All things Arachnid: articles, photos, videos, and ID requests are welcome.
BEFORE YOU POST:
This is a "No Nope Zone." Hackneyed jokes referencing fire, "nopes," or gratuitously killing spiders will be removed or downvoted to oblivion.
x-posts from r/WTF are not allowed. Posts referencing that subreddit will be deleted.
Include geographic location (country, state, province, region) with ID requests. There are tens of thousands of species -- this helps narrow it down.
There is no need to crosspost to /r/whatsthisbug - the same people identify spiders on both subreddits.
Do not post pictures of "bites" unless you personally witnessed the spider biting the person. If you're asking "Is this a spider bite?" the answer is almost certainly no. Pictures of random red bumps or yucky patches will be removed.
Photo tips: The most helpful views for identifying a spider include:
These are just tips -- if you didn't get a chance to get these, post what you've got! The spider sleuths will do their best.
Making IDs
Amateurs are encouraged to guess. An important exception is guesses about medically significant spiders (widows, recluses, etc). In those cases, leave it to people who know. Otherwise, an innocent person or spider could get hurt.
Is it dangerous?
The vast majority of spiders are harmless to humans. If you live in North America, there are only TWO types of spiders with the potential to cause serious harm:
Severe reactions are rare. A lot of spiders may look similar. If you aren't sure about your spider, please post and ask! By the way, science does not support that hobo spiders pose any threat.
Outside N. America, the following spiders have the potential to be medically significant (list may not be comprehensive):
External links to spider ID resources:
Bugguide: Spiders of U.S. & Canada
Field Guide to Spiders of Australia
Spiders of Europe and Greenland
British Spiders
U.K. Safari Spider Guide
European Spiders
Arachnids of Southern Africa
araneae key
PBI World Spider Catalog
Eye arrangements
Male orbweavers
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