Hobbies And Interests
Redback Jumping Spider
This spider is hairy and grows to approximately 3/4 inch in length. The size of individual spiders varies however. The back of a redback spider, as the name suggests, is bright red with a black strip for females. The rest of the body is usually entirely black. Although this spider can inflict an uncomfortable bite, it is not venomous or considered a danger to humans. It is resident in all areas of California.
Woodlouse Spider
With a dark red body, light red legs and a grey abdomen, this spider can be found in and around buildings or debris in California. Its staple diet is wood lice, but with large jaws, it is capable of inflicting an uncomfortable bite on humans if threatened. The bite is compared to that of a bee sting. Typically woodlouse spiders grow up to 1/2 inch in length.
Tengellidae
There are more than 30 species in the genera Tengellidae. There is much debate about the family category of this spider, as little is known about it. The species is confined mostly to the Americas, with two monotypic genera residing in Madagascar and New Zealand. They have a characteristic hairless light red-brown body and legs with almost no patterning.
Black Widow
Often spiders can be confused for the black widow. Although this spider is largely jet black in color, it has a bright red or orange hourglass marking on its abdomen. The black widow is small at approximately 1/4 inch in length. Although potentially deadly, usually a bite will only cause discomfort and swelling. Medical treatment should always be sought if you suspect a black widow bite.