SPIDERS

American House Spider, Parasteatoda tepidariorum

Order: Araneae (Spiders)

Size: Up to 1⁄4" (females larger than males)

Habitat: Houses, barns, sheds, and other buildings

Range: Throughout the United States

This common spider is a member of the group known as “cobweb weavers” or “combfooted spiders” because of the irregular webs they weave and the presence of comblike bristles on the end of the hind legs. As with most spiders, there is a small cephalothorax (head and thorax combined) that bears four pairs of walking legs, and a larger, bulbous abdomen (especially large in females). There are no antennae, and the mouthparts are flanked by a pair of small, sharp fangs. The color is light brown with variable blackish and gray patches and mottling on the abdomen. When prey is trapped in the web, this spider will encase it with extra silk and often carry it to another location to suck out the fluids. It generally avoids humans and runs away or feigns death if disturbed, but rough handling could result in a minor but painful bite. The female is illustrated.