5 Spectacular North Carolina Spiders

We hope that you enjoy this article about 5 Spectacular North Carolina Spiders. These select few represent only a tiny handful of the arachnids found in this part of the world. In fact, residents of the region have various jokes about the many kinds of spiders found there.

Only a few of these 5 Spectacular North Carolina Spiders are dangerous to humans, however. The rest remain completely harmless to us. All of them serve a purpose for in Nature. Some of us love them, while others fear them. But, as part of Nature, they should be respected.

Carolina Wolf Spider

Carolina Wolf Spider Facts

• Leading off this article, appropriately, is one named after the region itself, the fabulous Carolina Wolf Spider.
• Firstly, for someone with arachnophobia, the sheer size and appearance of this specific spider can be the source of nightmares. This holds true because the amazing arachnid forms the largest of the known wolf spiders in its habitat range.
• Yet, despite its comparatively intimidating appearance, this arachnid remains relatively harmless to humans. But, its large size often causes a bite to be painful to the victim due to the sheer size of the fangs. That fact leads to misconceptions about its toxicity.
• This species also does not usually react aggressively. In point of fact, individuals typically flee from any creature larger than itself. Though daunting in appearance, the Carolina Wolf Spider usually only bites if it feels threatened and cannot flee.
• Though rare in occurrence, envenomings do sometimes occur. Those who experience this typically compare the sensation to the sting of a bee or wasp. In fact, the venom of this arachnid actually remains mostly harmless to any large mammal. 
• For the moment, its population appears to be large in number, and relatively stable. The IUCN, therefore, currently has no listing for it. It nevertheless could be considered to be at some risk due to the ongoing effects of climate change, like other species.

Carolina Wolf Spider Physical Description

Perhaps most notably, exceptional specimens of the Carolina Wolf Spider attain a leg span of as much as 4 in (10 cm). A slight degree of sexual dimorphism also presents itself in this species. That occurs because females of the species average about 25% larger than the males.

The remarkable species further most commonly displays a highly useful physical appearance. Individuals generally appear a light gray or light brown in color, with darker patches. Given its environment, this pattern provides the arthropod with natural camouflage.

The body also typically has a covering of small hairs, giving the species a furry appearance. The precise reason for this particular evolutionary adaptation, however, presently remains undetermined. The overall effect creates a daunting visage to those who encounter it.

The eight compound eyes, furthermore, common to spiders, grow relatively large in comparison to body size. In fact, its eyes develop as so highly reflective that people often hunt it at night. A simple flashlight used to spot the creature clearly highlights these orbs.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Arachnida
• Order: Araneae
• Family: Lycosidae
• Genus: Hogna
• Species: H. carolensis

Carolina Wolf Spider Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The full endemic range of the impressive Carolina Wolf Spider actually covers a relatively large region. That’s despite the common name for it. In point of fact, that range includes Ontario, Canada, and much of the continental United States, including North Carolina.

The species proves itself to be highly versatile and adaptable. Individuals typically reside in shallow burrows. It nevertheless adapts well to different climates. Generally, though, the invertebrate appears in either prairie, glades, open fields, or arid regions, such as deserts.

The lifespan of the physically impressive females of the species averages 2-3 years. The male, however, typically lives less than 1 year, dying shortly after mating. The evolved practice of sexual cannibalism remains the main reason for the difference in lifespans.

In conclusion, like many related species, individuals hunt exclusively as ambush predators. Its diet, therefore, consists primarily of numerous insects native to the region it lives in. But, even small rodents sometimes fall prey to the spiders voracious appetite.

Signature Spider

Signature Spider Facts

• The next entry into this listing of 5 Spectacular North Carolina Spiders is the beautiful and artistic arachnid known as the Signature Spider.
• The commonly used term for the invertebrate serves as the common name for any arachnid in the genus Angiope. Currently, scientists recognize 75 members of this impressive genus. That may change, however, as new species become recognized.
• That attention-grabbing common name comes from the four unique zigzag patterns individuals create in the center of the web. Scientists applied the term stabilimentum to these patterns. Many researchers believe these designs serve several purposes.
• These supposed purposes include attracting insects and warning larger creatures of the presence of the web. That would make sense, from a practical standpoint, since the majority of the web typically remains practically invisible to the eye.
• The colorful arachnid also evolved very specific, and highly effective, behavioral patterns. The legs usually get held together in pairs while the spider sits stationary in the web. Therefore, most prey does not recognize the creature as a spider.
• For the moment, most of the various forms of Signature Spider seem to be maintaining large and stable populations. The IUCN, therefore, presently does not list many of them on its Red List. Many, though, no doubt face the ongoing threat of climate change.

