Identifying spiders can be a fascinating and rewarding endeavor, especially when it comes to the Nursery Web Spider (family Pisauridae). These spiders are not only common but also exhibit unique behaviors and physical characteristics that set them apart from other arachnids. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the detailed steps and instructions necessary to confidently identify a Nursery Web Spider, covering everything from their physical appearance to their habitat and behavior.
**Introduction to Nursery Web Spiders**
Before diving into the identification process, it’s important to understand the basics of Nursery Web Spiders. These spiders get their name from their unique maternal behavior: the female carries her egg sac in her chelicerae (jaws) and pedipalps until the spiderlings are ready to hatch. She then constructs a silken ‘nursery web’ in foliage where the spiderlings emerge and remain protected for a short period.
Nursery Web Spiders are found worldwide in various habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and near water sources. They are active hunters, preying on insects and other small invertebrates. While their size and appearance might be intimidating to some, they are generally not considered dangerous to humans.
**Step 1: Observe the Spider’s Size and Body Shape**
* **Size:** Nursery Web Spiders are relatively large spiders. Adult females typically range from 15 to 20 mm in body length, while males are slightly smaller, around 12 to 18 mm. Keep in mind that juvenile spiders will be much smaller, making identification more challenging.
* **Body Shape:** These spiders have an elongated body shape. The cephalothorax (the fused head and thorax) is typically narrower than the abdomen. The legs are long and spindly, contributing to their agile hunting style.
**Step 2: Examine the Spider’s Color and Markings**
* **Color Variation:** Nursery Web Spiders exhibit a range of colors, from light brown and tan to darker shades of brown and gray. Some species may even have reddish or greenish hues. Color alone is not a reliable identification factor, as it can vary depending on the spider’s age, environment, and diet.
* **Distinct Markings:** Look for specific markings on the cephalothorax and abdomen. Many Nursery Web Spiders have dark brown or black bands or stripes running along the sides of the cephalothorax. The abdomen may have a pattern of spots, stripes, or chevrons. Some species feature a distinct light-colored stripe down the center of the cephalothorax.
* **Eye Arrangement:** Although difficult to observe without magnification, the eye arrangement can be a helpful characteristic. Nursery Web Spiders have eight eyes arranged in two rows. The front row typically has four smaller eyes, while the back row has four larger eyes. Observing the relative size and spacing of the eyes requires a close-up view, often achieved with a magnifying glass or macro lens.
**Step 3: Analyze Leg Characteristics**
* **Leg Length:** Nursery Web Spiders have notably long legs, which are crucial for their hunting prowess and ability to move quickly through vegetation. The legs are typically much longer than the body.
* **Spines and Hairs:** Examine the legs for the presence of spines and hairs. Nursery Web Spiders have numerous spines along their legs, which aid in capturing and holding prey. The legs are also covered in fine hairs, which provide sensory information about their surroundings.
* **Leg Bands:** Some species of Nursery Web Spiders have distinct dark bands on their legs. These bands can be helpful in narrowing down the identification.
**Step 4: Observe Behavior and Habitat**
* **Hunting Behavior:** Nursery Web Spiders are active hunters, meaning they don’t rely on webs to capture prey. Instead, they actively stalk and ambush their victims. You might find them resting on foliage or running across the ground in search of food.
* **Habitat Preference:** Nursery Web Spiders are commonly found in moist environments, such as grasslands, woodlands, and near streams, ponds, and lakes. They prefer areas with dense vegetation that provides cover and hunting opportunities. Look for them on leaves, branches, and among ground vegetation.
* **Egg Sac Carrying:** One of the most distinctive behaviors of Nursery Web Spiders is the female’s habit of carrying her egg sac. The female holds the egg sac in her chelicerae and pedipalps, giving her a characteristic ‘hunchbacked’ appearance. This behavior is a clear indicator that you are observing a female Nursery Web Spider.
* **Nursery Web Construction:** After carrying the egg sac for several weeks, the female constructs a silken nursery web in dense foliage. This web is a protective enclosure for the spiderlings after they hatch. The female guards the nursery web until the spiderlings are ready to disperse.
**Step 5: Distinguishing Nursery Web Spiders from Similar Spiders**
Nursery Web Spiders can sometimes be confused with other spiders, especially Wolf Spiders (family Lycosidae) and Fishing Spiders (family Trechaleidae). Here’s how to differentiate them:
* **Nursery Web Spiders vs. Wolf Spiders:**
* **Eye Arrangement:** Wolf Spiders have a distinct eye arrangement, with two large eyes in the middle row and four smaller eyes below. Nursery Web Spiders have eight eyes in two rows of four.
