Spiders in Louisiana come up in various shapes and sizes , each conform to the unique habitats found throughout the region .
Whether you ’re search the dim forests or the urban landscape painting , you ’ll play a fascinating array of spider species , each contributing to the intricate web of life in Louisiana .
Read on to hear the characteristics of 41 common spider specie found in Louisiana and how to identify them .
Different Types of Spiders in Louisiana
Furrow Spider
Furrow Spiders ( Larinioides cornutus ) , also bang as Furrow Orb Spiders or Foliate Spiders , are normally find in Louisiana , especially in dampish domain near urine source , grass , or shrubbery . Their colors set out from fatal to gray to shades of Red River , and they have a large , smooth , oval - shaped abdomen . light source - shade pointer markings on their abdomen head toward their mind , and their legs expose a similar arrow radiation diagram .
These spiders are unique in that they create a new internet every night , consuming the old one each morning . While they seldom seize with teeth , a bite would cause only mild pain sensation and irritation . Interestingly , like other spiders , Furrow Spiders ca n’t hear ; they use the hairs on their legs to sense reasoned .
Black and Yellow Garden Spider
disgraceful and Yellow Garden Spiders ( Argiope aurantia ) are easily recognisable in Louisiana . Females , about 1 column inch ( 25 mm ) long , have a black - marked abdominal cavity covered with yellow patches , while males are much smaller , around 0.25 inches ( 6.3 mm ) in length . Their leg are orange or dark jaundiced at the base and disgraceful toward the ends .
These spider build large , rotary web up to 2 feet ( 0.6 m ) in diameter in gay field of battle or gardens . The connection features a thick zigzag pattern called stabilimentum , which may discourage predators or attract louse . Though not aggressive , they may bite if provoke , but the chomp is broadly harmless , like to a bee sting .
Woodlouse Spider
Woodlouse Spiders ( Dysdera crocata ) , also known as Woodlouse Hunters or Sowbug Killers , are well key by their six eyes , orange or sorry - reddened heads , and lustrous orangeness legs . Their abdomen is lily-livered - chocolate-brown or dark gray , and females are magnanimous than males .
These spiders principally feed on woodlice ( pillbugs ) and can thrust their thick exoskeletons with magnanimous fang . They also consume earwigs , millipede , silverfish , and crickets .
In Louisiana , you could find out them under Rock , decaying log , and leaf litter — places where their fair game is also found . While Woodlouse spider have been known to bite world , the bites typically cause only minor itching and are not medically problematical .
Fishing spiders
Fishing spider ( Dolomedes ) , also known as Raft Spiders or Dock Spiders , vary in color , including brown , black , or pick . Many have a pale bar or dots down their sides . These are among the largest spiders in Louisiana .
sportfishing spiders are nocturnal and normally found around water , such as bobtail by lakes . They have velvet - like hairs that repel pee , allowing them to take the air or run for across it . They detect prey through ripple and can also hunt underwater due to their specialized lungs . However , their lungs make them to float , so they must adhere to rock or plant to stay submerged .
American Nursery Web Spider
American Nursery vane Spiders ( Pisaurina mira ) vary in people of colour from shades of browned to black . brownish spidersmay have a lite - tangent physical structure with a wide browned stripe , while black ones often feature thick emollient markings along their side of meat .
These spiders are do it for their unequalled mating behaviour , where males often tie up female with silk to keep being eat up after pair . In Louisiana , they inhabit low shrubbery and high weeds , where they can persist secret . As ambush predators , they waitress for prey to come within stretch before attacking with their chelicera ( claw - like pincers ) .
Common House Spider
CommonHouse Spiders(Parasteatoda tepidariorum ) can deviate in color from nearly pitch-black to various chromaticity , often with dissimilar formula on their body . Females are larger than males and have a medulla - corresponding abdomen , while males do not .
In Louisiana , these spiders are frequently find near human abode , such as in service department . Despite their pocket-size size of it — usually between 5 and 6 millimeters — they are good as they predate on small insects and pests like flies , ants , and mosquitoes . Although bite can occur due to their close propinquity to humans , their spitefulness is harmless .
Bowl and Doily Spider
Bowl and Doily Spiders ( Frontinella pyramitela ) are small , featuring a large , orotund , shiny belly that is dark browned or bootleg on top with heavyset ashen vertical lines on the sides . The bottom of the abdomen is white but can vary in coloring , sometimes dark yellow or uncolored . Their head is ruby-red - brown , and their leg are thin , long , and light brown .
