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Southern house spider

Southern house spider

Kukulcania hibernalis

A species of Kukulcania, Also known as Black hole spider, Southern crevice spider

The southern house spider (Kukulcania hibernalis) is often confused with the brown recluse. However, southern house spiders are much larger than the brown recluse. These spiders spin webbing similar to velcro. Other spiders spin webbing similar to adhesive. These spiders are not aggressive, but they can play dead when threatened.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Southern house spider
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Attributes of Southern house spider
Colors
Black
Gray
Habitat
man-made structure (house; barn; bridge)
Adult Food Sources
Insects, crickets, cockroaches, moths, other spiders
Larva Food Source
Small insects, other arthropods, insect larvae, juvenile spiders, mites
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Southern house spider typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
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Species Status of Southern house spider
It occurs in the southern states of the USA, throughout Central America and some of the Caribbean, to southern Brazil and Uruguay.
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Distribution Area of Southern house spider
Florida, southern United States in human-populated areas
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Appearance of Southern house spider
The males may be mistaken for brown recluses because the two have similar coloration and body structure. However, compared to the brown recluse, male southern house spiders are typically larger in size, lack the distinctive violin shape on their cephalothorax, and have unusually long slender pedipalps. The females are dark brown or black and more compact. Both sexes may grow to be roughly 5 cm across (legs extended), with the males typically having longer legs, and the females often having larger, bulbous bodies. The abdomen of the southern house spider is covered with fine velvety light gray hair.
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How to Identify Southern house spider?

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Adult Size of Southern house spider
1.3 - 1.9 cm
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Predators of Southern house spider Larvae
Ants, wasps, spiders, birds, frogs, lizards
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Predators of Adult Southern house spider
Primates, birds, centipedes, large spiders, scorpions, lizards
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Scientific Classification of Southern house spider
Tips for Finding Southern house spider
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How Can You Attract Southern house spider
Insects that are small enough for southern house spider to prey upon, such as flies or small crickets.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Southern house spider
Nighttime or early evening when southern house spider is typically more active and hunting for food.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Southern house spider
Warm and dry conditions, which are preferred by southern house spider and when they're most likely to emerge from their retreats.
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How and Where Can You Find Southern house spider at Different Life Stages
Juvenile Southern house spider juveniles are often hidden inside silken retreats within cracks and crevices. Look for them by checking the corners of window frames, under rocks, and in dark, undisturbed places.
Adult Adult southern house spider may be found near their webs or crevices. At night, use a flashlight to search for the reflective eyes or the silk retreats of southern house spider around buildings or in tree bark.
Are Southern house spider harmful?
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The southern house spider can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

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Are Southern house spider harmful to humans?

Crevice weavers usually do not bite, and may only bite when they feel coerced. Their toxicity is very limited and not dangerous. Usually, people feel anxious after being bitten, the wound swells, and there is a slight allergic reaction.
Harmful Effects of Southern house spider
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Toxic to Animals
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Bite Humans
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Toxic to Animals

Southern house spider typically poisons its prey or potential threats through bites with its fangs. This species has a venom of mild intensity, which can cause discomfort or mild reactions in animals such as humans, dogs, and rats. Smaller creatures, like flies and bees, might suffer more severe consequences due to their size and physiology. The adults of southern house spider are primarily responsible for this toxin-related defense and hunting mechanism.

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Bite Humans

Southern house spider typically does not bite humans as it is not characteristic of this species; they are often reluctant to bite unless threatened or provoked. When bites occur, they involve a quick bite as a defensive method but generally result in mild consequences for humans.

More Effects of Southern house spider

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