Most spiders in the state have proven to be rather poisonous than beneficial; however, the red spiders in Washington State have proven otherwise, as they seem to be referred to as the gardener’s or farmer’s friend.
Many have often wondered what the real name of this red spider is and the bodily features that can be used for easy identification of this spider.
Let us now go on to answer these pending questions in this informative article I wrote below!
What Do Red Spiders In Washington State Look Like?
The red spider in Washington state is the Woodlouse spider and can be identified by the following bodily features:
- They grow to reach lengths of 0.35 to 0.59 inches
- Males reach lengths of 0.35 to 0.39 inches
- Females reach lengths of 0.43 to 0.59 inches.
- They have 6 eyes, like most regular spider species.
- Of course, the body of the red spider in Washington State is red.
- The fused head and thorax are dark red in color.
- Their legs are dark red in color.
- They have a pale beige to yellow-brown abdomen.
- Their pincer-like claws are large.
Read also:Â Orange Crab Spiders: Are These Critters Venomous As Proposed?
What is the Behaviour of Tiny Red Spiders In Washington State?
The feeding habits of the tiny red spiders in Washington State influence their habitats. How? Well, here is how:
Since the red spiders love to feed on woodlice (hence their names, woodlouse spiders), they will mostly be found in wet, rotting wood, where these food sources (woodlice) are in excess.
Unlike other regular spider species that dwell in webs, the red spider in Washington state lives in wood and underneath clutter.
You will also find this spider in the following places:
- Bark
- Woodpile
- Thick plants
- Debris
- Underneath rocks
- Mulch, etc.
They will also inhabit the house and you will find them in the following places:
- Basements
- Underneath floorboards, etc.
It is advisable to purchase door sweeps and seal cracks and crevices as well, as these spiders can sneak through these openings into the house, where they will find their way toward dark and humid places.
Besides woodlice, the red spiders in Washington state will also feed on the following insects:
- Pillbugs
- Sowbugs, etc.
They feed on their prey by using their powerful fangs to bite through the exoskeleton of the prey. This allows them to inject venoms into their prey, thereby killing them.
They proceed to ingest the insects with their strong jaws.
Read also:Â Wolf Spider Washington State: Are These Creepy-Looking Spiders A Threat? [2024]
Are Red Spiders In Washington State Poisonous?
The woodlouse spiders do not basically live in the house and will mostly wander during the winter season to avoid dying from the harsh weather.
You will mostly find these red spiders wandering into the house from October through April. They often wander into the house for 2 reasons:
- For shelter from the harsh winter cold.
- When their natural habitats have been destroyed.
Yes, red spiders in Washington state are poisonous but this venom only affects their prey insects and is less harmful to humans.
Leaving these spiders to thrive in your home is bad for the inhabitants of your house, as they can deliver painful bites that cause mild symptoms.
Read also: Woodlouse Spider – key Facts About Woodlouse Spider
Conclusion
Despite the venomous abilities of this spider, there are still some benefits to them. Gardeners and farmers like this spider, though, as it tends to prey on insects that feed on plants and vegetation.
Whether this red spider is beneficial or not, you would not want to add a family of red spiders to the inhabitants of your home, would you? Lol!
What other fact would you love to know about this red spider in Washington State? Feel free to ask via the comments section below!
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