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5 Spectacular North Carolina Spiders

Black Widow, Latrodectus

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5 Splendid North American Spiders
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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

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Carolina Wolf Spider Facts

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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.

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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

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Signature Spider Facts

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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.

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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

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Black Widow Facts

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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. 

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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

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Six-Spotted Fishing Spider Facts

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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.

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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

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Brown Recluse Spider Facts

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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.

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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.

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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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