There are numerous spiders that soley based on a photo cannot be identified beyond the family. In other instances, multiple or very specific views are needed or my photo is just not good enough. Such specimens will be shown on this page. Notice that they are not included in the Species List and do not add to the species count in the page footer.
 Family: Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers) Agelenidae (Funnel Weavers) | Funnel Weavers (Agelenidae) are nocturnal, "lightning-quick", and build funnel-shaped webs. The spider waits in the funnel and when an insect makes contact with the web, it rushes out to check and possibly bite the victim. The venom is fast-acting and allows the spider to drag the prey quickly back into the funnel.
In North America there are 85 species in 9 genera. According to information on bugguide.net, the bites from most species are not serious. The infamous Hobo spider Tegenaria agrestis might or might not be an exception. | |
 Family: Lycosidae - Specimen 1 (Wolf Spiders) Specimen with thin legs (08/07/12). | Wolf spiders (Lycosidae) are hairy and patterned in tones of grey, black, and/or brown. These spider have eight dark eyes of unequal size. Two eyes are much larger than the others. They are active hunters and do not use webs but rather patrol the ground for small prey. Wolf spiders can deliver a painful bite, so they should never be picked up by hand.
This specimen has a rather skinny legs. A possible genus is the Thinlegged Wolf Spider Pardosa (from "Pardos" for Panther). I found it on a concrete surface which offered the perfect backdrop for this spider's camouflage. | |
 Family: Lycosidae - Specimen 2 (Wolf Spiders) Brownish specimen (08/06/12). | This second wolf spider looks quite different from the one shown above and it is also slightly larger. The spider seemed to prefer the reddish brown surface of the bricks on the exterior of our house.
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