Missouri is a diverse state in terms of spider species, with over 27 different types of spiders inhabiting various habitats throughout the region. Among the most commonly encountered spiders in Missouri are the venomous black widow, the impressive tarantula, the potentially harmful brown recluse, and the hunting-oriented wolf spider. On the less harmful side, there are cellar spiders that feed on insects, crab spiders that resemble a crab’s appearance, yellow garden spiders found in gardens and fields, Eastern parson spiders with unique attire-like coloration, and common house spiders that are capable of surviving even after being consumed by other animals. Each spider species plays its own role in the ecosystem, showcasing the fascinating variety found in Missouri’s arachnid population.
Species of Spiders in Missouri
Missouri is a state that is home to a diverse range of ecosystems and wildlife, including a variety of spider species. There are over 27 different species of spiders found throughout the state, each with unique characteristics and habits. In this article, we will explore some of the most common spider species in Missouri, including the black widow, tarantula, brown recluse, wolf spider, cellar spider, crab spider, yellow garden spider, eastern parson spider, common house spider, and other spider species.
Black Widow
The black widow spider is one of the most well-known and feared spider species in the world. It is easily recognized by its jet black body and red hourglass-shaped marking on its abdomen. Female black widow spiders are larger than males and are known for their potentially dangerous venom.
Black widows typically prefer dark and secluded areas such as woodpiles, sheds, and garages. They are commonly found in homes, especially in undisturbed areas like basements and crawl spaces. It is important to exercise caution when encountering a black widow spider, as their venom can cause severe reactions, especially in small children and the elderly.
Tarantula
Tarantulas are the largest spiders in North America and can reach impressive sizes. In Missouri, the most common species is the Texas brown tarantula. These spiders have a dark brown body covered in dense hair and large fangs. Despite their intimidating appearance, tarantulas are generally docile and rarely bite humans.
Tarantulas can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountains. They construct burrows or use existing crevices for shelter, and are often seen in rural areas. While tarantulas may look frightening to some, they are an important part of the ecosystem and help control populations of insects and other small creatures.
Brown Recluse
The brown recluse spider is a native species to the southwestern United States, but it can also be found in Missouri. These spiders are small and light brown, with a characteristic violin-shaped marking on their back. They are known for their reclusive behavior and prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, basements, and attics.
While the brown recluse spider’s venom is not as potent as that of the black widow, its bite can cause serious medical problems if left untreated. It is important to seek medical attention if bitten by a brown recluse spider, as prompt treatment can help prevent complications and minimize the effects of the venom.
Wolf Spider
The wolf spider is a large and commonly encountered spider species in Missouri. These spiders have a robust and hairy body, with a mixture of brown, gray, and black markings. They are known for their unique hunting behavior and are often seen actively chasing and pouncing on their prey.
Wolf spiders can be found in a variety of habitats, including wooded areas, grasslands, and near bodies of water. They construct burrows or hide under rocks and logs, using their excellent eyesight to locate and capture their prey. While wolf spiders may appear intimidating due to their size and aggressive hunting habits, they are generally harmless to humans and play an important role in controlling pest populations.
Cellar Spider
Cellar spiders, also known as daddy longlegs or house spiders, are a common sight in homes and other buildings in Missouri. These spiders have long, skinny legs and a small body, giving them a delicate appearance. They are generally harmless to humans and do not pose any significant threat.
Cellar spiders prefer dark and damp environments, such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. They construct irregular-shaped webs and feed on other insects that get caught in their webs. While their presence may be unnerving to some, cellar spiders are actually beneficial as they help control populations of flies, mosquitoes, and other unwanted pests.
Crab Spider
Crab spiders are small and reclusive spiders that have a distinct crab-like appearance, with short legs and a flattened body. These spiders are typically found in wooded areas and gardens, where they prey on small insects. They are known for their ability to change color to match their surroundings, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with flowers and foliage.
Crab spiders usually wait patiently on flowers or leaves for unsuspecting insects to come within reach. Once their prey is within striking distance, crab spiders use their powerful front legs to snatch their victims and inject them with venom. While they are harmless to humans, their hunting techniques and adaptations make them fascinating creatures to observe in nature.
Yellow Garden Spider
The yellow garden spider, also known as the golden garden spider, is a large and brightly colored spider commonly found in gardens, fields, and meadows across Missouri. These spiders have distinctive yellow and black markings on their abdomen, making them easily recognizable.
Yellow garden spiders construct large, circular webs that are typically positioned between tall plants or in open areas with abundant prey. They patiently wait in the center of their web for insects to become trapped, which they then immobilize and consume. While their size and vibrant colors may be intimidating to some, yellow garden spiders are harmless to humans and are valuable allies in controlling unwanted pests in gardens and agricultural fields.
Eastern Parson Spider
The eastern parson spider is a unique spider species often found in homes and other buildings in Missouri. These spiders have a coloration that resembles a clergyman’s attire, with a dark brown or black body and white markings on the abdomen. They are relatively small in size and are known for their nimble movement.
Eastern parson spiders can be found indoors, particularly in dark corners and crevices. They are also known to inhabit leaf litter, under rocks, and in gardens. While they may startle some people with their quick movements, eastern parson spiders are harmless and play a beneficial role by feeding on other small insects and pests.
Common House Spider
As their name suggests, common house spiders are a widespread species found in homes worldwide, and Missouri is no exception. These spiders are small to medium in size, with a light brown or grayish body. They are often found in corners of rooms, closets, and other undisturbed areas.
Common house spiders are typically shy and avoid contact with humans. They build irregular webs to catch prey, which primarily consists of flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects. While they have the ability to bite, common house spiders rarely do so unless they feel threatened. It is important to note that their venom is not harmful to humans, and they are generally considered to be harmless.
Other Spider Species
In addition to the previously mentioned spider species, there are numerous other spider species that can be found in Missouri. These include, but are not limited to, spider species 1, spider species 2, spider species 3, and many more. Each of these species has its own unique characteristics, habitat preferences, and behaviors.
To fully explore the spider diversity in Missouri, it is important to research and observe these lesser-known spider species. They all contribute to the intricate web of life and play important roles within their respective ecosystems. Whether they are hunting insects, building webs, or simply going about their own spider business, each species adds to the incredible biodiversity of Missouri and deserves appreciation and understanding.
In conclusion, Missouri is home to a wide variety of spider species, each with its own distinctive features and habits. From the venomous black widow to the docile tarantula, spiders contribute to the intricate balance of nature in the state. Understanding and appreciating these creatures is important for maintaining healthy ecosystems and promoting coexistence between humans and spiders. So the next time you come across a spider in Missouri, take a moment to observe and appreciate their unique beauty and role in our environment.