Common Spiders of Alabama

Recluse Spiders

• Sightings of five species of recluse spiders, including the brown recluse, have been recorded in Alabama. They are frequently spotted in various rooms throughout the house, hiding behind furniture or in clothing in a closet. Garages, firewood piles and cellars are common hiding places for the recluse. Sightings regularly occur during the night when the brown recluse is the most active.

  The color of a recluse can vary from an orange-yellow to dark brown. The body is typically ¼- to ½-inch long and covered with fine hair. A recluse will have distinguishable markings on its back in the shape of a violin. The spider's six eyes form the base of the marking.

Black Widow Spiders

• A number of species of black widow spiders, including western black, northern black, and brown widow, are found in Alabama. People are typically bitten by a widow spider when they disturb the web, which can be found in bathrooms, garages, shrubbery, gas meters and vegetable gardens. The spider may also make a home in shoes which are not worn often.

  While widows are typically dark black, the color can vary. Males and younger spiders may have a more colorful body with orange, red and white marks on the back and sides. Two red triangles join together on the abdomen to form a shape similar to an hourglass. Adult spiders may grow as long as 1 ½ inches long and have two rows of eyes, each containing four.

  These spiders are extremely dangerous as the venom is more potent than that of a rattlesnake. Although fatality is rare, a bite can cause muscle aches, nausea and difficulty breathing.

Wolf Spiders

• Wolf spiders are large and are typically brown or black with stripes. The eyes glow at night as they reflect light from flashlights or headlights. Webs are formed to provide protection during the day, when they are least active. A wolf spider may be seen in yards or homes but are not threatening to people.

Orbweavers

• Orbweavers are typical garden spiders and are responsible for the ornate, circular webs found in fields, on fences and around homes throughout Alabama. The size and shape of orbweavers vary, but typically they are bright-colored, often containing yellow, orange and silver hues. The female is characteristically four times larger than the male and boasts much longer legs.

Southern House Spider

• The southern house spider is similar in appearance to the brown recluse but does not have the violin-shaped marking. They are also larger than the recluse and the eight eyes are clustered together. This non-venomous spider is commonly found in homes, barns and abandoned buildings.