Hobbies And Interests
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are nocturnal ground dwellers, and some species build burrows. They can be identified by their long, thin legs and oval-shaped bodies. They are typically brown or gray, with faint vertical stripes on either side of their abdomens. Their legs may be different colors from their bodies, and their heads are frequently almost as large as their abdomens. These spiders are not typically aggressive, but they can inflict painful bites when threatened. Bites from wolf spiders may cause localized swelling and, in rare cases, infection. These spiders run very quickly because they hunt their prey instead of catching it in webs.
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are occasionally confused with tarantulas because of their hairy bodies and thick legs. They are common in Utah, and they can jump straight up in the air at rapid speeds. Like most other fast-moving spiders, jumping spiders don't build webs. They rely on their keen eyesight to hunt for prey, and their eyes are larger than the eyes of most other spiders. Their top pair of eyes is much larger than their other six eyes. A bite from a jumping spider causes itching and localized swelling. Some bite victims experience flu-like symptoms.
Hobo Spiders
Frequently referred to as funnel web spiders, hobo spiders are common in Utah County. They are typically brown or tan, with chevron-shaped markings on their abdomens. Unlike many other species of spider, they don't have bands of color on their leg joints. Many species of hobo spiders also have a light stripe on the undersides of their abdomens. These spiders aggressively defend their webs, and they can move quickly toward an intruder. They can inflict bites that cause pain and swelling. American funnel web spiders are generally not considered venomous, but the Australian funnel web spider is among the most venomous spiders in the world.
Nursery Web Spiders
Nursery web spiders are frequently referred to as fishing spiders because they live near bodies of water and can walk across the top of bodies of water. They have long, slender legs and are common around Utah Lake. Fishing spiders are typically drab in color with small bodies and light-colored stripes on their abdomens. They don't use webs to catch their prey, but they do lay their eggs in webs. They feed on a variety of insects as well as small fish. These spiders are not aggressive, and their bites are not medically significant.