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How to Identify Common Household Spiders in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has a number of spider species, including wolf spiders, tarantulas, jumping spiders and garden spiders. Of the numerous household spiders in Oklahoma it is only the black widow and brown recluse that people need be wary of. Although these are not venomous spiders the bites of the wolf spider and tarantula can be very painful. A number of spiders are found in and around homes in Oklahoma and all of the species can be identified if the observer pays attention to the many characteristics that each spider type exhibits.

Things You'll Need

Field guide to spiders

Instructions

- 1
  Use an updated field guide to spiders to find not only detailed descriptions of each species but clear color pictures of each type as well.
- 2
  Look out for a smooth brown spider that spends most of its time on the ground. The brown recluse spider, which is nocturnal and active at night, is a shy species that typically goes unnoticed. This species of spider has a violin-shaped marking behind three pairs of eyes. Its long legs also help with correct identification.
- 3
  Observe the markings and abundance or lack of hair on the spider. The female western black widow has bright red markings on a glossy, hairless black body. Her much smaller mate is easily identifiable by a number of knob-like growths on its forehead. The black widow is recognizable by its globular shape. This spider typically lives in the web it builds, which will also help you identify it.
- 4
  Look out for a large spider that kicks hairs in your direction. These spiders, which are noticeably hairy and can be either black or brown in color, are tarantulas. Although the venom of tarantulas is not dangerous to the average person, any bite that these spiders inflict can be very painful. You will normally come across tarantulas on the ground and after dark, as they are nocturnal.
- 5
  Closely observe the spider's eyes. Jumping spiders have eight eyes, one pair of which is positioned in front of the others. Jumping spiders are frequently found within homes and may be observed hanging from the dragline of their web, after an abortive attack on prey. Seeing a spider in this characteristic situation assists with identification.
- 6
  Look out for longitudinal stripes on the body of the spider. This large creature is the wolf spider, which is often seen within the home and normally under a light source. The wolf spider carries her young on and under her abdomen for short periods and this behavior is characteristic of the species and aids in identification.
- 7
  Look around in your garden for the flat, circular web of the orb-weaving spider. This species normally has silver, yellow, orange or black markings.

Insects & Science