Signature Spider Physical Description

Perhaps most notably, the various species of Signature Spider exist in a wide range of sizes and appearances. The various types also exhibit sexual dimorphism in the same manner. That’s due to the fact that each of them display this trait in terms of sheer physical size.

As part of this characteristic, females typically reach several times the size of the males. The females of a  few of the largest species, furthermore, attain an impressive leg span of as much as 4 in (10 cm) across. Males, meanwhile, rarely exceed 1 in (2.5 cm) across.

The great majority of the different types of Signature Spider present basically the same color pattern, however. This color scheme consists of a predominantly yellow body, with black legs. The eight legs also grow long and powerful, relative to its body size.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Arachnida
• Oder: Araneae
• Family: Araneidae
• Genus: Argiope

Signature Spider Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

It must be noted and appreciated, first of all, that the remarkable Signature Spider has an extraordinarily wide distribution. That’s because the various species in the genus inhabit nearly every part of the globe. The sole exception to this range consists of Antarctica.

The differing species, therefore, thrive in significantly differing habitats. These include such regions as jungles in the tropical regions, to forests, gardens, and even private yards, in temperate regions. But, most species occur in temperate and tropical climates. 

The majority of the different species of Signature Spider also construct their webs roughly 3 ft (1 m) above the ground. Most forms and individuals prefer regions of dense foliage since this also typically means the presence of large numbers of small flying insects.

Though all of them typically prey on very small insects, most remain capable of killing an insect twice their own size. A few of the larger species can also deliver a rather painful bite to a human being. The toxins, though, generally pose no threat to human life.

The pain of the bite, though, occurs simply due to the sheer size of the fangs of the arachnid. This is true because most have absolutely no venom at all. The cause of any pain felt remains consistent even for those few species in the genus that do possess toxins, however.

That’s because the venom of these creatures remains harmless to humans, except for those with relevant allergies or health issues. Finally, the relative toxicity and effectiveness of the venom roughly equals that of the sting of a bee. They’re large but harmless.

Black Widow

Black Widow Facts

• Our third entry into this compendium of 5 Spectacular North Carolina Spiders is the best known of all, the Black Widow.
• Perhaps most notably for most individuals, this amazing arachnid represents a very dangerous variety of spider. Placed in the Latrodectus genus, many of these reclusive arachnids are also known to some people simply as widow spiders.
• Experts also currently list 32 known species in this genus, spread throughout much of the world. The three species endemic to North America remain the most commonly known, though. Each of these arachnids shares many physical traits.
• The name for these invertebrates derives from the prevalence of sexual cannibalism in the Black Widow. After mating the female commonly, though not always, kills and then feeds on the smaller male. Truly one of the 5 Spectacular North Carolina Spiders.
• The toxin of its bite further remains considered by most experts to be especially dangerous. The invertebrate earns this distinction due to the presence of the neurotoxin latrotoxin. This represents an especially dangerous type of venom.
• Only the bite of the female typically presents any danger to humans, however. That’s because she generally has far larger venom glands than her much smaller male counterpart. Despite its reputation, though, few bites actually result in fatalities.
• Presently, the majority of species grouped under this common name continue to have stable populations. The IUCN, therefore, does not list them on its Red List. These amazing spiders nevertheless face the same threat from climate change as we all do.

Black Widow Physical Description

Not surprisingly, the various species of Black Widow attain similar physical sizes. However, this remarkable arachnid typically displays a significant amount of sexual dimorphism. This physiological characteristic manifests itself in terms of both color patterns and size.

That’s partly because the female attains an average length of about 1.4 in (3.5 cm), whereas the male stays much smaller. He most commonly only reaches an average length of roughly 0.7 in (1.75 cm). The males also do not display the characteristic red hourglass.

Color patterns also vary relatively significantly between the various forms. All members of this genus, however, appear predominantly black in color. The females of each species, though, all display a very prominent red hourglass shape on their abdomens. 

