New Jersey has over 40 spider species distributed throughout the northern and southern parts equally. The deadliest of the lot are the brown recluse and black widow.
Furrow (Larinioides cornutus)-Did you know there's a spider called the Furrow spider? It belongs to the orb-weaver family. You can find them in places like North Africa, Europe, parts of Asia, and even in North and South America!… Continue Reading >
Bold Jumping (Phidippus audax)-Bold jumping spiders are super cool members of the Salticidae spider family. They get attention for their amazing jumps and colorful looks. Instead of using webs to catch food, they like to sneak up on bugs and jump on them!… Continue Reading >
Zebra (Salticus scenicus)-Discover the fascinating world of the Zebra Spider, a creature from the northern hemisphere with stripes like a zebra. These lively spiders don't spin webs to catch their dinner.… Continue Reading >
Steatoda borealis-Guess what? There's a spider called Steatoda borealis, and it's part of the comb-footed spider family. Some people call it a 'false widow spider' because of how it looks. But it's not the same as the real widow spiders.… Continue Reading >
Parson (Herpyllus ecclesiasticus)-The eastern parson spider is a special kind of spider from the USA and Canada. It's part of the Gnaphosidae family. Instead of making webs to catch food, this spider likes to chase down its meals!… Continue Reading >
The most dangerous spiders found in New Jersey are the brown recluse and the black widow, which includes both Northern and Southern species. These spiders possess medically significant venom that can cause severe reactions. If a bite from either spider is suspected, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
A female black widow spider in New Jersey is identified by her shiny, black, globe-shaped abdomen with a distinct red hourglass-shaped marking on the underside. Males are smaller and less conspicuous. Both Northern and Southern black widows share these key features, though markings can sometimes vary slightly between them.
Yes, wolf spiders in New Jersey are venomous, but their venom is not considered medically significant for humans. A bite from a wolf spider is rare and typically only occurs if it is provoked or trapped. The resulting symptoms are usually mild, similar to a bee sting with localized pain.
The largest type of spider in New Jersey belongs to the wolf spider family (Lycosidae). These spiders are known for their large, robust bodies and are active hunters that chase down their prey rather than catching it in a web. Despite their intimidating size, they are generally not aggressive towards people.
Yes, the brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) can be found in New Jersey, although it is not as common as in other states. This spider is known for its necrotic venom and is identifiable by a violin-shaped marking on its back. It prefers dark, undisturbed areas like basements or closets.
The common house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) is frequently found inside New Jersey homes. This species is harmless to humans and builds tangled cobwebs in corners, basements, and window frames. They are beneficial as they prey on other common household pests like flies, mosquitoes, and ants.
Spiders enter New Jersey houses during the fall primarily to seek shelter from the cooling temperatures and to find mates. They are also drawn indoors by the presence of other insects, which serve as a reliable food source. Sealing cracks and entry points can help reduce their numbers inside.