There are several kinds of nonvenomous and venomous spiders that can be found in Indiana. Identifying them properly will require careful observation, and is extremely important when running across one either in nature or within your home. Written descriptions of spiders seems to be less effective than seeing a picture of one. Therefore, obtaining a book on arachnids or browsing Internet images, especially those native to Indiana, is way more helpful than reading about their physical characteristics. Also, taking a photo of your spider can help you permanently compare and preserve your findings for other individuals to keep in your same location. The majority of spiders are not aggressive and won’t bite unless provoked, so if you’re not sure what type of spider it is, do not try to handle it unless it can be done safely. If you are bitten by a spider and it begins exhibiting more serious symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. If a specimen can be safely obtained it will help in the diagnosis of the bite. Keep the spider in a tight, enclosed container for classification at the medical facility.
Grass Spiders
As the name suggests grass spiders can be found in grasslands, patches of ivy and among tall weeds. The spider has a speckled, long brown body often marked by two distinct parallel, dark brown stripes running on the front and back of its body with two distinct-looking spinnerets at its rear. Some measure only 9 millimeters whereas others reach a length of 20 millimeters.This spider builds a closely woven rectangular web connected with a funnel-like part where the spider mostly stays to avoid detection from predators or its prey. Although the the web and the spider may look intimidating, there are no reported cases of people being seriously affected when accidentally bitten by the grass spider.
Banana Spider
The banana spider found in North America is a common sight on the overhangings of buildings and shrubbery where it builds huge, circular webs. The spider’s bright color is the main identifier which can either be a vivid yellow or splashes of orange located on its underbelly. Some can reach a length of 28 millimeters! The banana spider’s web is usually identifiable by a unique Z-shaped pattern running down the middle of its web. Most people will never be bitten by a banana spider, but when it does occur, it only causes temporary discomfort.
Brown Recluse
You should particularly learn the appearance of this spider because it is one of the venomous spiders found in Indiana. The spider ranges in color from cream to a deep brown and prefers to live in secluded, dry areas. Compared to the spiders listed previously, it is much smaller, usually measuring less than an inch. Spider bites normally occur when the householder accidentally disturbs or invades its space, perhaps when putting on their shoes or pulling out an item from their shed. Wounds caused by this spider’s bite may take months to heal and can even result in death. It features a fiddle or violin-shaped marking on its back thus also be given the name of the fiddleback or violin spider.
Black Widow
The black widow’s reputation proceeds itself and is native to Indiana. It has a glossy, black body with a signature bright red hour-glass marking on its underbelly, and can measure from 25 to 35 millimeters. Surprisingly, deaths resulting from a black widow bite is not as common as believed. The pain from the bite delays until a few hours later, and is usually followed by chills, nausea, motor dysfunction and fever, and requires immediate medical attention.