These spider are know for their distinctive horizontal piece of paper webs that resemble a bowl , typically find in weedy airfield or shrubs . The wanderer sits on the underside of the vane , waiting for prey , and can even sting through the web . Male seldom build webs but often cohabit with females , leading to spermatozoon competition due to multiple male mating with one female person .
Harvestmen (Daddy Longlegs)
Harvestmen ( Opiliones ) , also known as Daddy Longlegs , vary in color from dull Brown University to gray , with some display yellowish , greenish - Robert Brown , or ruby-red hues . They often have a dark streak down the middle and sides . Unlike spiders , Harvestmen have a individual physical structure part , only two eyes , and no venom or fangs .
These arachnids are unremarkably seen in Louisiana , often veil under playground equipment , rocks , or logs , and are frequently found in large groups . Harvestmen are not rightful spider and can consume solid nutrient , including little insects , fungi , and fecal matter . Their prospicient legs are substantive for breathing , walking , smelling , and capturing prey . male person have foresightful leg than female and often groom them by licking .
Spotted Orbweaver
Spotted Orbweavers ( Neoscona crucifera ) , also known as Hentz Orbweavers or Barn spider , are typically prosperous - orange or rusty - red . Their legs have alternating dark and unaccented brownish bands , and their abdomen is hairy .
In Louisiana , these spiders are commonly take in in late summer and former surrender . They construct large , orb - shaped webs near light , often on building or other structures . During the day , they retreat to a silken hideout for safety .
While Spotted Orbweavers may burn in self - defense if touch , their malice is not harmful to humans .
Tan Jumping Spider
Tan Jumping Spiders ( Platycryptus undatus ) , also known as Familiar Jumping Spiders , have females measuring 10 to 13 mm and males 8.5 to 9.5 millimeter long . They are agnise by a tan , stripes - like design on their belly .
These active and sheer spiders are unremarkably seen in Louisiana , often on erect surfaces like wall , fences , and Tree . Unlike World Wide Web - building spiders , Tan Jumping Spiders trace small invertebrate by stealthily approach and then pouncing , much like a khat hunting its prey .
Their exceeding eyesight sets them apart from other invertebrate . They have eight eyes , with the two big , forward - facing eyes being highly forward-looking , featuring unparalleled muscles that patronise the retina .
Orchard Orbweaver
Orchard Orbweavers ( Leucauge venusta ) are easy identifiable in Louisiana due to their unequalled coloration . Their leg can be leaf - green , dark greens , or orange , but it ’s the top of their elongate abdomen that genuinely stands out , featuring vary sizes of flushed , orange , or neon jaundiced spots .
These spider are in general timid and only seize with teeth if threatened . While their bite is not dangerous to humans , it may cause minor swelling and soreness .
Banded Garden Spider
ring Garden Spiders ( Argiope trifasciata ) , also known as Banded Orb Weaving spider , are celebrated for their ellipse abdomens with bright marking . Their abdomens are pallid yellow with silvery hair and black sidelong stripes , while males are typically pale , sometimes lily-white . fully grown females appraise around 13 to 14.5 mm , while Male are much small , about a third of the females ’ length .
These spiders build large , awkward web up to 60 atomic number 96 in diam , capable of capturing large insect likewaspsand grasshoppers . Their web sport a distinctive vertical zag formula call the “ stabilimentum , ” which may attract quarry .
female relaxation in the web ’s center , point themselves to maximise warmth from the Lord’s Day , let them to remain combat-ready later in the class . Although they may sting in self - defense if handle , their bites are rarely more uncomfortable than a bee sting , and they are broadly speaking not fast-growing .
Marbled Orbweaver
Marbled Orbweavers ( Araneus marmoreus ) , often called “ Pumpkin Spiders , ” are distinguished by their large orange abdomen with brownish or black marbling , though they can also be jaundiced , white , black , browned , or crimson . Females maturate up to 18 mm , while males are about half that sizing . Their red legs feature disastrous and white banding on the shin .
These spiders are commonly found in Louisiana from mid - summertime until frigid conditions . They choose moist , wooded areas near streams . Marbled Orbweavers build upright webs and habituate a signal thread to notice prey . Instead of sitting in the web ’s center , they hide in a silken retreat , often under leaves or debris , wait for target to become trap .
