SPIDERS
BLACK WIDOW SPIDER
Scientific Name: Latrodectus
General Size: 1-11/2 inch long (varies)
Look for these Colors: Female black widow spiders are typically black and shiny with a red or orange hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomen. Males are smaller and lighter in color, often with lighter markings or sometimes none at all.
Not common in Wisconsin
BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER
Scientific Name: Loxosceles reclusa
General Size: 3/8 inch
Look for these Colors: Typically light to medium brown with a distinct violin-shaped symbol on its back
Venomous bite
CELLAR SPIDER
Scientific Name: Pholcidae
General Size: 1/4-3/8 inch
Look for these Colors: Tan or gray
Typically found in basements or dark, quiet spots
Typically not aggressive
WOLF SPIDER
Scientific Name: Family Lycosidae
General Size: 1/4-1 inch
Look for these Colors: Black, gray and brown
Robust and Quick Moving, but typically not aggressive unless provoked
YELLOW GARDEN SPIDER
Scientific Name: Argiope aurantia
General Size: 1/4 inch for males, up to 11/2 inches for females
Look for these Colors: Black and Yellow
non-venomous to humans, found in gardens
YELLOW SAC SPIDER
Scientific Name: Cheiracanthium
General Size: 1/4 inch-3/8 inch
Look for these Colors: Typically a pale yellow with some dark markings