Hobbies And Interests
American House Spider
This is a relatively common spider found not only in Virginia but in the United States as a whole. Known scientifically as Parasteatoda tepidariorum, it typically forms webs around household windows or attics. Sizes range from 0.24 to 0.79 inches, and many females will often host webs in close proximity to each other. Their colors are brown, tan and black. If they feel threatened, they often play dead.
Black-and-Yellow Garden Spider
Also known as the common garden spider, its scientific name is Argiope aurantia. They may be identified by their orange and black legs and yellow and black abdomen; however the specific pattern often varies from spider to spider. Typical sizes range from 0.2 to 1.1 inches, with females tending to be much larger than males. The spider's egg sacs are brown, and its web typically displays a zigzag pattern.
Comb-Clawed Spider
Another type of house spider that's relatively common in Virginia, the comb-clawed spider often builds webs in the corners of rooms. Its name is derived from "combs" on its feet, which are used to throw strands of web at trapped prey. The scientific name is Achaearanea spp.. Sizes range from 0.2 to 0.24 inches, and colors vary between brown, tan, beige and white.
Eastern Harvestman
Because the harvestmen do not have fangs, they are not technically spiders, although they closely resemble them. The eastern harvestman is also known as the daddy long legs or Leiobunum vittatum. Like all harvestmen, it uses the technique of self-amputation to distract predators with a severed limb. It cannot regrow limbs, however. Sizes range from 0.24 to 0.31 inches, and colors range from brown to black.