Guide to Common and Venomous Spiders Found in Virginia

Exploring the Web of Common Spiders Found in Virginia

With its mix of wooded areas, wetlands, fields, and human dwellings, Virginia is home to a fascinating diversity of spider species. While a few venomous spiders reside in the state, most of Virginia's arachnids are harmless to humans.

In this article, we will examine some of the more frequently encountered spiders around Virginia and learn to identify these web-making creatures often found near homes and outdoor spaces.

Orb-Weaver Spiders

Orb-weavers are among the most common spider families in Virginia. They spin characteristic wheel-shaped webs with spokes radiating out from a center hub. The webs often appear in yards, gardens, between trees, and on porches.

Some orb-weavers like the banded garden spider have colorful markings. Others like the common barn spider tend to be more plain. But all orb-weavers are harmless to humans, controlling insect populations with their large capture webs.

Jumping Spiders

Jumping spiders are aptly named for their ability to leap substantial distances compared to their small size. Around 50 species of jumping spiders can be found in Virginia.

Usually less than a half inch long, jumping spiders come in a variety of colors and patterns. Some even have iridescent mouthparts or legs. Jumping spiders dont use webs to catch prey. Instead they actively hunt, relying on excellent vision.

Wolf Spiders

Ranging from small to very large, wolf spiders are efficient hunters found throughout Virginia. They roam actively at night seeking prey rather than building webs. Some larger wolf spiders will bite in self-defense if provoked.

The Carolina wolf spider is a common larger species up to 1.5 inches long sporting a distinct stripe pattern. Smaller wolf spiders have camouflaging colors like gray, brown, or black and may have stripes or spots.

Fishing Spiders

As their name implies, fishing spiders hunt by waiting near waters edge and detecting vibrations of prey on the surface. They do not construct webs.

The dark fishing spider is one species found in Virginia. Females reach over an inch long with brown-black bodies and light leg stripes. Despite their imposing size, fishing spiders are not aggressive and rarely bite humans.

Sac Spiders

With over 1000 species worldwide, sac spiders are one of the most common spider groups. They get their name from the silken tubes or sacs they construct for shelter.

The yellow sac spider is among the sac spider species that inhabit Virginia homes and buildings. Despite having potent venom, yellow sac spider bites are generally harmless unless allergic reaction occurs.

Cobweb Spiders

Cobweb spiders produce messy, haphazard webs that resemble cobwebs inside houses. In Virginia, the common house spider is probably the most frequently encountered cobweb weaver.

This spider builds sheets of non-sticky webbing in undisturbed sites like attics or crawlspaces where they hunt. Bites are rare and mild. Their webs simply indicate a healthy insect population to prey on.

Cellar Spiders

Also utilizing messy-looking cobwebs, cellar spiders take it a step further by constructing chaotic tangles of disorganized silk. The long-bodied cellar spider is the most common species in Virginia homes.

Despite their creepy webs, cellar spiders pose no dangers. They help limit other spiders and pests. Their small fangs cannot penetrate human skin to deliver venom, so bites are harmless.

Funnel Weavers

Funnel weaver spiders build sheets or funnel-shaped webs low to the ground, often in vegetation. The grass spider is probably the most frequently encountered in Virginia yards and gardens.

These spiders have a rounded abdomen and spindly legs. Their haphazard webs help trap crawling insects at ground level. Grass spider bites are generally harmless with mild symptoms similar to a bee sting.

Venomous Spiders of Virginia

While Virginia is home to an abundance of harmless spider species, there are a few venomous spiders residing in the state that do pose moderate danger to humans if they bite.

Black Widow Spider

The notorious black widow is found across Virginia. Females are distinctive for the red hourglass shape on their shiny black abdomens. They build messy cobweb-style webs outdoors and in secluded spots like wood piles.

Black widow venom is a neurotoxin 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake's. But they are reluctant to bite unless trapped against bare skin. If bitten, severe muscle cramps, nausea, and pain result which require medical treatment.

Brown Recluse Spider

While not extremely common in Virginia, brown recluse spiders can be found in parts of the state. Identifiable by the dark violin-shaped marking on their body, brown recluses are shy spiders that build irregular webs.

Their hemotoxic venom destroys red blood cells and tissues around the bite site. This can lead to skin necrosis and open sores if severe. Medical evaluation is required for suspected brown recluse bites.

Hobo Spider

Another uncommon but present spider in Virginia is the hobo spider. They have a triangular pattern on their abdomens somewhat similar to brown recluses but with longer spindly legs.

Uncertainty remains around the potency of hobo spider venom. But they are thought to be mildly toxic. Bites usually result in minor localized skin reactions treatable at home with basic first aid.

Yellow Sac Spider

While their messy webs are common inside Virginia homes, yellow sac spider bites are rare. But they do contain a cytotoxic venom capable of causing some skin damage at the bite site if moderate envenomation occurs.

Symptoms are usually limited to mild redness and stinging. But in sensitive individuals, the venom can trigger swelling, itching, and pain requiring medical monitoring.

Spider Bite Symptoms and Treatment in Virginia

Most spider bites in Virginia only cause minor effects like pain, redness, and itching. But in rarer cases of venomous spider bites, prompt medical treatment is vital.

Identifying Spider Bites

Spider bites often resemble other insect stings or skin conditions. Indications of a likely spider bite include:

• Visible fang marks, punctures, or wound
• Rapid swelling, itching, pain at the bite site
• Appearance of redness, welts, blisters
• Systemic symptoms in severe bites like abdominal pain, fever, nausea

However, catching the spider in the act of biting confirms the diagnosis. If possible, capture the spider safely for identification.

First Aid for Minor Spider Bites

For mild or moderately painful spider bites from common species follow basic first aid steps:

• Wash bite with soap and water
• Apply cold compress to relieve swelling
• Avoid scratching or irritating the wound
• Monitor for signs of infection
• Use OTC pain medication if needed

Contact a doctor if severe pain, swelling, blistering, or other worrisome symptoms develop.

Treating Venomous Spider Bites

If bitten by a known or suspected venomous spider like a black widow or brown recluse, emergency medical care is crucial including:

• Capture the spider safely for identification if possible
• Remain calm and restrict movement to slow venom spread
• Elevate and ice the bite area
• Seek immediate emergency medical care
• Monitor vital signs for dangerous symptoms
• Antivenom and prescription medications may be administered

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.