Dangerous Spiders
Nearly every spider in North America is harmless to people, and only two groups can give a medically serious bite: the widow spiders and the recluses. Both are shy, and both bite only when trapped against skin. Here are those spiders in the Huck field guide, with how to recognise each and what its bite actually does.
4 dangerous spiders in the Huck field guide. Tap any one for identification, habitat, diet, and a live sightings map.
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Which spiders in the US are actually dangerous?
Just the widow spiders, which have a rounded, shiny body and often a red hourglass, and the recluses, which have a violin shape behind the eyes. Both are far less common in homes than people assume, and most bites blamed on them turn out to be something else entirely.
What should I do if a widow or recluse bites me?
Clean the bite, apply a cold pack, and watch how it develops. A widow bite can bring cramps and sweating; a recluse bite can slowly form an ulcer. Seek medical care if symptoms spread or worsen, and if you can, photograph the spider from a safe distance to confirm the species.