Florida Spiders
A Few Facts About Florida Spiders
There are many species of arachnids in Florida. Spiders of both venomous and non venomous heritage abound here, as well as those of both backgrounds who stowaway on freight ships to land in Florida from other tropical regions. The Brazilian Wandering Spider, or the banana spider as we call it, is actually shipped in on foreign freights from tropical continents. We call them banana spiders because they hide in produce bunches and are often found while the pallets are being unloaded and stocked. They are not known to run rampant, and they are shipped in to many ports of North America, but they are certainly well feared for good reason.
The brown recluse spider is perhaps the most feared of Florida spiders, though they are so rare that experts believe most reported sightings to be cases of false recognition. The recluse genus of the southeastern region of North America is made up primarily of 13 different recluse spiders. The brown recluse is the only one capable of causing intense illness and possible death to humans. They are not merely Florida spiders, however, as they favor the warmer tropical and desert regions across the southern North America, even as far north as Kentucky.
Four species which make up the widow genus in North America can all be found in Florida. Spiders of this family are named for both their colors and their regions, but tend not to vary much in size, shape, or behaviors. The northern black widow is capable of tolerating the harsher climates to the north and east of the tropical climates, but is also found in the plusher southern black widow territory.
The northern black widow has two small hourglass shaped markings on the underneath of the abdomen, whereas his southern cousin has only one marking which is larger in size. The brown widow and red widow varieties can also be found in Florida. Spiders of this family are venomous and a bite can be fatal to humans. Though death is rare, the accounts of survivors describe the bites and symptoms as excruciating.
Wolf spiders are quite common in practically all regions of North America, and seem to be regarded as generally docile. Their appearance tends to be quite intimidating to most who happen upon them, but natives of this continent should probably count their blessings. The wolf spider of Australia is an enormous, venomous spider that is highly aggressive, territorial, and known to prey on small mammals and birds. Our fuzzy yellow to brown version of the wolf spider bites only when handled improperly or startled. He has one set of eyes, very unique to the spider family, and enjoys ridding the world of pesky parasites and crop eating insects.