The yellow garden spider is common throughout northern Indiana.
Northern Indiana is home to over 400 spider species, some of which are native while others were introduced over the years. There are both venomous, aggressive spiders and harmless varieties that rarely attack. These spiders are relatively common throughout the Great Lakes region and other parts of the Midwest. Being able to identify them accurately is important so you can know when caution is necessary.
Northern Black Widow
This highly venomous spider has a nasty reputation, but although its bite packs a powerful punch that can require hospitalization, it is rarely deadly. Only the larger female black widow is considered dangerous. Female black widows have a glossy, black appearance and are usually around half an inch long. They are most easily distinguished from other spiders by the bright red patch and white stripes on their abdomen. The northern black widow also spins a different web from many spiders, as theirs more closely resembles a messy cobweb than a typical spider web.
Brown Recluse Spider
This common spider is found throughout the state of Indiana, including the northern counties. Also known as the violin spider, the brown recluse is usually yellowish brown with a violin-shaped marking on its back. Unlike most spiders, which have eight eyes, the brown recluse spider has just six. Both male and female spiders are approximately one-third of an inch when fully grown. A bite from a brown recluse can cause considerable damage, resulting in a necrotic lesion and in some cases nausea, muscle pain and cramping.
Black and Yellow Argiope
These attractive arachnids, also known as yellow garden spiders, are common in northern Indiana, usually inhabiting fields and gardens where they spin their webs in shrubs, flowers and tall plants. Females are larger than males and can grow to nearly two inches long. They are easily identified by their large egg-shaped black abdomen covered in yellow blotches and spots. Although they can be aggressive when provoked, the black and yellow argiope only harbors small amounts of venom that won't cause significant pain or discomfort in most people.
Wolf Spider
These very common spiders are especially prevalent in autumn, when they are looking for a warm place to hibernate. Often confused with the brown recluse, the wolf spider lacks the violin-shaped marking on its back and is usually gray or brown. They are also a bit larger, around half an inch to two inches long. Despite their predatory name, wolf spiders are not venomous or dangerous, although their bite can cause minor reactions in certain people.
Tags: brown recluse, around half, around half inch, black widow, common throughout