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Arachnida
• Order: Araneae
• Family: Theridiidae
• Genus: Latrodectus

Black Widow Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The three species of Black Widow that evolved as native to North America remain the best known of the varieties. The incredible genus also thrives in many other areas of the world, though. In fact, the various species inhabit every continent of the world, except Antarctica.

Quite understandably, given its nearly global distribution, habitat types vary widely. Nevertheless, members of the genus most commonly live in temperate and tropical climates. A few of them, though, even live in extremely arid regions of the world.

Individuals usually build their webs in locations such as around rubble, small trees and bushes, in the wild. But, when found inside of human habitations, webs usually appear in isolated areas, such as attics and garages. This fortunately makes encounters rare.

When a human gets bitten, the venom of a Black Widow commonly causes a condition known as latrodectism. Experiences include profuse sweating, vomiting, muscle rigidity, and extreme pain. These symptoms typically persist for 3-6 days, but can last longer.

All currently known members of this genus hunt as ambush predators, laying in wait in the web. It feeds opportunistically, making a meal of any small creature caught in its web. Its diet, however, typically consists of mosquitoes, grasshoppers, beetles, and such.

Six-Spotted Fishing Spider

Six-Spotted Fishing Spider Facts

• This remarkable invertebrate goes by the somewhat lengthy, but fully descriptive, name of the Six-Spotted Fishing Sider.
• The appropriately fitting term used for this species perfectly serves as the common name for a specific species in the genus Dolomedes. Not only that, but the remarkable spider also represents only one of roughly 100 species in the surprising genus.
• The various members of the group also occur around the world. This species, along with the other members of the group, is a member of the nursery web spider Family. All also have one particular trait that distinguishes them from other arachnids.
• That’s the remarkable fact that this particular species, along with its brethren, evolved as semi-aquatic in nature. Given this fact, the other commonly used name for members of this genus, that of dock spiders, comes as no great surprise to most people.
• This variant on the name occurs due to the behavior of the arachnid. That’s because individuals can frequently be seen scurrying through the cracks in boat docks in many regions. Pleasantly, the IUCN currently has no listing for the Six-Spotted Fishing Spider.
• That fortunate status holds true due to a combination of its apparent present numbers and its range of habitation. It must nonetheless be considered to be facing the same threat that now imperils countless species. That peril, of course, is climate change.

Six-Spotted Fishing Spider Physical Description

Regardless of its other distinctive attributes, the wonderful Six-Spotted Fishing Spider ranks as an average-sized spider. The quite surprising creature does also, however, much like most arachnids, display the characteristic trait of sexual dimorphism.

In its case, though, the difference presents itself in terms of size. Among this species, the female generally attains a larger body length than the male does. That’s because her body averages 0.6 – 0.8 in (15 – 20 mm), while his averages about 0.35 – 0.5 in (9 – 13 mm).

The legs of both sexes of the arachnid, meanwhile, average the same approximate length. As a result, the average legspan of both genders equals roughly 2.4 in (6.1 cm). But, both genders of the Six-Spotted Fishing Spider display the same colors and markings.

The body further displays a light to dark brown color. Most individuals develop a cream or light white colored stripe on the side of its cephalothorax. Its abdomen has a pattern of light lines and spots. Plus, the underside of the cephalothorax displays the six dark spots.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Arachnida
• Order: Araneae
• Family: Pisauridae
• Genus: Dolomedes
• Species: D. triton

Six-Spotted Fishing Spider Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Perhaps most notably, the remarkably distinctive-looking Six-Spotted Fishing Spider has an extremely broad range for a spider. That’s due to somewhat surprising fact that the small but fascinating arthropod inhabits a large portion of the Western Hemisphere.

More specifically, however, this zone of habitation presently includes all of the continental United States, and southern Canada, in North America, as well. Scattered populations of the intrepid invertebrate also extend into scattered portions of the country of Mexico.

Since it evolved as semi-aquatic, its habitat preferences should come as no surprise. These preferred areas consist of various wetland-type habitats. Most often, this consists of such places as around the shores of various lakes, ponds, and gently flowing streams.

In these locations, the creature further prefers to live under rocks, man-made structures, or in vegetation, near the water. The magnificent Six-Spotted Fishing Spider evolved a diurnal lifestyle. Since it hunts during the day, concealment remains important.