* **Egg Sac Carrying:** Female Wolf Spiders carry their egg sac attached to their spinnerets (at the rear of their abdomen), while Nursery Web Spiders carry it in their chelicerae and pedipalps.
* **Hunting Strategy:** Both are active hunters, but Wolf Spiders are often found running on the ground, while Nursery Web Spiders are more commonly found on foliage.
* **Nursery Web Spiders vs. Fishing Spiders:**
* **Habitat:** Fishing Spiders are typically found very close to water and are adapted for hunting aquatic prey. Nursery Web Spiders can be found near water but are not as specialized for aquatic environments.
* **Size:** Fishing Spiders are generally larger than Nursery Web Spiders.
* **Markings:** Fishing Spiders often have more prominent and distinct markings than Nursery Web Spiders.
**Step 6: Utilizing Resources for Accurate Identification**
* **Spider Identification Guides:** Invest in a good spider identification guide specific to your region. These guides provide detailed descriptions, illustrations, and photographs that can help you accurately identify different species.
* **Online Resources:** Numerous online resources, such as websites and forums dedicated to spider identification, can be valuable tools. These resources often feature photographs and descriptions contributed by experts and enthusiasts.
* **Expert Consultation:** If you are unsure about the identification of a spider, consider consulting with a local entomologist or spider expert. They can provide accurate identification based on physical characteristics and behavior.
* **Photography and Documentation:** Take clear photographs of the spider from different angles. Document the spider’s size, color, markings, habitat, and behavior. This information will be helpful when comparing your observations to identification resources.
**Detailed Instructions and Key Features for Identification**
To summarize, here’s a step-by-step guide with key features to help you identify Nursery Web Spiders accurately:
1. **Observe the Size and Shape:**
* **Size:** Adult females are typically 15-20 mm, males 12-18 mm.
* **Shape:** Elongated body with a narrower cephalothorax.
2. **Examine Color and Markings:**
* **Color:** Ranges from light brown to dark brown or gray.
* **Markings:** Look for dark bands on the cephalothorax and patterns on the abdomen (spots, stripes, chevrons). Some may have a light stripe down the center of the cephalothorax.
* **Eye Arrangement:** Eight eyes in two rows of four.
3. **Analyze Leg Characteristics:**
* **Leg Length:** Long legs, much longer than the body.
* **Spines and Hairs:** Legs covered in spines and fine hairs.
* **Leg Bands:** Some species have dark bands on their legs.
4. **Observe Behavior and Habitat:**
* **Hunting Behavior:** Active hunters, not web builders.
* **Habitat:** Moist environments like grasslands, woodlands, and near water.
* **Egg Sac Carrying:** Females carry the egg sac in their chelicerae and pedipalps.
* **Nursery Web Construction:** Females build a silken nursery web for the spiderlings.
5. **Differentiate from Similar Spiders:**
* **Wolf Spiders:** Different eye arrangement, carry egg sac differently, often on the ground.
* **Fishing Spiders:** Larger, found very close to water, more prominent markings.
**Safety Precautions**
While Nursery Web Spiders are not considered dangerous, it’s always wise to exercise caution when observing spiders:
* **Avoid Direct Contact:** Do not handle spiders, especially if you are unsure of their identification. Some spiders can bite defensively.
* **Use Gloves:** If you need to move vegetation or debris where spiders might be hiding, wear gloves to protect your hands.
* **Observe from a Distance:** Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to observe spiders from a safe distance.
* **Educate Children:** Teach children not to touch or disturb spiders.
**Conclusion**
Identifying Nursery Web Spiders can be a rewarding experience, providing insights into their unique behavior and ecology. By carefully observing their physical characteristics, behavior, and habitat, you can confidently distinguish them from other spider species. Remember to consult reliable resources and exercise caution when observing spiders in their natural environment. With patience and practice, you’ll become a skilled spider identifier in no time. This knowledge not only enriches your understanding of the natural world but also contributes to the appreciation and conservation of these fascinating creatures.
**Further Exploration and Resources**
To deepen your understanding and identification skills, consider exploring these additional resources:
* **Field Guides:** Purchase regional spider field guides for detailed species accounts.
* **Entomological Societies:** Join local entomological societies to connect with experts and enthusiasts.
* **University Extension Programs:** Participate in university extension programs focused on insect and spider identification.
* **Citizen Science Projects:** Contribute to citizen science projects that track spider distribution and behavior.
* **Online Forums:** Engage in online forums dedicated to spider identification and discussion.
