Hobbies And Interests
Funnel-Web Spiders
Funnel-web spiders are classified in the Agelenidae family of spiders. They are most easily identified by their funnel-shaped webs, and the spiders themselves are long and oval-shaped, with long, slender, bristly legs. Many funnel-webs have backs that are striped or patterned in shades of brown and gray. More than 400 distinct species of funnel-web spiders have been identified in North America, many of which can be found in Eastern North Carolina.
Orb Weavers
Orb weaver spiders are easily identified by their classic-shaped webs, which look familiar, thanks to Halloween decorations and children's picture books. These spiders belong to the Araneidae family of spiders, with 180 species occurring north of Mexico and some 3,500 worldwide. More than 100 species can be found in Eastern North Carolina. The spiders range in size from 1/4 inch to 1 inch in varying shapes, sizes and colors. The similar long-jawed orb weaver and orchard spiders, which belong to the family Tetragnathidae, are also observed in Eastern North Carolina. You can distinguish them by their long, protruding fangs.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are members of the family Lycosidae. More than 2,000 different species of wolf spiders have been observed worldwide. They can be identified by their long, stout bodies and their long, thick legs. Many species of wolf spider have hair on their body and legs. Size varies greatly from .08 inches up to 1.6 inches. In Eastern North Carolina these ground-dwelling spiders will be found most often in flat, open areas, but species are often found in different habitats and landscapes.
Lynx Spiders
Lynx Spiders, which take their name from their hunting habits since they hunt similar to a cat, belong to the family Oxyopidae. More than 419 species are known worldwide, but they are most-often seen in a tropical or subtropical climate. Lynx spiders have been found throughout the southern United States, including North Carolina. These spiders prefer to live in trees and plants, and they can be identified by high carapaces and the numerous spines on their legs. Colors vary, with some species having bright coloring. Size varies from .1 inch up to 1 inch.
Nursery Web Spiders
Nursery web spiders belong to the family Pisauridae. These spiders are of a size and coloring that is similar to wolf spiders, but they have two rows of eyes as opposed to the three rows a wolf spider has. Nursery web spiders are so called because of the egg sac that a female spider attaches to a plant then builds a web around. The young spiders will live inside these webs until their first molting. Nursery web spiders can be found in Eastern North Carolina, often near bodies of water.
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders belong to the family Salticidae. With more than 4,000 species worldwide this is the largest family of spiders. As their name suggests, these spiders are named for their leaping ability. They can jump 10 to 40 times their body length. These are small spiders, with most under .8 inches in length. They are often brightly colored and patterned, and they have stout bodies, short legs and a large pair of eyes at the front of their bodies. More than 300 species of jumping spiders have been identified in the United States, many of which can be found in Eastern North Carolina.
Cobweb Spiders
Cobweb spiders refers to those spiders that belong to the family Theridiidae, which are also referred to as comb-footed spiders. This family includes widow spiders and common house spiders. Some 2,200 species of cobweb spiders exist throughout the world, more than 200 of which can be found north of Mexico. These spiders are .2 to .8 inches in size, and they are the most common spiders found in homes. They tend to build large, tangled-looking webs, and they are found in much of the United States, including North Carolina.
Crab Spiders
Crab spiders are members of the families Thomisidae and Philodromidae. These are small spiders with most less than .4 inches in length. As their name suggests, they are crab-like in appearance with short, wide and flat bodies with the first two or three pairs of legs noticeably longer than the other legs. They hold out their legs to the sides of their bodies similar to the way a crab holds its claws, and their movements are very similar to those of crabs. Some 2,000 species of crab spiders live throughout the world, with 200 in North America. Some of the crab spiders, including those found in Eastern North Carolina, are flower spiders such as the goldenrod spider. They are able to remain motionless near flowers for long periods of time, attacking insects that come to the flower.