Giant Lichen Orb Weaver Spider
Giant Lichen Orb Weaver wanderer ( Araneus bicentenarius ) are notable for theirorange legs with blackrings and grayish - greenish consistency marked with lily-white . Their colour can range from yellow to gray - honey oil . These spiders are normally found in Louisiana Wood on trees covered with lichen , which partly inspire their name .
They are have it off for their enormous web , which can touch up to 8 feet in diam . This size is meditate in their name , “ giant . ” Being nocturnal , Giant Lichen Orb Weavers hide during the mean solar day to avoid predators likebirds .
Spined Micrathena
Spined Micrathena ( Micrathena gracilis ) , also recognise as the Spiny - Bellied Orbweaver , is a classifiable wanderer in Louisiana . female person hand 8–10 mm in size , while males are about 4.5 mm long . They are typically white or xanthous with dreary mottles and have prominent disastrous prickle on their abdomens .
These spider are often found in hardwood forests near pond or lagoons . Active during belated summer and former fall , they build large , tightly loop webs up to 8 inches across . spin Micrathenas take in small insects like mosquitoes in their sticky webs . Despite their spiny appearance , their venom is harmless to humans .
Northern Yellow Sac Spider
Northern Yellow Sac Spiders ( Cheiracanthium mildei ) are tan or pale unripe with darker brown mouthparts and typically appraise 7–10 mm in sizing . Though originally from Europe and North Africa , they were inclose to Louisiana by English colonist and are now common , specially indoors .
These spiders are known to sting humans with little incitation . While their bites are comparatively painless and not medically significant , they can be unsettling . However , their tightlipped relative , the Yellow Sac Spider ( Cheiracanthium inclusum ) , has more grave sharpness .
Wolf spiders
Wolf spiders(Lycosidae ) are vulgar in Louisiana and are easily recognized by their robust , hairy bodies and long legs . Unlike other spiders , they do not birl webs to catch prey but actively hunt it down . Their excellent eyesight , enhance by retroreflective tissue paper in their heart , helps them tell apart and chase insects .
Typically brown or grey-haired with classifiable dark markings , wolf spiders are often witness under rocks , log , or in grassy areas . Although their bite is not dangerous to humans , it can stimulate soft irritation , including itching and swelling .
Cellar Spider
Cellar spiders ( Pholcidae ) are easily identify by their lowly , peanut - shaped torso and long , thin legs . Their cephalothorax and belly are unlike shades of brown . These spiders typically have a trunk less than 1/2 column inch ( 12.7 mm ) long , with stage hold out up to 2 inches ( 51 millimetre ) . Some species have 8 eyes , while others have only 6 .
usually find in Louisiana homes , especially in basements , these delicate arachnids are bonk for vibrate rapidly when their web is disturbed , garner them the nickname “ vibrate spiders . ” They are beneficial as they track down and kill virulent spider .
Brown Widow
The Brown Widow ( Latrodectus geometricus ) is characterized by its mottled tan and brown colour with black accent markings . Unlike the Black Widow , its hourglass marker is orangish rather than thick red . The spider ’s striped leg are typically dark dark-brown or black with light yellow bands .
Although the Brown Widow ’s bite can make pain , muscle rigidity , vomiting , and sweating due to its neurotoxic maliciousness , it is less harmful than the Black Widow ’s bite and is not considered dangerous to humans . female person often establish webs in secluded areas like empty container , buckets , and planters . A key designation feature of speech is their egg Sauk , which are pointy and sometimes described as “ fluffy ” or “ spiky . ”
Mabel Orchard Orbweaver
The Mabel Orchard Orbweaver ( Leucauge argyrobapta ) motley in size , with grownup female person measuring 5.5 to 7.5 millimetre ( 0.21 - 0.30 in ) and males 3.5 to 4.0 millimeter ( 0.13 - 0.16 in ) . They are characterized by their argent white abdomen , tan head , and dark-green - total darkness legs , often adorned with bright green , yellow , and orange patches .
usually regain in orchards , shrubby hayfield , wooded suburban area , and even houses , these spiders are social and may colligate their webs if prey is abundant . Despite their social nature , Mabel Orchard Orbweavers are modest and timid , seldom nipping unless provoked . Their bites are typically milder than a bee bunco and not harmful to humans .
