Fact: Except for a few of the house-spider species, most spiders have strictly limited ranges; perhaps a large part of one continent (almost never an entire continent), perhaps only a few states or provinces, or even more restricted. Each locality has its own spider fauna, its own set of species to choose from in making an identification.
If you don't know the location, even a specimen in hand is fantastically difficult to identify, and a description or whole-body photo is quite impossible. Many people contact me with identity questions without giving me any clue to their location. I'm not psychic; I don't know without being told, whether an email originates from Maine, Madagascar, or my own neighborhood. Please give your location! And if you're thousands of miles away from me, you're better off finding a local specialist who will know your local fauna.
Also, never assume that some spider you just heard about lives in your own backyard!
Spider distributions are all different, as the examples below show. No spider lives every place, and most don't live where you do. This fact must be stressed with notorious species like the brown recluse and the hobo spider; if you're not inside their area, you don't have them in your home!
Callobius wood spiders, 2 of the 30+ species.
Sisicottus microspiders, 2 of the 9 species.
A widespread species (1 of about 50) of Pardosa wolf spiders.
Zelotes ground spiders, 4 of the 60+ species.
Explore even more! Additional spider resources and more myths (poor spiders can't catch a break!).
Experience even more. A membership pays for itself in 3 visits!
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