The Spiders in San Antonio, Texas
- San Antonio is home to two very dangerous spiders. The brown recluse spider is one of five recluse spiders that are known to inhabit San Antonio, Texas. They are predators of insects and other arthropods that are known to wander around houses looking for prey, which can bring them into direct contact with San Antonio residents. Fever, chills and nausea are all symptoms of a bite from these spiders, and they are one of only a handful of spiders that are dangerous to Texas residents. If bitten, get medical attention straight away. Another poisonous spider is the black widow. Black widow spiders have a deserved reputation as being the most dangerous spider in San Antonio and the whole of Texas. A bite from this spider can result in serious medical conditions and you should get medical attention. Although dangerous, these spiders are timid by nature and will hide in undisturbed places, such as behind radiators and unused or seldom used items of clothing. They are jet black in color and usually have a red, orange or yellow hourglass markings on their abdomens.
- Take a good look inside most San Antonio homes and you will come across a spider or two. More often than not, they will be southern house spiders. The southern house spider produces a unique flat web with a central tunnel. These webs are commonly found in undisturbed corners and crevices of the home. The southern house spider rarely bites and only produces a slight pain to the victim.
- In many San Antonio yards it is possible to see many different types of spiders. A common and very large specie is the wolf spider. They tend to hunt for prey at night so this is the best time to try and see them. Their eyes reflect light from a flashlight so are easily identifiable. Unlike other types of spiders, they form a web to only use as shelter during the day, not to catch prey. They pose no threat to homeowners and should be allowed to live in gardens. Orb-weavers are another commonly seen garden spider. They tend to have black and yellow abdomens and hang upside down in very large webs.
- Tarantulas in San Antonio are members of the mygalomorph family and can grow up to 3 inches in length when fully grown. During the day tarantulas can be found hiding under rocks, large stones or in other sheltered areas. They tend to eat crickets, mealworms, caterpillars and other small insects and can, if necessary, go several weeks without food. Their fangs can pierce the skin, so care must be taken when near them, although they are not venomous.