Guide to Identifying 13 Common Spiders in Texas with Pictures

A Guide to Common Spiders Found in Texas

Texas is home to a diverse array of spider species due to its large size and varied climates. While most Texas spiders are harmless, some species can deliver a painful and medically significant bite. Knowing how to identify different types of spiders you may encounter can help you take precautions and get treatment if needed.

In this guide, we will cover 13 common spiders found in the Lone Star State. Well explore their appearance, habitat, bite symptoms and more. Keep reading to learn how to spot and safely coexist with Texass most notable eight-legged residents.

1. Black Widow Spider

The southern black widow is perhaps Texass most infamous spider. The female has a distinctive shiny black body with a prominent red hourglass shape on the underside of her rounded abdomen.

Black widows build messy webs in protected spots like woodpiles, debris, outdoor toilets and meter boxes. Bites cause severe muscle cramps, abdominal pain, and nausea lasting up to three days.

2. Brown Recluse Spider

Identifiable by the violin-shaped marking on its back, the brown recluse spider is found throughout Texas. As the name suggests, this shy species likes to hide in tucked away spaces like attics and crawlspaces.

While not aggressive, recluse bites can cause tissue damage and necrosis. Seek medical attention if bitten to prevent serious effects.

3. Hobo Spider

An aggressive spider imported from Europe, the hobo spider has become established in northern Texas and beyond. They build funnel webs in moist, dark places. Bites may cause mild skin irritation, but are not considered medically significant.

4. Wolf Spider

Texas has several types of wolf spiders, identifiable by their fuzzy appearance. They do not spin webs to catch prey, instead actively hunting along the ground. Wolf spiders will bite in self-defense if provoked.

5. Jumping Spider

Around 50 species of jumping spiders call Texas home. Their large front eyes allow for excellent vision to stalk prey before pouncing up to 40 times their size! Jumping spider bites are harmless, but may provoke mild pain and itching.

6. Orb Weaver Spider

This group includes a diversity of spiders that spin characteristic circular webs. In Texas, common orb weavers include garden spiders, spiny orb weavers, marbled orb weavers and more. They help control pests without posing a threat to humans.

7. Sac Spider

Often confused with brown recluses, sac spiders have darker coloring on their abdomen. They wander at night hunting for prey instead of building webs. Sac spider bites feel similar to bee stings - instant pain with possible minor swelling.

8. Tarantula

Among the largest spider species, Texas is home to three types of tarantulas. They are generally docile, but use urticating hairs and fangs when threatened. Some people have allergic reactions to tarantula bites, so avoid handling them.

9. Crab Spider

Named for their resemble to crabs, these spiders hold their front legs out wide. They come in shades of white, yellow and pink to ambush prey among flowers and foliage. Crab spider bites are not considered dangerous but may cause mild irritation.

10. Grass Spider

Agile hunters found in fields, lawns and meadows, grass spiders dont build webs to catch prey. Their bites are harmless, although you may experience minor pain, swelling and itchiness.

11. Cellular Spider

Unique orb weavers, cellular spiders build webs with tightly packed bands of silk resembling honeycomb. They prey on bugs attracted to lights at night. Their small jaws cannot penetrate human skin, making them harmless.

12. Vinegaroon

Despite the name, vinegaroons are actually not true spiders but a type of whip scorpion. They emit vinegar-smelling liquid when threatened. Vinegaroons pincer claws can inflict a mildly painful bite if handled.

13. Harvestman (Daddy Longlegs)

Another spider imposter, harvestmen are a type of opilione. Unlike spiders, they have just one segmented body and no silk glands or venom. They do not bite using their chelicerae mouthparts.

Identifying Spider Bites

Many bug bites and stings are frequently mistaken for spider bites. However, there are some signs that point specifically to a possible spider encounter:

• Instant pain at the bite site
• Visible fang punctures, often in pairs
• Redness, swelling, itching around the bite
• Possible presence of the spider still on your body
• Symptoms progressing over several hours

You may never actually see the culprit spider. But seek medical care right away if you experience any extreme reactions like severe pain, nausea, fever or tissue damage after a suspected bite.

Black Widow Spider Bites

Among North American spiders, only the black widow is known to have venom toxic enough to kill humans. Still, deaths are incredibly rare thanks to available antivenom treatments.

Black widow bites cause:

• Immediate burning pain at the bite location
• Muscle cramps and spasms spreading from the bite area
• Sweating and nausea
• Hypertension and rapid pulse
• Swelling, redness and tenderness where bitten

Seek medical care if bitten. Over-the-counter pain relievers, antihistamines, ice packs and rest can help milder reactions.

Brown Recluse Spider Bites

Brown recluse venom contains enzymes that break down cell membranes and tissues. Most bites heal without issue, but some develop severe reactions called necrotic arachnidism.

Symptoms include:

• Mild immediate pain followed by numbness
• Blistering, ulceration and necrosis of skin at bite site
• Wound leaks bloody fluid and grows in size
• Skin takes months to heal with possible scarring
• Occasional systemic symptoms like rash, fever, nausea

See a doctor to prevent infection and tissue death. Capture the spider if possible to confirm identity and administer correct antivenom medication.

Spider Bite Treatment and First Aid

Most spider bites only provoke mild effects easily treated at home. Follow these tips for spider bite care:

• Clean bite with soap and water to prevent infection
• Apply cool compress to relieve swelling and pain
• Take OTC pain meds like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Avoid scratching the bite area to prevent infection
• Watch for any worsening symptoms and see doctor if needed

For more severe reactions, medical interventions may include:

• Antivenom medication
• Intravenous fluids and medications
• Surgical debridement and skin grafting for necrotic wounds
• Hospitalization for multi-day supportive care

Call 911 or seek emergency care if experiencing rapid swelling or blistering, excessive pain, nausea/vomiting, numbness or any signs of shock after a bite.

Preventing Spider Bites

You can reduce the odds of being bitten using these spider bite prevention tips:

• Check shoes, clothing and towels left outside for spiders
• Wear gloves, long sleeves and pants when cleaning garages and basements
• Clear excess clutter to discourage spider habitats
• Install outdoor lighting away from doors to avoid luring bugs and spiders
• Use insecticides and seal cracks to deter spiders from entry
• Inspect furniture, boxes and firewood thoroughly before moving

While not all spider bites can be avoided, keeping vigilant and taking sensible precautions can help you coexist safely with our eight-legged neighbors.

Conclusion

Texas is home to a diverse range of spider species well adapted to its various climates and landscapes. Most Texas spiders are harmless to humans, with only the black widow and brown recluse posing potentially serious medical risks. Knowing how to identify spiders you may encounter can help you take appropriate precautions and get treatment if bitten.

Watch for symptoms like severe pain, blistering and necrosis at the bite site as cues to seek immediate medical care, especially if bitten by a suspected widow or recluse. Otherwise, mild spider bites can be treated at home with first aid cleaning, pain relief, cold compresses and close monitoring.

With proper education and preventative measures, Texans can safely coexist with the fascinating spiders that share our state. A little knowledge and vigilance goes a long way in preventing and responding to any unwanted spider encounters.

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.