What types of spiders are common in Florida?

Answer 1

The widow Spiders, genus Latrodectus (family Theridiidae), are worldwide in distribution. Females range from 8-15 mm in body length; males are smaller, sometimes very small (2 mm). Most have globose, shiny abdomens that are predominantly black with red markings (although some may be pale and/or have lateral stripes), with moderately long, slender legs. These spiders are nocturnal and build a three-dimensional tangled web, often with a conical tent of dense silk in a corner where the spider hides during the day. In nature, most species are found under rocks and logs, but they readily adapt to human-altered environments, where they are most commonly found in outbuildings (sheds, barns, privies), water meter holes, nursery cans, and under any item or structure (e.g., barbeque grill, slide, sand box) that has been undisturbed for a lengthy period. Formerly, most bites by black widows (almost all by female spiders) occurred in outhouses, but presently, Latrodectus bites occur most frequently when the spider is trapped against human skin, either by reaching under objects where the spider is hiding or when putting on clothing, gloves or shoes containing the spider. Widow spiders are generally very timid and only bite in self-defense when they accidentally contact humans. Bite symptoms are systemic, spreading through the lymphatic system, and usually start about 1-3 hours after the bite. The most common symptoms are intense pain, rigid abdominal muscles, muscle cramping, malaise, local sweating, nausea, vomiting, and hypertension. If left untreated, Latrodectus bite symptoms usually last 3-5 days. Calcium gluconate and/or antivenin may be administered to relieve or counteract symptoms. There are four species of widow spiders in Florida: * Latrodectus mactans, the southern black widow * Latrodectus variolus, the northern black widow * Latrodectus bishopi, the red widow * Latrodectus geometricus, the brown widow

Answer 2

monkey spiders...fairly large spiders that can often live in homes, brown and tan patterned. It is somewhat difficult to do a search on them because most of the results come back "spider monkeys", which of course are monkeys, but here is one picture...

Answer 3

Please help with this. Please? My grandfather wanted me to find out.

Answer 4

bobo