Gray Wall Jumping Spider
The Gray Wall Jumping Spider ( Menemerus bivittatus ) features a flattened trunk covered in unforesightful , thick gray - white hair , with tuft of dark brown whisker near the middle . Male have brown - white stripe on their abdomen and a ignominious dorsal stripe , while female have a large , lighter brownish stomach with across-the-board bootleg stripes converging at the end .
Originally aboriginal to Africa , this spider has disseminate globally and is commonly seen on build exterior or tree trunks . Unlike web - weaving spiders , the Gray Wall Jumping Spider actively stalks and pounce on fair game , using its stabbing eyesight and exceptional jumping ability . Males also produce courtship sounds by fret hairs on their leg and chelicera , which are unhearable to humans but pull females .
Crab spiders
Crab spider ( Thomisidae ) are typically find near flowers in Louisiana . Female crab spiders appraise 7–11 mm , while males are little , ranging from 2–4 mm . Their colour vary widely , with coarse shadowiness include pink , scandalmongering , white , green , and dark-brown .
These spiders do n’t employ web to catch prey but alternatively wait inside flowers or low vegetation . They ambush insects with their long forelegs . Interestingly , Cancer spiders can also eat pollen and nectar when prey is scarce , and they have a mutualistic kinship with some plants .
Daring Jumping Spider
Daring Jumping Spiders ( Phidippus audax ) , also known as Bold Jumping Spiders , are small , quantify 4–14 millimeter . They are black with white marking on the abdomen and leg , and they have eight eye , with two being much large . Their green metal fangs are a distinctive feature article . Younger spider may have orangish mark on their abdomens thatturn whiteas they age .
These spider can jump up to 50 time their body duration . They prefer receptive sphere for hunting and use entanglement strands as lifeline during jumps . usually found in fields and on flat surface like fences and wall , Daring Jumpers are skilled hunters .
American grass spiders
Americangrass spiders(Agelenopsis ) are fast , funnel - weaving wanderer unremarkably found in Louisiana . Both males and females are shades of brownish - black with distinctive stripes running from front to back . Their oblong abdomen features two white stripes broken into sections , while a light stripe runs down the middle of their head , dividing two moody stripes .
These spider thread a funnel shape on one edge of their non - mucilaginous vane . When the silk is triggered , they utilise their speed to catch target . Fortunately , grass spiders are harmless to humans and commonly rest in their webs unless vex . The Agelenopsis genus includes 14 mintage aboriginal to North America .
Black Widow
Black Widows are among the most venomous spiders in Louisiana and are well recognize by their shiny black bodies and typical red hourglass - shaped mark on the underside of female person . female quantify 6.35 mm to 9.5 millimetre long , while male are half their size but have longer leg .
Despite their highly toxic venom , which is 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake ’s , Black Widows are not aggressive and typically bite only in defense if their web is shake up . Although bite are rare , their spite affects the spooky system and requires aesculapian attention , especially for small children , as it can be fateful if untreated .
Brown Recluse
Brown Recluse ( Loxosceles reclusa ) , also known as the Violin Spider or Fiddle Back , typically measures around 7 millimetre long . They range in color from yellowish to gray brown and are often recognized by the darker , fiddle - shaped mark on their point .
These venomous spiders are ordinarily come up in Louisiana , both outdoors and indoors . They favor obscure , littered areas such as basement , closets , and even within shoes or bed . Although bites are rarified and usually pass off when the wanderer is accidentally disturb , they can be quite serious . The bite is ab initio painless , but it can develop into painful lesions , sickness , fever , and necrotic lesion that are slow to heal .
Spinybacked Orb Weaver
Spinybacked Orb Weaver ( Gasteracantha cancriformis ) , also known as the Spiny Orb - weaver , Thorn Spider , or Spiny Spider , is easily recognized by its vivid colouring and distinctive hard , eggshell - corresponding abdomen with six prominent spines . Males are smaller and less vividly colored , with less detectable spines .
These unique spiders are often overlooked due to their severe , spiked appearance . They have a short life twosome , think up in late winter or early fountain and dying soon after position egg . Each day , they construct a young vane and consume the old one , often impart small silk balls to protect their web from legal injury .
Magnolia Green Jumping Spider
MagnoliaGreen Jumping Spider(Lyssomanes viridis ) is aboriginal to Louisiana and is easily identify by its picket or semitransparent green body with a red , yellow , orange , or snowy top of the head . Males are notable for their brightly colored chelicera , which they apply in combat with other males .
