The granary spider (Araneus cavaticus), despite its name, can be found near a wide variety of buildings such as porches and cellars, not just in granaries. It is typical of North America and is part of the Araneidae family, which means that it weaves its web in a circular form. The cobwebs of this animal are quite large and it is not so rare to come across one of these during a walk.
Steps
Step 1. Learn to recognize their physical characteristics
-
Dimensions:
it is up to 2.5 cm long with a broad, rounded abdomen.
-
Poisonous:
No.
-
Habitat:
North America.
-
Prey:
the barn spider waits for the insects to get trapped in its web and then feeds on it. This arachnid does not eat anything that has not been caught with its web.
Part 1 of 3: Identifying a Barn Spider
Step 1. Look for a dark brown spider with even darker markings on its abdomen
Its coloring is useful for it to blend in with the environment, so you will have to observe very carefully to locate it.
Step 2. Pay attention to the paws
They are lightly covered with white fuzz which gives them a striped appearance.
Step 3. Check the size of the cephalothorax
It must be wide, almost swollen, most of the time it is rounded even if it could have an irregular shape.
Part 2 of 3: Recognizing the Habitat
Step 1. Look for this spider in the late afternoon or evening
You will find it hanging in the center of its canvas as it waits for prey. These are shy arachnids that hide in dark corners during the day. Don't tease the web when trying to spot a barn spider; if threatened, the spider will jump off the web and run away frantically.
Step 2. Try to look for it in places where there are many flying insects such as around the porch light or in the corner of the entrance door
Step 3. Look for places where there may be room for a large canvas
The barn spider lurks where it can weave very wide webs.
Part 3 of 3: Treating a Bite
Step 1. No special measures are needed to treat a barn spider bite
It is not poisonous to humans.
Advice
- A barn spider that feels threatened may "bounce" to the center of its web to try to appear larger than it actually is. However, it is not aggressive and does not attack humans.
- It lives for about a year and is prey to other spiders of the same species.
- He builds his canvas near buildings, sometimes inside the granaries but more often outside where he can catch flying insects. It is rare for a spider of this species to settle inside a house.
