Hobbies And Interests
Funnel Weaver Spiders
Funnel weaver spiders are the most common spiders found in Colorado homes. These spiders produce thick mats of silk in corners of buildings and in shrubs. People in Colorado will notice funnel weaver spiders the most during early fall and late summer. Funnel weaver spiders do not cause harm and are often mistaken for the brown recluse spider.
Wolf Spiders
Most wolf spiders are large and are brown or gray. Female wolf spiders carry egg sacs on their back. The hatched young continue to live on the mother's back during the early weeks of their lives. This spider species is shy, harmless to people and will bite if threatened. If their habitat is located in an area of new development, wolf spiders will enter homes due to the disturbance.
Western Black Widow Spider
The western black widow spider has a shy temperament and prefers to avoid contact with people. These are poisonous spiders found in Colorado. Venom released during a bite from a western black widow spider is a neurotoxin. The nerve poison causes severe muscles cramps and spasms. Elderly people and small children are the most vulnerable to death after a bite. Western black widow spiders like to dwell in abandoned rodent holes and woodpiles.
Tarantulas
Tarantulas live in the southwestern and southeastern areas of Colorado. Out of all spiders, tarantulas live the longest. Females are known to live more than 20 years. This species creates their nest underground. It is uncommon for females to move more than a few feet from their burrow. Male tarantulas are spotted frequently wandering across roads during late summer to find females.