The natural coloring of the invertebrate also allows it to blend in with its surroundings. Plus, it patiently waits for hours, if it must. Meanwhile, although it does eat small fish, these compose only a small part of its diet. It primarily eats such prey as vertebrates and insects.

Brown Recluse Spider

Brown Recluse Spider Facts

• The final creature listed among these 5 Spectacular North Carolina Spiders, the Brown Recluse, is also, in some ways, the most dangerous.
• This seemingly harmless arachnid is quite infamous in this region of the globe. The surprising arthropod also goes by several other common names, though. These terms include the brown fiddler, the violin spider, and the fiddleback spider.
• Among professional researchers, however, it’s generally referred to by the difficult to pronounce scientific name of the Loxosceles reclusa. But, which name one uses to refer to it fails to alter one simple fact. Its relatively benign appearance is quite misleading.
• In point of fact, this particular arachnid typically makes most top 10 lists of the most dangerous spiders in the world. Also impressive remains another fact. Such a great potential threat actually comes packaged in a comparatively small body.
• Fortunately, though, encounters with humans that end in bites rarely occur. This primarily occurs due to a combination of its reclusive nature, and its choice of preferred habitat. Yet, when bites are inflicted, these can be extremely serious in nature.
• For the moment, the IUCN does not presently have a classification for the Brown Recluse Spider. That’s due to the combination of adequate range and sufficient numbers. Any ranking would appear on the organization’s published Red List.
• It must, however, be considered to be at some potential risk, like many species today. Also like other creatures, it currently faces many threats. Further sharing mutual perils, its greatest dangers most likely consist of habitat loss and the effects of climate change.

Brown Recluse Spider Physical Description

While the magnificent Brown Recluse Spider impresses, it does not do so due to sheer size. Although certainly not the smallest known spider, by any means, it’s nevertheless tinier than most dangerous ones. Plus, it does display sexual dimorphism, but not in terms of size.

Somewhat oddly, adults vary significantly in size. As a result, leg spans average from 0.24 – 0.79 in (6 – 20 mm). Exceptional specimens do sometimes occur, however. That being said, unconfirmed reports of individual specimens approaching 1 in (2.5 cm) in span exist.

The color pattern of both genders also typically consists of a light or medium brown over the entire body. Some Brown Recluse Spider specimens display an off white, dark brown, or grayish color. Many display a black line on the side, and a violin-shaped marking.

The gender-based difference displays in the pedipalps. These leg-like structures are larger on the end among males. In appearance, though, its most notable feature remains its eyes. This spider has six eyes, instead of eight, arranged in pairs. Few spiders share this trait.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Arachnida
• Order: Araneae
• Family: Sicariidae
• Genus: Loxosceles
• Species: L. reclusa

Brown Recluse Spider Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The often overlooked Brown Recluse Spider also holds yet another notable status. That’s the fact that this shy but potentially deadly spider only appears in a restricted portion of the world. In fact, that natural range consists of portions of the United States, in North America.

More precisely, its official native range covers much of the southeastern, southwestern, and parts of the mid-west regions. This area includes all or portions of 16 different states. But, perhaps due to the activities of humans, reports of sightings in other areas exist.

Within this zone, its natural habitat consists of such places as fallen logs. It further prefers dark, dry, undisturbed locations. It has also adapted to the presence of humans in its range. As a result, it frequently inhabits wood piles, garages, basements, and storage sheds.

The Brown Recluse Spider builds an irregular-shaped web. This also generally holds a small shelter. This particular variety of web weaver also differs from its brethren its behavioral patterns. It leaves its lair at night to hunt, with females tending to remain in closer proximity.

Given that it actively hunts and stalks its prey, it evolved to move quickly. Such prey usually includes creatures such as various small insects and even other small spiders. It’s also extremely resilient. In point of fact, individuals can survive for months between feedings.

5 Spectacular North Carolina Spiders

We sincerely hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed reading this article about 5 Spectacular North Carolina Spiders. We realize, of course, that spiders have a negative image in the minds of many individuals. But, like all of us, they serve their purpose in Nature.

Sadly, like so many other species on this planet, some of these 5 Spectacular North Carolina Spiders find themselves in danger. Each species lost due to our actions, and not to natural selection, upsets the balance of Nature. We must do all we can to preserve this balance.

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