- 1). Check to see if the spider has a body that is 1 inch or more in length (without including the leg span). If it does, then the spider is most likely a Dark Fishing spider, Black and Yellow Garden spider or an Arkansas Chocolate Tarantula. If the spider has a body that is less than 1 inch long (without including the leg span), then you should skip to Step 6.
- 2
Dark Fishing Spider
Estimate how long the spider's leg span is. If the leg span is around 3 inches long, and the spider is a dark brown color with light and dark gray markings, then it could be a Dark Fishing spider. These spiders enjoy living near water or dark, damp places. They can run across water to hunt for prey, do not maintain a web and are just poisonous enough to cause minor redness and necrosis near their bites. - 3
Black and Yellow Garden Spider
Check to see if the leg span of the spider is about 2.5 inches long, and look for yellow and black markings with a white area near the head. If your spider fits this description, it is likely to be a Black and Yellow Garden spider. Bites result in only mild itching and swelling for a couple days, though it is believed their bites could inject a very small amount of neurotoxin as well. - 4
Arkansas Chocolate Tarantula
See if the spider has a leg span close to 2 or 3 inches in length, and it is dark brown in color with a very hairy exterior. This could be an Arkansas Chocolate Tarantula. Keep in mind that the spider may be smaller and still be a Tarantula if it is not full-grown. Arkansas Chocolate Tarantulas, along with almost all Tarantulas, pose no threat to humans, which is why many people choose to keep them as pets. - 5). Do not attempt to measure the leg span of smaller spiders. It is much easier to tell these spiders apart by looking for distinct traits or markings. In Arkansas, these spiders could be Bold Jumping spiders, Agrarian Sac spiders, Hentz’s Orbweavers, Black Widows, Brown Recluse spiders or Trapdoor spiders.
- 6
Bold Jumping Spider
Look carefully at the spider to see if it is black with a white marking on its back. Also, if the spider is jumping around, this is another big sign that the spider you are looking at is a Bold Jumping spider. These spiders are aggressive and spunky, with a bite that hurts but lacks any dangerous poison. - 7). Check to see if the spider is a pale yellow color with a smooth exterior. If it is, then your spider is likely to be an Agrarian Sac spider. These spiders are quite common in Arkansas, and they are the cause of many small, irritating bites for gardeners and other people who regularly work outside.
- 8). See if the spider has a leg span of about 1.5 inches long with a very round body. This spider is most likely a Hentz's Orbweaver spider. It is easier to tell when these spiders are around, because they weave huge webs up to 6 feet in diameter to catch flying insects outside. These spiders are non-toxic to humans.
- 9
Black Widow
Look at the coloration of the spider and see if it is black with a red hourglass-shaped pattern on its underbelly. If it is, then it is almost certainly a Black Widow. These spiders have extremely poisonous venom, and commonly hang upside down from their rough, messy webs. - 10
Brown Recluse Spider
Check to see if the spider is brown and smooth with a violin-shaped pattern on its back. If it fits this description, then the spider is most likely a Brown Recluse spider. These spiders are very poisonous, aggressive and enjoy hiding in soft places like the arms and legs of clothing, bedding or pillows. - 11
Trapdoor Spider
See if the spider in question is black in color, has a "V" shape marking on its back, and is found near or in a burrow. This is a Trapdoor spider. These spiders are not dangerous to humans. - 12
Try sending a picture to a biologist in the area, or contact a poison control center if bitten. You may also try an online resource, such as the one listed under additional resources below this article.
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