Posted on 07/04/2004 6:54:02 PM PDT by steplock
I need some SPIDER identification help.
A few weeks ago, I was bitten by a Brown Recluse (very painful and long lasting effects). One of my dogs was bitten by another spider - and my wife a couple days ago was also bitten - but NOT by another Recluse luckily.
Tonight I just found THIS rather large spider sitting at my back door - now dead!
Can anyone identify this arachnid? Hot Springs Arkansas area. Thanx!
ps. that is 1 inch on the scale.
Oh I know what a Brown Recluse looks like --- and feels like!
This looked like an orb spider, but I haven't seen one this size in the US.
I just found a picture of a female WOLF SPIDER that appears similar to this. If it is, I should have just tossed it back into the woods.
http://entomology.unl.edu/images/spiders/lycosa_helluo.jpg
Wolf Spider Female - Dorsal View,
Lycosa (Hogna) helluo
Wouldn't worry much about it. Thought all arachnids are venomous, there are only two you need to worry about, the brown recluse, which you've already met, and the black widow, whose bit is irksome to an adult but almost never fatal. Your specimen is neither.
Call your local/state poison control center. They will be open 24/365. If they can't tell you, they will direct you to someone who can.
Hmmm.. this is the wolf spider I'm familiar with. But It seems to be one huge difference between the male & female of this species.
This is a male:
http://www.hr-rna.com/RNA/images/Spiders/Garage%20Wolf%20rez.jpg
I'm in South Carolina, and the spiders can get right BIG here - I think it's because the weather is moderate, so they stand a better chance of surviving winter.
Wolf spider or orb weaver, sounds like you're fine.
Thanx to all!
Maybe I'm getting just a tad bit spider shy after getting bit by the Brown Recluse.
I had been bit by a Black Widow many years ago in High School - That was a rather painful experience also for a week!
There are lots of links about spiders in your area here http://www.uark.edu/~dksander/spiders.html
Here in Florida I am quite used to spiders. You name it I think we got one around here somewhere. My Favorites are the huntsman spiders. At least they hunt cockroaches!
And to keep the spiders in check we have all of the wasps....
Good luck up there!
Wowm, how long have you been hanging on to that photo, waiting for just the right opening? :-)
They discontinued the poison control center in TX, for some reason.
I was about to say that I couldn't believe that they left out the Brown Recluse - a very common spider in Arkansas - but then I saw ....
.... uark.edu - that explained the inaccuracy.
;>)
ahhh this reminds me of my Brown Recluse thread over a year ago!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/908924/posts?q=1&&page=1
I am glad you are doing better after being bitten by a Brown Recluse. Make sure you spray your house for spiders in the early spring and late fall. Also know that some people get secondary "sores" popping up after getting bitten by a brown recluse, sometimes they pop out months later. Take care of the bite!
LOL! Google Images. Apparently spiderdog costumes are quite popular.
It's the endangered Brown Wolf spider. By killing this animal, you have violated 27 fedral statutes. Your home will be taken from you and turned into a nature preserve. You will move to Leavenworth.
How'd you kill him, btw? It almost looks like he was harangued to death.
Oh my God... this whole thread is like my worst nightmare come to life!!!!
*L*
I'm also inclined to agree. The only other common spider that large or larger are fishing spiders normally found near rivers and streams.
Note to the petitioner: next time photograph your spider topside up. :>)
Actually, that IS the top side of the spider.
The legs were pulled up and I didn't really want to reach down there and straighten them out.
It was still moving a bit.
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