Table of Contents
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders stand out as a unique species thriving in various habitats in the region. Unlike other spiders, they don’t rely on webs to catch prey; instead, they hide and ambush their victims. With exceptional eyesight and reflective tissue on their eyes, these spiders become more active in the dark. Caution is advised as they may bite when provoked, making it essential to be mindful of their habitats during your visit.
Western Black Widow
Considered a dangerous species, the western black widow spider is among the venomous spiders found in the region. Growing up to 16 millimeters for females and 9 millimeters for males, they boast distinctive hourglass-shaped markings on their abdomen. Known for cannibalistic mating behaviors, these spiders build intricate webs to catch prey, utilizing their neurotoxic venom that can lead to severe medical complications, including difficulty breathing, swelling, nausea, and vomiting. Immediate medical attention is crucial if bitten.
Grey House Spider
Originally from Australia, the grey house spider has become common in Oregon, particularly around residential areas. Adult females can grow up to 14 millimeters, with males reaching around 10 millimeters. Sporting light grey colors and occasionally featuring black marks on their abdomen, these spiders create cobwebs around houses to capture prey. Active at night, encountering them is likely, especially around residential spaces.
Mouse Spider
Recognizable by its erratic movements and mouse-like appearance due to velvety grey hairs, the mouse spider thrives in different parts of Oregon. It’s crucial to be aware of their habitats, as these spiders scavenge other spiders and dead insects, potentially transmitting harmful bacteria through bites that can impact bodily functions.
Black-Footed Yellow Sac Spider
Common in Oregon, the black-footed yellow sac spider is identifiable by its pale yellow color with dark brown spots at the end of its feet, hence the name. Growing up to 9 millimeters for females and 7 millimeters for males, they’re active hunters, not relying on webs for prey capture. With exceptional agility, they ambush their victims after hiding, leaving silk strands in their habitat, ready to strike at any sighting of prey during your travels in the region.
Zebra Spider
The zebra spider is another common species that you are going to find thriving in the state of Oregon. During your travel to the region, you will find this species moving from one location to another. They have black and white stripes on their bodies hence the name zebra spider. It is a species that is found commonly in the northern hemisphere. The females can grow up to 15 millimeters long while the males can grow up to 11 millimeters. They have very large eyes and mouths, and they feature white and black stripes on the abdomen, carapace, and legs. This spider is very agile in nature, and you will interact with it in different parts of the state. They are known not to construct any webs to catch their prey, however, they use their agility and leaping technique to catch their prey quickly.
Missing Sector Orb Weaver
The missing sector orb weaver, a distinctive spider thriving in various parts of Oregon, is also found across the globe. Females can grow up to 11 inches, with males reaching about 7 inches. Although initially discovered in Europe, they’ve diversified and can now be encountered in the United States. Recognizable by their mostly yellowish-brown abdomen with dark markings, these orb weavers construct robust webs to catch and swiftly consume prey. Given their tendency to inhabit areas with human populations, awareness is crucial during your visit, and seeking immediate medical attention for a spider bite is advised to prevent potential bacterial infection.
Giant Crab Spider
In different parts of Oregon, the giant crab spider, belonging to the giant crab family, stands out as one of the largest spiders in the state. Measuring around 20 millimeters for females and 13 millimeters for males, these spiders, predominantly black, tan, brown, or orange, are also prevalent in the western United States. Not relying on webs for prey capture, they are agile and aggressive hunters, particularly protective when it comes to their eggs. A bite from these spiders can lead to complications affecting the central nervous system, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
False Black Widow Spider
Thriving in various habitats in Oregon, the false black widow spider shares similarities in size and appearance with the real black widow. Mostly black with grey or yellow markings, they can be mistaken for their more venomous counterpart. These spiders carry a significant amount of bacteria, posing a risk of serious infections if they bite, making it important to exercise caution and seek prompt medical attention.
Hobo Spider
The hobo spiders, prevalent in Oregon, are notable for a common belief that they travel in vehicles, earning the name “hobo.” Growing up to 14 millimeters for females and 9 millimeters for males, these brown spiders with V-shaped markings are found in fields and grasslands, avoiding human-populated areas. While bites are rare, they can be dangerous, requiring immediate medical attention if encountered.
Triangulate Cobweb Spider
The triangulate cobweb spider, thriving in dark areas and around windows in Oregon, features tiny yellowish-orange hairs and yellow legs. Commonly found inside homes, these non-aggressive spiders carry bacteria, potentially causing infections if bitten. It’s advisable to be vigilant during your exploration of different regions in the state, keeping an eye out for these spiders and seeking medical attention if bitten.
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Check out the other spiders inhabiting the US states:
