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What's the difference between a cobweb spider and a regular spider?

Brandon Runyon
Entomologist
Brandon Runyon is a board-certified Entomologist based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience as a Pest Control professional, and is the Technical Director of Swat Pest Management. Swat Pest Management serves areas throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, where they provide safe, cost-effective solutions for client’s pest control needs. He authored Bugged by Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control, a user-friendly guide to commercial pest control practices in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and offices. He graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Entomology, and received a MS in Entomology from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also received an MBA from Western Governors University.

Brandon Runyon

Entomologist

Expert Answer

Distinguish between cobweb spiders and regular spiders by examining their web-building habits and physical characteristics. Cobweb spiders, such as the common house spider, construct irregular, messy webs often found in corners, ceilings, or other sheltered areas. These spiders typically hang upside down in their webs, waiting to capture prey that becomes entangled in the sticky silk strands. In contrast, regular spiders, also known as orb weavers, build intricate, circular webs with a distinctive radial pattern. These webs are typically positioned horizontally in open spaces, such as between vegetation or across pathways. Regular spiders are often seen positioned at the center of their webs, awaiting prey. Additionally, cobweb spiders tend to have smaller bodies and shorter legs compared to regular spiders. While both types of spiders vary greatly in species and appearance, observing their web-building behavior and physical traits can help differentiate between them.

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Question

How did they get their name?

Community Answer

They weave what are known as cobwebs: the sticky, irregular webs found in attics and other places in homes that are not often visited by people.

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Question

How can I get rid of cobweb making spiders?

Community Answer

Try using natural repellents like peppermint. You can also set small traps.

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Question

How can I make my residence completely free from cobwebs?

Community Answer

Dust everywhere everyday.

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Question

The term 'cobweb spider' covers several species of cobweb spiders, including black widows. Considering that, isn't it misleading to say that cobweb spiders are harmless, and bites can be treated at home?

Community Answer

True. But most people can identify a black widow. And instead of applying first aid, they will (hopefully) know to go right to the hospital.

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I may have been bitten by one. I have wound the size of a quarter on my forehead and it keeps getting bigger. I have a headache and am sweating. What should I do?

Community Answer

You should definitely go to a doctor to check it out.

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Are there any black widow spiders in Alberta?

Community Answer

Yes. The black widow spider lives in southern Alberta BC, but it is rarely seen.

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Where does the name "cob" come from?

Community Answer

A Middle English word for spider, "coppe".

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Do cobweb spiders live in shoes or closets?

Community Answer

If the shoes or closets are dark enough, yes. But don't worry, they aren't poisonous. Just check your shoes and clothes before you put them on.

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Is it possible to tell whether or not a spider is dangerous by looking at its web?

Community Answer

Looking at some webs might help you identify a particular spider, but you can't tell whether or not a spider is dangerous from its web.

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What are some names of spiders that make cobwebs?

Community Answer

The names of such spiders include: Orb-weaver spiders (Araneidae) (their sticky webs are the most familiar looking), triangle spiders, funnelweb spiders, cobweb spiders, mesh web spiders and sheet web spiders.

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