimeters for females and fewer millimeters for males, these Oklahoma spiders exhibit colors like light brown, black, and dark tan. Named for the star-like pattern on their abdomen, they construct wheel-shaped webs for prey capture. While rarely aggressive, their bites can be dangerous due to potential infections.
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