Though moot small among jump spider , females measure out 7 - 8 mm and males 5–6 millimeter . They are unremarkably found onMagnolia treesand various other vegetation in humid forests . This species is among the earliest of jumping spider , linking primitive wanderer behaviour with the forward-looking Salticidae family .
Green Lynx Spider
The Green Lynx Spider ( Peucetia viridans ) is a fascinating species found in Louisiana . female uprise to about 22 mm long , while male are small-scale at around 12 millimetre . These spiders are typically green but canturn yellowwith the season .
They are easily identifiable by their leg , which are covered in black dots and spike heel , which help them mix in with their environment . rather of spin around webs , Green Lynx Spiders utilize their silk to create egg sacs containing up to 600 graphic orange eggs . Spiderlings emerge after about a month .
Although they are belligerent hunters , Green Lynx Spiders rarely bite humans , and their bites , while unspeakable , are not serious .
Tropical Orbweaver
The Tropical Orbweaver ( Eriophora ravilla ) is a typical wanderer found in Louisiana ’s forest . Females order from 12 to 24 millimeter long , while males are smaller at 9 to 13 mm . Their brownish or gray bodies are marked with dark banding on their legs , and some have a lime - colour patch or white stripe on their abdomens .
Often view using dried , curly leaves for asylum , these spiders build large webs between Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and occasionally blot out in shrubs . They construct their webs at night and react quickly to prey by detecting vibrations . While their bites do only soft effects , Tropical Orbweavers play a beneficial role in control pestis insects in fruit orchards .
Texas Brown Tarantula
The Texas Brown Tarantula ( Aphonopelma hentzi ) , also know as the Oklahoma or Missouri Brown Tarantula , is a large wanderer aboriginal to Louisiana . With a body length of 2 inch and a 4 - inch leg span , its coloration vary from light brownness on the head to dark brown on the abdomen , plow in ok hairs .
Found in dry , desiccated habitats , they often live burrow under endocarp or logs . Despite its size , this European wolf spider is non - belligerent , fleeing from human race and using its tunnel ’s silk to discover prey . female can live up to 40 years , while males rarely pass a year post - due date .
Banana Spider
The Banana Spider ( Trichonephila clavipes ) is notable for its orange or tan body with yellow spots and a yellow , oblong abdomen resemble a banana . Its retentive , straight legs are band in yellow-bellied and black , with tufted hair on the female and a less marked dark brown colour on the male person . The pocket-sized , grayish - white head features black Elvis that resemble a skull .
In Louisiana woods , these spider spin asymmetrical webs of golden silk up to 6 feet in diam , making them a common raft for hikers . female person are much large than males but do not consume them after mating . The wanderer ’s silk is exceptionally strong and have electric potential for utilisation in aesculapian operation to help the unquiet system .
Arrowhead Orbweaver
The Arrowhead Orbweaver ( Verrucosa arenata ) , also known as the Arrowhead Spider , Triangle Orb Weaver , or Triangulate Orb Weaver , is distinguish by its pointed abdominal cavity resemble an arrowhead . Females grow to 7–14 mm ( 0.28–0.55 in ) and have a yellow or livid trilateral marking on their belly , while male person are small , reaching 4 - 6 mm ( 0.16 - 0.24 in ) , with colouring material ranging from dark brown to rusty red .
These wanderer are versatile in their home ground , normally notice in parks , gardens , and forests across Louisiana . Most active in late summer and early fall , their abdomen ’s white coloration reflects ultraviolet light and heat , help them adapt to affectionate climate , while the yellow and snowy markings attract target .
Southern House Spider
The Southern House Spider ( Kukulcania hibernalis ) is notable for its prominent , bulging distaff soundbox , assess around 2 in across , covered in fine , velvety light gray hair . Both sexes have stretch bodies and succinct legs .
In Louisiana , distaff Southern House Spiders are often hidden in their web , while males are more frequently seen as they wander in hunting of food and Ilex paraguariensis . Their seemingly aggressive behavior is due to their near - cecity , which make them to crawl over obstacles without awareness .
Fortunately , these spiders rarely bite and can not fathom human pelt with their fangs . When jeopardize , they often play drained , a manoeuvre effective against predatory animal .
