Arkansas Spiders: You’ll Find Some Of The Strangest Creatures On Earth In This State

Despite its diminutive size, Arkansas has some of the most exciting spiders in the United States. These include the Six-spotted fishing spider, the Orchard orb weaver, and the Brown recluse.

In truth, if you live in Arkansas, there is probably a spider near your home. If you are interested in further information about Arkansas spiders, I can direct you to the Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science page. Their site is packed with information on identifying spiders and what problems they may cause. Below is their list of commonly seen spiders in Arkansas:

Arkansas spiders

Brown recluse

Despite their creepy appearance, spiders are a part of the natural ecosystem. They help to control other insects in our homes, and their support is essential to our ecosystem. You can develop a more tolerant relationship with spiders in Arkansas by recognizing their support.

The brown recluse spider is venomous. It possesses a cytotoxin, which is a toxin that causes severe damage to human cells. In extreme cases, this toxin can cause kidney failure.

George the Brown Recluse
George the Brown Recluse

This venom is transferred to humans through the spider’s bite. It can cause systemic reactions, which include fever, vomiting, chest pain, and swelling. It can also lead to necrotic wounds, resulting in irregular edges, peripheral redness, and ulcerated wounds.

White micrathena

Across the United States, there are over three thousand different spider species. Some are harmless, while others can be dangerous. Spiders are found in various habitats, including grasslands, pastures, woodlands, and houses. They help maintain a balance of life by providing food for various creatures. There are several species of spiders found in Arkansas. These spiders can be found in a variety of different colors and shapes.

White Micrathena - Micrathena mitrata, Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, Aden, Virginia
White Micrathena – Micrathena mitrata, Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, Aden, Virginia

One of the most giant spiders found in Arkansas is the White micrathena. These spiders are commonly found on docks by lakes during the day.

American nursery web

Usually found near water and vegetation, the American nursery web spider is a member of the Pisauridae family. This spider uses its web to catch prey and protect its eggs. Although this spider is generally harmless, it does inject its venom when it bites. This bite can cause swelling, redness, and even nausea.

American Nursery Web Spider
American Nursery Web Spider

The American nursery web spider is common throughout eastern North America. The females of this species can be up to 19 millimeters long. The males are smaller. Usually found in meadows and prairies, the females spin protective sacs for their eggs. They also spin orb-like webs to snare prey.

Orchard orb weaver

Among the spiders that can be seen in Arkansas is the Orchard orb weaver. This giant spider is found throughout the country and in California and Arizona. The Orchard orb weaver is a member of the family Tetragnathidae. The orb weaver is a spider that builds large webs and feeds on flying insects. The orchard orb weaver is a spider that preys on many garden pests. It is particularly effective at catching mosquitoes.

Leucauge venusta, Orchard Orb Weaver, U, Underneath, MD, Upper Marlboro_2013-06-21-15.36.54 ZS PMax
Leucauge venusta, Orchard Orb Weaver, U, Underneath, MD, Upper Marlboro_2013-06-21-15.36.54 ZS PMax

The Orchard orb weaver is considered to be a lovely spider. This spider is oval-shaped and has bright red-orange markings. It also has greenish-black legs. The orchard orb weaver is considered to live in forests, woodlands, and man-made areas. It builds large circular webs.

Six-spotted fishing spider

Dolomedes triton is a giant arachnid with dark brown and light brown coloring known as the Six Spotted Fishing Spider. Its body is shaped like a rectangle, with eight eyes in two rows of four. It also has a cream or light white stripe on the cephalothorax. It is commonly found in areas near water. It can dive as deep as seven inches into the water.

Six-spotted fishing spider
Six-spotted fishing spider

During the day, these arachnids live in crevices and corners. At night, they hunt for insects and small fish. They are prevalent throughout the United States and Canada. They can be found in homes and outdoor trash. They also can live in cracks around doors and plumbing fixtures.

Chocolate Tarantula

Arkansas is home to several venomous spiders, including the Southern Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. These spiders have venom that is dangerous to humans. They also have giant fangs and bites that are painful. Symptoms include muscle rigidity, sweating, vomiting, and pain.

Arkansas chocolate tarantula, Aphonopelma hentzi (iPhone)
Arkansas chocolate tarantula, Aphonopelma hentzi (iPhone)

Another venomous spider found in Arkansas is the Arkansas Chocolate Tarantula. This spider can live up to 25 years in captivity. It has a hairy body and can be found in abandoned burrows. Its color ranges from black to grey to red.

Woodlouse spider

In Arkansas, the most famous spider may be the “DADDY LONGLEGS” spider. This spider is one of the fastest-running spiders in the state.

Dysdera crocata, woodlouse spider.
Dysdera crocata, woodlouse spider.

In August of 2008, the family of two young boys experienced a woodlouse spider infestation. Puncture-like skin lesions followed the infestation. The lesions were discovered over the mid-humerus and the proximal femur.

Later, the mother noticed occasional woodlouse hunter spiders on her sons. She did not know that the spiders were harmful. She also experienced fatigue, joint pain, and memory loss.

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