Guide to Identifying Red Spiders Found in Washington State

Red Spiders Found in Washington State

Washington state is home to a diverse array of spider species, some of which have striking red coloration. While the majority of Washington spiders are harmless, one medically significant spider is the western black widow, which can have a reddish hourglass marking on its underside.

By learning key identification features and habitats of red spiders in Washington, you can appreciate these fascinating creatures from a safe distance and take precautions if needed.

Western Black Widow

The western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus) is likely the most notorious red spider in Washington. Black widows are found throughout the state in warm, dry, undisturbed areas like woodpiles, debris piles, rodent burrows, sheds and garages.

Adult females have a shiny black body with a prominent red or orange hourglass shape on the underside of their large rounded abdomen. They measure around 1.5 inches long. Males are smaller with light striping on the abdomen and lack the hourglass.

The western black widow is highly venomous but typically docile, preferring to play dead when threatened. Bites rarely occur but can cause muscle cramps, nausea, and pain that spreads from the bite site. Seek medical care if bitten.

Redback Spider

The redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) is an introduced species first discovered in Washington around 1990. It is still uncommon but populations have been found in urban areas west of the Cascades like Seattle.

Redbacks resemble western widows but have a more orange hourglass marking. They build messy tangled webs in dark undisturbed corners and crevices. Bites cause similar effects to black widows but are very rare.

Ladybird Spider

The ladybird spider (Eresus cinnaberinus) can be found in eastern parts of the state in sagebrush habitats. As the name suggests, it has a round red or orange abdomen with black spots resembling a ladybug.

These spiders are active in summer and autumn, building underground burrows lined with silk webbing. The ladybird spider is harmless to humans despite its bright warning colors advertising toxicity.

Yellow Sac Spider

Yellow sac spiders (Cheiracanthium species) are one of the most common spiders kept out of sight in Washington homes. As the name suggests, they are pale yellowish in color and have a somewhat elongated sac-like abdomen.

Some yellow sac spiders have reddish markings on the abdomen. They construct thin silk tubes where they lurk waiting to ambush prey at night. Yellow sacs have a mildly venomous bite but are not aggressive toward people.

Cross Spider

Several species from the cross spider (Araneus) genus can be found around Washington. They have bulbous abdomens often patterned with distinct bands of silver, white, brown, and reddish colors.

One common garden variety is sometimes known as the barn spider. Their large orb webs are a common sight on plants, trees, and structures outside. Cross spiders help control pest insects and do not pose a threat to humans.

Red Jumping Spider

Jumping spiders are compact, hairy spiders that actively hunt instead of building webs. The striking red jumping spider (Phidippus johnsoni) is a type found hunting in gardens and woodlands of western Washington.

As their name suggests, they can leap substantial distances to ambush prey or evade predators. Jumping spiders have excellent eyesight and are not aggressive toward people.

Redlegged Hammock Spider

The redlegged hammock spider (Closterocerus coccineus) is aptly named for its bright red legs. They use their legs to secure themselves upside down under bark flakes or lichen colonies where they wait to grab small insects.

Look for these tiny bright red spiders on the trunks of trees in Washington forests west of the Cascades. Despite their colorful legs, they rarely come in contact with humans.

Red House Spider

The northern house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) is occasionally referred to as a red house spider due to the reddish-orange hue of some individuals. They build messy cobwebs in cracks and corners of buildings throughout Washington.

House spiders prey on nuisance pests like flies, mosquitoes and roaches. While they may startle people, their venom poses no medical concerns for humans who accidentally encounter them inside.

Redvelvet Mite

Despite the name, redvelvet mites are not actually spiders or even arachnids - they belong to the distinct subclass Acari along with ticks and spiders. The crimson red velvet mite (Balaustium species) is covered in tiny dense hairs that resemble lush red velvet.

These tiny mites crawl over soil and vegetation hunting for small arthropods. They do not bite humans but may leave a temporary red stain if crushed on the skin. Spotting them indicates a healthy local habitat.

Identifying Dangerous Spider Bites

While the vast majority of spiders in Washington are harmless, black widows and potentially redback spiders can inflict medically significant bites. Here is how to identify and respond to concerning spider bites:

Signs of a Dangerous Spider Bite

• Two puncture wounds from fangs
• Immediate pain and redness at bite site
• Burning sensation spreading from bite
• Muscle cramping near bite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Profuse sweating
• Elevated heart rate or blood pressure

Seek emergency care if bite symptoms are severe or persist more than a day. Even if the spider is not seen, these symptoms indicate a potentially dangerous bite.

First Aid for Spider Bites

• Clean bite with soap and water.
• Apply cold pack to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Keep bitten area immobilized and elevated if possible.
• Monitor for signs of infection and allergic reaction.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
• Seek medical care if symptoms worsen or spread.

Do not attempt to cut open bite or suction out venom. Avoid folk remedies like tourniquets or electric shocks which can harm more than help.

Preventing Spider Bites

• Shake out clothing, linens, shoes left outside before use.
• Wear gloves and long sleeves handling debris piles.
• Clean up woodpiles, rock walls, junk piles where spiders nest.
• Install screens on windows and vents to block spiders.
• Remove spider webs with a broom or vacuum.
• Keep bed away from walls and tuck in sheets to avoid night bites.

With vigilance and proper precautions, dangerous spider bites can be avoided around the home. Medical treatment can manage symptoms in the rare event of a bite from a black widow or other venomous spider in Washington.

Enjoying Washington's Spider Biodiversity Safely

Washington's spider diversity provides free pest control and opportunities for nature study - if enjoyed responsibly. Here are some tips for appreciating spiders safely:

• Photograph interesting spiders you find outdoors.
• Observe spiders at a distance and avoid handling.
• Learn to identify local dangerous species.
• Wear gloves and long sleeves in dusty attics or storage areas.
• Inspect or shake out items left outside that you bring indoors.
• Install screening on home vents and gaps.
• Keep spiders outside by limiting indoor clutter and sealing cracks.

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.