Hobbies And Interests
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are a large family of spiders that inhabit Illinois as part of many of the species' ranges. Most of the wolf spiders native to Illinois are grayish to brown in color, and they range in size from 1/2 inch to 2 inches long. Some possess markings such as lines on their body which can help you identify them, while others do not. Most of these spiders thrive outdoors, although during the colder months they may seek refuge in your home. Wolf spiders do not build webs; they are active hunters which rely on their speed and other characteristics to catch prey. Many people are frightened of wolf spiders because they can be large, run quick and sometimes have thick, stout, hairy bodies. Their eyes reflect light like many mammals and the female carries the egg sacs and spiderlings.
Nursery Web and Fishing Spiders
Nursery web spiders, including the fishing spiders, often resemble wolf spiders. The name "nursery web" comes from the fact that these spiders do not build webs with silk, but rather nursery webs for their young. The female nursery web spider will carry her bulbous egg sac under her abdomen, clutching it in her fangs. Fishing spiders live near or on the water, with the six-spotted fishing spider sometimes carrying her egg sac over the water with her. You'll often see them running across water plants.
Crab Spiders
Crab spiders resemble crabs with their legs stretched out to the side and will often mimic the way a crab moves by running forward, backward or sideways. Like the wolf and nursery web spiders, crab spiders don't snare their prey in webs, but are hunters that often rely on their stealth to catch their prey. You can often find them on flowers or other plants, most of the time inconspicuous as they wait patiently for their next meal.
Orb Weavers and Garden Spiders
These are the spiders that build the awe-inspiring webs found outside in different locations depending on the species. The barn spider, for example, is a large, hairy, brownish spider that will often construct large orb webs in the corners of barn doors, porches and other similar areas. Most of these spiders tear down their webs every day and create a new one, sometimes in the same location and sometimes not. Many of the garden orb weavers are large and very similar to the barn spider.
Other Brown Spiders
Many other brown spiders live in Illinois, including several jumping spiders. Jumpers often find refuge in window sills if inside the home, and have excellent eyesight that allows them to be proficient hunters during the day. Jumpers are fairly docile for spider species, sometimes sitting calmly in the palm of your hand if you pick them up. One brown spider species in Illinois that should cause some concern is the brown recluse, also known as violin spiders or fiddlebacks. Inside, these spiders will inhabit dark, cluttered areas or hide under furniture or around baseboards. They are nocturnal, normally running about at night in search of prey. Their bite produces a necrotic wound that can grow quite large if untreated.