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Both types of spider are hairy, but trapdoor spiders are sparsely covered in thin hairs, while tarantulas have thick, bristle-like hair. Like tarantulas, trapdoor spiders usually live in underground burrows. Trapdoor spiders are a medium-sized, aggressive species of spider that’s related to the tarantula. Trapdoor Spiders Trapdoor spider on sand grains | image by Jean and Fred Hort via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 5 Spiders Like Tarantulas in North Carolina 1.
NORTH CAROLINA WOLF SPIDER HOW TO
Read on to find out more about spiders like tarantulas in North Carolina and learn how to tell these spiders apart from the real deal. The spruce-fir moss spider is a mygalomorph and is closely related to the tarantula, but it’s actually a part of a genus of spiders known as microhexura.Įven though you can’t find true tarantulas in the North Carolina wilds, you can spot arachnids that are similar to tarantulas in a number of ways. This spider is around the size of a BB pellet and is sometimes described as the world’s smallest tarantula. If you venture into the high elevations of North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains, you can find an endangered arachnid known as the spruce-fir moss spider. Thankfully, even though some tarantula-like spiders bite humans, none of these spiders produce venom that’s toxic to humans. In contrast, some of the false tarantulas that you can find in North Carolina are fairly aggressive. Tarantulas are large with sharp fangs, but they’re not known to be aggressive and generally harmless to humans. Trapdoor spiders are close relatives of tarantulas and have a similar appearance, but they tend to be smaller and less hairy, with shinier legs.ĭue to their size, people are often frightened by tarantulas. In North Carolina, the spiders that are most likely to be mistaken for tarantulas are trapdoor spiders, which are a part of the mygalomorph genus ummidia. Spiders that are a part of this group are sometimes called tarantulas, atypical tarantulas, or false tarantulas. This group includes several types of spiders that are common in North Carolina, such as purseweb, folding door, and funnel-web spiders. Tarantulas are a part of a group of spiders called mygalomorphs. There are no spiders in the Theraphosidae family in North Carolina, but the state is home to spiders that are closely related to tarantulas. These spiders are known for being big and hairy, but they have unique characteristics that other spiders lack, such as downward-facing fangs and long, bristle-like hairs that they use as a defense mechanism. What makes a spider a true tarantula? Tarantulas are a part of the family Theraphosidae, which includes more than 1,000 spiders. Some tarantulas can be found in the central United States, but the eastern-most state they reside in is Arkansas. True tarantulas are primarily found in southeastern states, where they typically live in desert regions.
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Since North Carolina has humid summers and moderately cold winters, it isn’t an ideal environment for these arachnids. Tarantulas are drawn to warm, dry climates and avoid cold and wet areas. While the state is home to several tarantula-like spiders, are no true tarantulas in the Tar Heel State. Some large, hairy spiders, like the massive Carolina wolf spider, are frequently misidentified as tarantulas. Contact us today to learn more about our home pest control services throughout Upstate of South Carolina and northern Georgia.There are more than 700 different spider species in North Carolina. At Spencer Pest Services our pros will partner with you to create a pest control program to exclude wolf spiders and the insects that they dine on from your home all the while treating and eliminating any current pest problems you may be experiencing.
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We can help you to get rid of wolf spiders by helping to prevent them from entering into your home in the first place. Once inside they can be found running along walls, in cabinets, in boxes, and underneath of furniture.
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Wolf spider don’t build nests, instead they “hunt” and chase after their prey while chasing after their prey they can find their way inside of homes, garages, sheds, or other outbuildings. When living outside wolf spiders burrow and nest underneath of rocks, woodpiles, leaf piles, grass piles, and landscaping ties. Also, these spiders would rather run from a perceived threat than bite in defense. However, it is important to note that some individuals may still experience a reaction that requires medical attention. Wolf spiders are a venomous species of spider, but their venom is usually not strong enough to cause a health risk to people. If they are being directly handled or are accidentally squished or brushed up against they may bite out of fear and defense. Wolf spiders have an intimidating appearance, but they are very docile and rarely if ever bite people they are actually considered to be nuisance pests.
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