Guide to Common and Beneficial Spiders Found in Wisconsin

Guide to Common Spiders Found in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's diverse habitats ranging from forests and prairies to urban areas host a variety of spider species. While all spiders may appear intimidating to some, very few types found in the state pose any danger to humans. Most spiders play important roles in controlling insect populations. Learning to identify and appreciate these fascinating creatures can help residents peacefully coexist with them.

Orb Weavers

Orb weaver spiders use intricate webs to capture prey. Some common orb weavers in Wisconsin include:

Banded Garden Spider

The brightly colored yellow and black banded garden spider reaches over 1 inch long. They build large, perfect spiral wheel-shaped webs between plants and shrubs.

Black and Yellow Garden Spider

Also called corn spiders or writing spiders, these orb weavers have zig-zagged patterns and grow over 1 inch long. Their webs can reach 2 feet across.

Marbled Orbweaver

This greenish-grey spider has markings resembling marble stone. They make small webs in shrubs and gardens. The marbled orbweaver is harmless to humans.

Jumping Spiders

These aptly named spiders pounce on their prey instead of building webs. Look for:

Bold Jumper

The intricately patterned bold jumper has a fuzzy black and white banded look. They stalk prey by jumping up to 10 times their body length.

Regal Jumping Spider

Regal jumpers are the largest spider species in Wisconsin, reaching around 1.25 inches long. Despite their size, they are not aggressive.

Twinflagged Jumper

This spider has two prominent tufts of hair over the head resembling flags. They actively hunt on vertical surfaces like walls and trees.

Wolf Spiders

Roaming hunters, wolf spiders chase prey instead of spinning webs. Look for these in Wisconsin:

Carolina Wolf Spider

A large fuzzy species reaching over 1 inch long. Carolina wolf spiders are generally brown with grey stripes on the body.

Rabid Wolf Spider

Medium-sized grayish spiders with banded legs. Rabid wolf spiders move quickly when disturbed but are not aggressive toward people.

Tiger Wolf Spider

Tiger wolf spiders have a distinct pattern of black with white, yellow, or red markings. They are fast runners that live on forest floors.

Ground Spiders

These stealthy hunters prowl the ground and low vegetation stalking prey. Some ground spiders in the state include:

Ground Crab Spider

This flat spider has an angular front with legs that give it a crab-like look. They can range from tan to reddish-brown in color.

Prowling Spider

With long front legs, prowling spiders appear almost tip-toed. They come in muted shades like grey, brown, or black.

Groomed Dark Spider

Distinguished by an evenly colored dark grey to black body with white hairs along the margins.

Sac Spiders

Named for the silken tube-shaped sacs they build for shelter, these spiders are found indoors and out. Common Wisconsin sac spiders:

Bowl and Doily Spider

These spiders construct a dome-shaped web with an anchor line through the middle, resembling a bowl and doily. They come in pale tan, grey, and brown.

Tailed Daddy Longlegs

Despite their name, these arachnids are spiders with a small spherical abdomen and elongated cylindrical opisthosoma or "tail". Their legs span around 1 inch tip to tip.

Parson Spider

A brown spider with distinctive light-colored markings on the abdomen that resemble a clergyman's collar.

Identifying and Appreciating Beneficial Spiders in Wisconsin

Rather than immediately reaching for the bug spray when you come across a spider, take a moment to identify if it is a beneficial species. Many common Wisconsin spiders play critical roles in controlling pest populations by feeding on insects. Getting to know them can help you appreciate their presence.

Observe Web Patterns

Different spiders construct unique types of webs. Orb weaver webs are wheel or dome shaped. Funnel weavers build flat horizontal webs. Cobweb spiders produce messy, haphazard webs in corners. Learning web shapes helps narrow ID.

Look for Distinctive Markings

Markings like stripes, spots, bands, and coloring can differentiate spider species. Compare photos to live spiders to look for unique patterns like zig-zags, dots, or marbling.

Notice Leg Length and Shape

Leg measurements and shape varies by spider family. Long, thin legs indicate orb weavers and cellar spiders. Short, thick legs typify crab spiders and jumping spiders. Pay attention to proportions.

Watch Hunting Techniques

Observe how the spider captures prey. Does it leap on prey like jumping spiders or patiently wait in a web? Hunting methods differentiate web builders from wandering hunters.

Consider Habitat Clues

Whether found indoors or out provides hints. Funnel weavers prefer dark corners while crab spiders live among flowers. Habitat preferences can aid spider species identification.

Look Up Reference Photos

Consult online photos on reputable sites when stumped. Match markings, web types, leg span and shapes to compare your specimen against known species images.

Taking a moment to appreciate spiders' unique biology and pest control contributions rather than instantly removing them can change your perspective on these fascinating creatures sharing our living spaces.

Dangerous Spiders Rare in Wisconsin

While the large majority of Wisconsin's spider species pose no threat, two venomous spiders do reside in the state in very limited areas. Understanding how to identify them can prevent panic if encountered.

