Ecologically speaking, snakes are our best allies in terms of pest control. They eat things we don’t want in our homes, including rodents and insects, and play a vital part in the food web. - Sarah Witcher, Maryland DNR
SPIDERS Maryland is home to a diverse array of spiders, and all (except one) are essentially harmless and non-venomous enough to pose a serious health threat beyond allergic reactions. That “one” is the infamous black widow, which is easily recognizable with its shiny black body and red hourglass marking on a female spider’s abdomen; males are pale brown with white and red markings. Spider bites are uncommon, because they usually only bite in self-defense. According to Miri Talabac from the UMD Extension, “Spiders feed mainly on insects, other spiders, and assorted other invertebrates, and are considered beneficial to have around, especially since spiders avoid contact with people whenever possible, preferring to flee, hide, or play dead instead of trying to bite.” They work hard and play a critical role in controlling insect pests, like mosquitoes. The most common spider identification requests received at DNR are for orb-weaver and garden spiders – both are colorful and spin beautiful webs (and can look like black widows). Wolf spiders and fishing spiders are large and easy to see, often found in basements. If you come across a spider in your home, use an empty cup and piece of paper to relocate it outside.
Argiope, also called the yellow garden spider. They are large as adults and commonly seen in their characteristic webs with the zig-zag of extra silk in the middle. Photo Credit: Miri Talabec, University of Maryland Extension.
“Spiders avoid contact with people whenever possible, preferring to flee, hide, or play dead instead of trying to bite.” - Miri Tablac, UMD
Did you know? • The brown recluse spider is not native or common in Maryland. Very few have been confirmed and likely traveled to Maryland as a stowaway on a shipped package. • All spiders spin silk – either to make a web, store food, or protect their eggs. • On a per-weight basis, spider silk is stronger than steel! DNR and UMD have great resources for learning about our neighborhood spiders and there is a detailed catalog of spiders as part of the Maryland Biodiversity Project. • Common Spiders of Maryland, Maryland DNR • Spiders in Maryland, UMD Extension • Catalog of Maryland Spiders, Maryland Biodiversity Project
Marbled orb-weaver, also called the Halloween or pumpkin spider. They hide in a leaf shelter just off to the side of their webs. Photo Credit: Miri Talabec, University of Maryland Extension
24 | THE MOTHERLODE
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