Pictures and Identification of Venomous Spiders Found in Maine

Spiders Commonly Found in Maine

Maine is home to a variety of spider species, some harmless and others with more potent venom. Spider sightings are common in Maine forests, fields, marshes, lakeshores, and even in homes. While the vast majority of Maine spiders pose no threat to humans, some bites can be medically significant. Knowing how to identify venomous spiders in Maine can help ensure proper treatment if a bite occurs.

Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse spider is one of two venomous spiders found in Maine, along with the black widow. Also known as the violin spider or fiddleback spider for the violin-shaped marking on its body, the brown recluse has six equal-sized eyes arranged in pairs. Its body is uniformly colored light or dark brown.

Brown recluse spiders build irregular sheet webs in woodpiles, sheds, garages, closets, and other secluded locations. They are active at night and bite when threatened or unintentionally provoked. Most bites happen when the spider gets trapped against bare skin.

While their venom only causes mild reactions in some cases, brown recluse bites can lead to tissue damage and necrosis. Seek medical attention if you suspect a brown recluse bite.

Black Widow Spider

The only other medically significant spider in Maine is the northern black widow. Females are jet black with a reddish hourglass shape on the underside of their spherical abdomens. They build tangled, sticky webs in dark corners of barns, crawl spaces, and other sheltered spots.

Black widow venom is a neurotoxin 15 times more potent than rattlesnake venom. Bites cause severe muscle cramps, abdominal pain, and nausea. Seek immediate medical care if you suspect a black widow bite.

Grass Spiders

Grass spiders are common throughout Maine and can be recognized by their elongated brown or gray abdomens marked with black and white stripes. As their name suggests, grass spiders dont build webs but hunt actively in meadows and fields.

When provoked, grass spiders will bite in self-defense but arent dangerous to humans. Their venom causes a mild sting with temporary redness and swelling.

Fishing Spiders

Maine wetlands like bogs, swamps, and shorelines are home to fishing spiders, named for their fishing line-like web and tendency to hunt near water. They have brown bodies with white stripes on their abdomens. Fishing spiders sometimes wander indoors during mating season.

Fishing spider bites feel like bee stings, causing short-lived pain and swelling. They are not medically significant.

Cellar Spiders

Cellar spiders spin loose irregular webs in dark corners of basements and crawlspaces. They are long-legged spiders with small gray bodies. Cellar spiders help control household pests but arent encountered often since they dont leave their webs.

Bites are rare, mild, and cause temporary itching and redness.

Barn Funnel Weavers

Funnel weaver spiders are common in Maine barns, sheds, woodpiles, and gardens. Most live on the ground in funnel-shaped webs, but some build messy webs in corners and rafters. Barn funnel weavers are plump brown or gray spiders with darker mottling.

Bites are rare and similar to bee stings. Swelling subsides after a few hours.

Long-bodied Cellar Spiders

Also called daddy longlegs spiders, long-bodied cellar spiders have tiny bodies and disproportionately long legs. They build loose, tangled webs in damp, dark places. Long-bodied cellar spiders rarely leave their webs to wander indoors.

Though legends persist that their venom is highly toxic, cellar spiders are harmless to humans.

Orb Weaver Spiders

Orb weaver spiders spin large, symmetrical spiral webs near forest edges, fields, and gardens. Distinguished by their round abdomens, orb weavers come in many colors and patterns, like yellow and black garden spiders and banded garden spiders.

The venom of orb weaver spiders has little effect on humans beyond a short-term sting.

Cobweb Spiders

Cobweb spiders build messy, tangled webs in undisturbed corners of sheds, garages, and crawlspaces. They have bulbous abdomens and long, spindly legs. Common cobweb spiders have dark or drab brown and gray coloration.

Though bites can occur when cleaning cobwebs, they are not medically significant.

Avoiding Spider Bites in Maine

While most Maine spiders pose minimal risk to humans, bites from potentially dangerous spiders like the brown recluse or black widow do occur on occasion. Follow these tips to avoid spider bites:

• Clear clutter like piles of wood, boxes, and other debris where spiders may hide.
• Wear gloves, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes when cleaning sheds and basements.
• Inspect or shake out clothing, shoes, towels, and bedding before use.
• Install screens on windows and doors and seal cracks in siding.
• Use caution when cleaning rarely disturbed areas.

Learning to identify venomous spider species like the brown recluse and black widow can also help you seek appropriate medical care promptly if you suffer a significant bite.

What to Do if Bitten by a Spider in Maine

Though most spider bites only cause temporary pain, swelling, and redness, others can result in severe reactions. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience:

• Intense pain spreading from the bite site
• Nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, or headache
• Abdominal cramping or muscle spasms
• An open sore or blister at the bite site
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Dizziness or excessive sweating

Bring the spider if possible for identification. For serious bites, try to delay the spread of venom by applying a cool compress and keeping the affected area lower than your heart. Pain relievers may help reduce discomfort until you can get medical care.

Avoiding Spiders in Maine Homes

To deter spiders from taking up residence in your Maine home:

• Vacuum and dust regularly.
• Remove clutter to eliminate hiding places.
• Keep basements and crawlspaces dry.
• Seal cracks and crevices around windows and doors.
• Install yellow bug lights which are less attractive to insects.
• Trim vegetation and shrubs near the homes foundation.
• Use pesticides sparingly and only in targeted areas, as chemicals can also kill spider predators.

With vigilance and proper identification, most Maine residents can co-exist with spiders safely. Being aware of potentially dangerous species can help you seek treatment promptly in the event of a bite.

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.