Hobbies And Interests
Desert Tarantula
Found throughout the South Western United States, the desert tarantula, or Aphonopelma chalcodes, range from 2 to 2 3/4 inches in body size and may be identified by their gray, brown and black hairy bodies. Their leg spans range up to four inches in females, which are typically larger than males. Although shy with humans, the desert tarantula will attempt to attack if they feel threatened. They have a venomous bite, however it is comparable to that of a bee sting. People should seek medical assistance if bitten, as some may be allergic. They are generally more visible at night.
Green Lynx Spider
Also known as Peucetia viridans, the green lynx spider has a leaf-green body with white, orange and black legs. The species is easily identified by a chevron-shaped pattern on its abdomen. Sizes range from 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch with females being larger than males. They are typically found in open fields with tall grass. The female will lay her eggs against the sides of grass shoots. It captures prey using a "drag line", where other insects are pulled towards the spider when caught.
Spiny Backed Orb Weaver
This spider is identifiable by its patterned black and white spiny abdomen and its orange, black and red legs. Its web is notable for having no spirals in the center. Sizes range from 1/12 inch to 3/8 inch, with females taking up the larger of the range. It is also known as the crablike spiny orb weaver and Gasteracantha elipsoides.
Spitting Spider
The Spitting Spider, or Scytodes spp., ranges from 1/6 inch to 1/3 inch in adult length not including the legs and is brown, black and yellow in color. Its abdomen has a characteristically spotted pattern. The spider is found under rocks, leaves and rubble. The spider is named for its hunting method: it "spits" a sticky residue at its target to subdue it, and then injects a fluid through its bite that liquefies the prey's body.