By continuously learning and sharing your observations, you can play a vital role in documenting and conserving spider diversity in your area.
**Detailed Breakdown for Easy Identification**
Here’s a more granular checklist you can use in the field:
**A. General Appearance:**
* [ ] Relatively large spider (12-20mm).
* [ ] Elongated body shape.
* [ ] Long, spindly legs.
**B. Coloration and Markings:**
* [ ] Color ranges from light to dark brown/gray (note exact shade).
* [ ] Observe and describe any markings on the cephalothorax:
* [ ] Dark bands along the sides.
* [ ] Light stripe down the center.
* [ ] Observe and describe markings on the abdomen:
* [ ] Spots.
* [ ] Stripes.
* [ ] Chevrons.
* [ ] Uniform color (describe).
**C. Leg Examination:**
* [ ] Legs are noticeably long (compare to body length).
* [ ] Presence of spines (describe density: sparse, moderate, dense).
* [ ] Presence of fine hairs (describe density).
* [ ] Note any leg bands: present or absent; if present, describe the color and location.
**D. Behavioral Observations:**
* [ ] Observed hunting actively (stalking, ambushing).
* [ ] Habitat: describe the environment (grassland, woodland, near water, etc.).
* [ ] Female carrying egg sac in chelicerae/pedipalps (if yes, confirm hunchbacked appearance).
* [ ] Presence of a nursery web (describe location, structure).
**E. Differentiation from Look-Alikes:**
* [ ] Rule out Wolf Spider based on eye arrangement (two large eyes in the middle row).
* [ ] Rule out Wolf Spider based on egg sac carrying (attached to spinnerets).
* [ ] Rule out Fishing Spider based on habitat (far from water) and size (smaller).
**F. Documentation:**
* [ ] Take multiple clear photos from different angles.
* [ ] Record date, time, and location of the sighting.
* [ ] Write detailed notes about the spider’s appearance, behavior, and habitat.
By following this structured approach, you can improve your accuracy and confidence in identifying Nursery Web Spiders. Remember that spider identification often requires a combination of observation, research, and patience.
**Common Misconceptions About Nursery Web Spiders**
It’s important to address some common misconceptions about Nursery Web Spiders to ensure accurate understanding and dispel unfounded fears:
* **Misconception:** Nursery Web Spiders are highly venomous and dangerous.
* **Reality:** While Nursery Web Spiders possess venom, it is generally not considered medically significant to humans. Bites are rare and usually result in only mild, localized symptoms such as redness and swelling.
* **Misconception:** Nursery Web Spiders are aggressive and will readily bite.
* **Reality:** Nursery Web Spiders are not inherently aggressive. They are more likely to flee than to bite. Bites typically occur only when the spider feels threatened or is accidentally trapped against the skin.
* **Misconception:** Nursery Web Spiders build large, conspicuous webs.
* **Reality:** Nursery Web Spiders are active hunters and do not rely on webs to capture prey. The only web they construct is the silken nursery web for their spiderlings.
* **Misconception:** All brown spiders are Brown Recluse Spiders.
* **Reality:** This is a dangerous misconception. Many brown spiders are harmless, and misidentification can lead to unnecessary fear and anxiety. Brown Recluse Spiders have specific characteristics, including a violin-shaped marking on their cephalothorax and a distinct eye arrangement. If you suspect you have encountered a Brown Recluse Spider, seek professional identification.
By addressing these misconceptions, we can promote a more accurate and balanced understanding of Nursery Web Spiders and other arachnids. Education and awareness are key to fostering respect for these fascinating creatures and their role in the ecosystem.
**Ethical Considerations When Observing Spiders**
As nature enthusiasts, it’s essential to approach spider observation with respect and ethical considerations:
* **Minimize Disturbance:** Avoid disturbing spiders or their habitat unnecessarily. Observe from a distance and refrain from handling spiders unless absolutely necessary (e.g., for relocation in a conservation context).
* **Protect Nursery Webs:** If you encounter a nursery web, do not disturb it. These webs are crucial for the survival of the spiderlings.
* **Avoid Chemical Use:** Refrain from using pesticides or other chemicals that could harm spiders or their prey.
* **Respect Private Property:** Obtain permission before entering private property to observe spiders.
* **Share Knowledge Responsibly:** When sharing information about spider sightings, be mindful of the potential for disturbance or harm. Avoid disclosing specific locations of rare or endangered species.
By adhering to these ethical guidelines, we can ensure that our observation activities do not negatively impact spider populations or their habitats. Responsible observation is crucial for promoting conservation and fostering a greater appreciation for the natural world.