Common Spiders in South Texas

The Black Widow

Black widow species have females that are easily identified by the their black bodies and the red hourglass marking found on their bellies. These spiders and their webs can be found in sheltered cavities in virtually any indoor or outdoor location in South Texas. Examples include old tree trunks, under shrubs, below a power or water meter, or in an undisturbed bucket or boot. The neurotoxin in its bite is rarely dangerous, but it often produces severe pain and complications like nausea that can last for up to two days. Only 5 percent of widow bites are fatal.

The Brown Recluse

This is the other dangerous spider of South Texas. While not as famous as the black widow, the brown recluse is arguably more obnoxious. This spider is also found in just about any sheltered location it can spin its webs in, either indoors or outdoors. It can be found under wood piles or under toilet bowls. The spider is a nocturnal hunter; it usually only leaves its web to become active at night. The spider's bite will cause fever, pain and nausea for up to three days. The bite area will then become necrotic and slough off.

Tarantulas

Tarantulas are common in the drier parts of South Texas. They are big (over three inches long), hairy and fearsome looking, but they are not considered to be as poisonous or as dangerous as the brown recluse or black widow. They live under rocks or in burrows, and they venture out at night to hunt.

Other Common Spiders

The spider species common to South Texas number in the hundreds. Some other examples include the yellow ghost spider, the southern house spider, a variety of wolf spiders, several species of jumping spiders and a plethora of orbweaver species.