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Is the Hobo Spider Dangerous? Everything You Need to Know

Is the Hobo Spider Dangerous? Everything You Need to Know

December 28, 20132030Views

The woods are full of all kinds of creepy crawlies, and if you’re afraid of spiders, the outdoors could be your nightmare. But just because a creature creeps you out doesn’t mean it is necessarily worth being afraid of, and not all spiders are out to get you. One of the most commonly feared species in the US is the hobo spider, but is it worth getting worked up over?

The history

The hobo spider is a type of funnel web spider. It is found throughout parts of Europe and the Pacific Northwest region of the US. The spider builds a flat web with a funnel outlet at one end. This is where the female spends most of its life waiting for prey. Male hobo spiders on the other hand, spend most of their lives searching for better nesting options.

The hobo spider was first believed to have been discovered in Seattle during the 1930s. Many believe that the spider’s eggs were introduced to North America from European ships. A lack of competition from native spiders enabled the hobo to breed quickly and adapt to urban settings as well as forests. The cool, dark spaces of the region’s basements, garages, and wood piles made perfect habitat for the hobo spider to establish itself in the Pacific Northwest.

The bite

This species is sometimes confused with the brown recluse. The brown recluse is a significantly more dangerous doppelgänger of the hobo, but with a less severe bite. The primary reason for this is the hobo’s propensity to deliver a “dry” bite, no venom is injected. Only a few studies have found the venom of the hobo spider to cause skin necrosis. However, some people with allergies or compromised immune systems can experience more severe reactions to a bite. If there’s any question as to a person’s health, be sure to seek medical attention.

The appearance

You’ll recognize the hobo spider from its distinguishing markings: two broad stripes that extend in a V-shape from the spiders head to the abdomen. These defining marks are typically spotted in a V-shape, so look out! The leg span usually extends to roughly 1.5 inches, making this spider stand out when it comes into view.

Hobo spiders like their personal space, so you usually won’t find a hobo spider aggressively charging you. That being said, the exception is if a female hob spider is guarding her eggs! However, the male’s propensity to go out in search of other habitable spaces means they can easily wind up under shoes. As a result, it’s best to give everything a shake if you live in the hobo spider’s territory!

Related articles: Peacock Spider Literally Dances for His Life also Life Without Spiders: A Spooky World

Featured Image from Randy Bjorklund/Shutter Stock