Northern Black Widow Spiders

Northern black widows have a distinctive jet black body with a reddish hourglass shape underneath. They build messy webs in dark, undisturbed places like woodpiles and tree stumps. Bites are rarely life-threatening.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Brown recluse spiders have a brown body with a dark violin-shaped pattern on the cephalothorax. They inhabit sheds, garages, and attics. Though venomous, they are non-aggressive and bites are uncommon.

Range in Wisconsin

Neither black widows nor brown recluses inhabit the entire state. Black widows reside only in the far southwest region. Brown recluses occupy a small area along the Illinois border.

Low Bite Risk

These spiders rarely bite humans unless accidentally crushed or pinned against skin. Control practices concentrate populations around human structures, increasing odds of encounter.

First Aid for Bites

Black widow and brown recluse bites cause mild to moderate pain, swelling, and redness. Seek medical treatment for systemic symptoms. Clean the bite, apply ice, and elevate for symptom relief.

While potentially dangerous spiders do live in Wisconsin, the low statewide population and risk of human bites make encounters very uncommon. Learning how to identify them removes fear of the majority of harmless spiders.

Tips for Safely Coexisting with Spiders

These tips can help Wisconsin residents safely and peacefully coexist with spiders around homes and properties:

Reduce Clutter

Spiders seek sheltered areas with insect prey nearby, like woodpiles, vegetation, and debris. Keeping your property tidy limits attractive hiding spots.

Install Bug Lights

Use yellow bug lights around outdoor living spaces at night instead of bright white lights. These attract fewer insects, reducing prey for spiders.

Seal Up Entry Points

Caulk cracks around doors and windows. Install weatherstripping underneath and door sweeps. Repair screens to prevent spiders sneaking indoors.

Manage Lighting

Many spiders avoid bright areas. Keep exterior lighting minimal and direct indoor lighting away from walls and corners.

Vacuum Regularly

Use a vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter weekly to remove webs and spider "kick-out" piles. This helps limit indoor populations.

Inspect Items Before Bringing Inside

Check boxes, plants, firewood, and other outdoor items for spiders before storing indoors. Look before grabbing stored objects in sheds or garages.

With proactive measures, Wisconsin residents can discourage spider habitation near the home. But the majority of spiders deserve appreciation, not fear.

When to Call for Professional Spider Control

While coexisting peacefully with spiders outdoors is ideal, infestations inside the home may require professional pest control. Consider calling an exterminator if you experience:

Widespread Populations Indoors

Seeing multiple spiders daily, especially dangerous species like black widows or brown recluses, indicates a significant infestation requiring treatment.

Unmanageable Phobias

If you suffer from severe arachnophobia that interferes with normal household activities or mental health, professional spider removal may be needed.

Repeated Spider Bites

Multiple bite incidents concentrated inside the home likely means a reproducing population requires elimination.

Difficult Self-Treatment

If self-treatment efforts like vacuuming, sealing cracks, reducing clutter, and trapping consistently fail to control indoor spiders.

Venomous Species

Any black widow or brown recluse sightings, especially around beds or sofas, merit professional treatment.

While occasional spiders can be removed or left alone, consult an exterminator if populations seem out of control or cause significant distress. They can identify any infestation sources and properly eliminate spiders.

Understanding Spider Benefits

Rather than immediately killing any spider you encounter, consider these benefits:

Insect Population Control

Spiders prey on vast quantities of flies, mosquitoes, ants, cockroaches and other nuisance or disease-carrying insects. Their hunting significantly reduces the need for chemical treatments.

Natural Pest Control

Spiders provide free, organic means of controlling pest populations without the need for toxic substances used in traditional bug sprays and foggers.

Ecological Balance

As predators, spiders play an important role in maintaining balance in both natural and manmade environments.

Scientific Advancement

Spider venom and silk possess unique properties that continue being studied for human benefit in areas like medicine, technology, and engineering.

Biodiversity Conservation

Many spider species are highly specialized. Protecting their habitats helps preserve overall species diversity.

Rather than instill fear, spiders present opportunities to appreciate nature's ingenuity. Their uniqueness and contributions to ecological balance merit fascination, not loathing.

Fostering Spider Appreciation

Cultivating an appreciation for spiders as beneficial members of Wisconsin's habitats can have positive impacts like:

Enhanced Ecosystem Understanding

Recognizing spiders' important niches provides greater insight into natural environments and food webs.

Diminished Pesticide Use

Accepting spiders' abilities to naturally control insects may reduce reliance on chemical bug sprays both indoors and outdoors.

Expanded Insect Knowledge

Noticing and identifying the insects spiders prey upon expands overall insect awareness and observation skills.

Boosted Critical Thinking

Thoughtfully considering spiders' roles and analyzing their actual danger versus perceived threat boosts cognitive skills.

Improved Conservation Habits

Seeing spiders as beneficial promotes wildlife-friendly habits like avoiding unrestrained pesticide use and retaining natural habitat areas.

Reassessing preconceived notions about spiders in Wisconsin through education fosters appreciation of their ecological importance and minimizes excessive fears. Curiosity and understanding should replace avoidance and elimination of these fascinating creatures.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.