List of spiders of Texas facts for kids
Did you know that Texas is home to nearly 1,000 different kinds of spiders? This amazing list tells us about all the spider species that have been found in Texas, United States of America. It was put together by D. Allen Dean, who started working on it way back in 1940! As of July 17, 2006, this list includes 980 different species of spiders, belonging to 52 different spider families. It's like a giant spider census for Texas!
Discovering Texas Spiders
Spiders are fascinating creatures, and Texas has so many different kinds! Scientists group spiders into "families" based on how they are related and what features they share. Think of it like your own family, but for spiders! Each family has its own unique characteristics, like how they build webs, how they hunt, or what they look like.
This list helps scientists and spider enthusiasts understand the amazing variety of spiders living in Texas. It's a snapshot of the spider world in one of the biggest states in the U.S.
Spider Families in Texas
Let's explore some of the spider families found in Texas. Remember, there are 52 families in total, so we'll just look at a few interesting ones!
Trapdoor Spiders (Atypidae and Halonoproctidae)
These spiders are known for building burrows in the ground with a hinged "trapdoor" made of silk and soil. They wait patiently inside their burrows for prey to pass by, then quickly jump out to catch it!
- Sphodros rufipes (Atypidae)
- Ummidia absoluta (Halonoproctidae)
Tarantulas (Theraphosidae)
When you think of a big, hairy spider, you're probably thinking of a tarantula! Texas has several species of these gentle giants. They don't build webs to catch food, but instead, they hunt for insects and small animals on the ground.
- Aphonopelma hentzi
- Aphonopelma texense
Funnel-Web Spiders (Agelenidae)
These spiders build sheet-like webs with a funnel-shaped retreat where they hide. When an insect lands on the web, the spider rushes out of its funnel to grab it.
- Agelenopsis aperta
- Tegenaria domestica
Orb-Weaver Spiders (Araneidae)
These are the artists of the spider world! Orb-weavers build the classic, circular, spiral-shaped webs that you often see in gardens or between trees. They are very common and come in many beautiful colors and shapes.
- Argiope aurantia (often called the black and yellow garden spider)
- Gasteracantha cancriformis (known as the spiny orb-weaver)
- Micrathena sagittata (the arrow-shaped micrathena)
Sac Spiders (Anyphaenidae and Clubionidae)
These spiders don't usually build large webs. Instead, they are active hunters, often found on plants or under leaves. They get their name from the small, silken "sacs" they build to rest in during the day or to lay their eggs.
- Hibana futilis (Anyphaenidae)
- Clubiona abboti (Clubionidae)
Ground Spiders (Gnaphosidae)
Ground spiders are fast-moving hunters that usually live on the ground. They are often dark-colored and hunt at night.
- Herpyllus ecclesiasticus (the eastern parson spider)
- Zelotes hentzi
Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae)
Wolf spiders are also ground hunters, known for their excellent eyesight and speed. They don't build webs to catch prey but actively chase it down. Female wolf spiders often carry their egg sacs on their spinnerets and then carry their babies on their backs!
- Hogna carolinensis (one of the largest wolf spiders)
- Rabidosa rabida (the rabid wolf spider)
Lynx Spiders (Oxyopidae)
These spiders are often found on plants, where they hunt insects by pouncing on them. They have long legs and spiky hairs.
- Oxyopes salticus (the striped lynx spider)
- Peucetia viridans (the green lynx spider)
Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae)
Also known as "daddy long-legs" (though they are true spiders, not harvestmen), these spiders have very long, thin legs and build messy, irregular webs in corners of rooms or cellars.
Nursery Web and Fishing Spiders (Pisauridae)
These spiders are often found near water or in tall grasses. Fishing spiders can even walk on water and dive underwater to catch small fish or insects! Nursery web spiders get their name because the female builds a "nursery" web to protect her spiderlings after they hatch.
- Dolomedes tenebrosus (the dark fishing spider)
- Pisaurina mira (the nursery web spider)
Jumping Spiders (Salticidae)
Jumping spiders are probably the cutest spiders, with their large, forward-facing eyes that give them excellent vision. They are active hunters during the day and can jump long distances to catch their prey.
- Phidippus audax (the bold jumper)
- Lyssomanes viridis (the magnolia green jumper)
Brown Recluse and Widow Spiders (Sicariidae and Theridiidae)
It's important to know about these spiders because their bites can be serious, though they usually only bite if they feel threatened.
- The Loxosceles reclusa (brown recluse spider) is found in Texas. It has a violin-shaped mark on its back. It prefers quiet, undisturbed places like closets or attics.
- The Latrodectus mactans (southern black widow) and Latrodectus geometricus (brown widow) are also found in Texas. Black widows are known for the red hourglass shape on their underside. They often build their webs in dark, hidden spots like woodpiles or sheds.
If you see one of these spiders, it's best to leave it alone and tell a grown-up. Spiders are usually shy and would rather avoid people!
Crab Spiders (Thomisidae)
These spiders often hide on flowers or leaves, waiting to ambush insects that come to visit. They can walk sideways and often blend in with their surroundings.
- Misumena vatia (the flower crab spider)
- Xysticus elegans
This list is a great way to see just how many different kinds of spiders call Texas home! Each one plays an important role in its ecosystem.
