Presenting 25 widespread ARACHNIDS inhabiting India!
#1. Two-banded Telamonia
Identifying Characteristics:.
You may be familiar with this spider, which is endemic to India, from an online hoax.
The story claimed that there were many venomous spiders hiding under the edge of their seats, and they were fatally dangerous! In 1999, the story of the Two-striped Telamonia spiders hiding under toilet seats began spreading through email, along with false photos. 🙂
All tales are fictional and the Two-striped Telemonia is not harmful to humans, fortunately. This species is rarely encountered near populated areas as it heavily favors heavily forested tropical regions. Although this species possesses venom to immobilize its prey, it is not potent enough to cause harm to humans.
#2. Enormous Gilded Orbweaver
Identifying Characteristics:.
Orbweavers Golden Giant prefer habitats without direct sunlight, making them perfectly adapted to live in dense jungles and rainforests where they build webs near trees and bushes.
The male spider in this species is much larger than the female, and the pair below are amazed by just how enormous the Golden Orbweaver Giant is.
The most astonishing aspect of this spider in India is that it’s a selective consumer!
To ensure they have enough of their preferred food source, spiders store and cache food in their webs. Instead of eating it themselves, they throw out many other insects and only consume a few species.
Orbweavers, despite their intimidating appearance, are not dangerous to humans. Symptoms involving muscle tightness or soreness are usually mild, and bites are rare. Typically, these symptoms go away on their own and do not usually require medical treatment.
#3. Large-bodied Jumping Spider
Identifying Characteristics:.
These tiny spiders may be small, but their looks are not impressive. They spend their lives hiding on tree bark, where they are camouflaged. Furthermore, they are covered in spiky hairs that help them stay agile in wet and humid weather.
Sometimes, females also engage in this behavior, and males pass their inactive hours within the sac. They construct circular sacs using dense silk as opposed to the typical spider’s large webs, specifically those found in coconut trees. They construct webs underneath the leaves.
Some favorite foods of bees and flies are insects, particularly grasshoppers, which they sometimes consume as prey. These spiders have a large appetite and can even consume prey that is twice their size, despite being small in stature.
#4. Distinctive Spider
Identifying Characteristics:.
The fact that Charlotte’s Web is a spider message-writing inspiration is based on the fact that this type of spider weaves lines in its web called stabilimentum, which gets its name from the thick zig-zag lines that look like cursive writing. This spider is native to India.
Interestingly, the stabilimentum is present to send a message, not just to humans, but also to attract prey to the spider’s web, as scientists believe. It is worth noting that the thick line helps steer bats and birds clear of the web, reducing damage and the need for spider signature repair. However, caution is advised when approaching the web, as it may be perceived as a sign of danger by the spider.
Female Signature Spiders typically eliminate their mates after mating because the male seldom requires constructing a fresh web. When the female is prepared to lay her eggs, her offspring develop in an egg sac formed using this web. Mating takes place while the male resides in a web known as a companion web, serving two functions – reproduction and offering a location for the male. The male Signature Spider constructs this web on the periphery of the female’s web.
#5. Striped Phintella
Identifying Characteristics:.
In tropical regions, search for the Banded Phintella amidst fallen leaves and structures. Unlike other jumping spiders found in India, this species does not construct a web on the ground of the forest, but rather actively hunts for its prey. Nevertheless, they still require protection from larger predators.
They conceal themselves in enclosed structures during the night, whether it be on the forest ground, beneath debris, or constructed from fibers. After sunrise, the Banded Phintella relies on its exceptional eyesight to locate prey and avoid predators. Additionally, its capability to leap distances many times its own body length is certainly advantageous.
These fascinating spiders aren’t only remarkable because of their hunting skills. They also have striking opalescent bands on their abdomens, which make them look like small jewels. The bands on Phintellas Banded spiders reflect sunlight, giving them a shimmering quality. Males of this species use their reflective abilities to attract a mate, like a flashy suit. 🙂
Identifying Characteristics:.
Avoid using insecticide if you encounter this spider in India!
The Common Housefly Catcher is frequently found in commercial cropland and homes, as it is the only thing pests eat, except for spiders.
Typical environments include meadows overrun with maggot larvae and residences plagued by insect issues. It frequently dwells in regions with abundant pest populations, rendering it one of the most beneficial spiders in existence, remarkably adept at preying on mosquitos and other bothersome insects.
Research on pest management has demonstrated the efficacy of Common Housefly Catchers! The population was noticeably diminished during inquiries into the potential utilization of this species for housefly control. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge that its presence can be beneficial, even if spiders aren’t your preferred creature. 🙂
#7. Spider That Mimics Red Weaver Ant
Identifying Characteristics:.
Even from a close distance, it’s nearly impossible to discern that this creature is a spider!
I’ll see what you mean, and it’s hard to tell that the Red Weaver Ant is actually impersonating the ant weaver below it, looking like a spider. It’s good at disguising itself as an ant-mimicking Red Weaver.
Mimicry serves to protect predators in a few different ways. The Red Weaver Ant, for example, mimics the appearance of a harmless and timid spider to deter aggressive predators. This impostor spider also has a painful bite and a terrible taste, further discouraging attacks from potential predators. Overall, mimicry is an effective strategy for protecting against predators.
If the Spider Ant-mimicking Weaver Red is confronted by ants, it will run away. In addition to its appearance, this spider will steal from the brood of the Red Weaver Ant, in order to disguise its own smell and ward off even more predators.
#8. Joro Spider
Identifying Characteristics:.
Seek out Joro Spiders in India within both wooded areas and densely populated regions.
Many researchers across the eastern United States anticipate that this formidable-looking spider will ultimately establish itself in the area. Joro Spiders exhibit resilience to low temperatures and harsh environments, hence populations have been found in states like Georgia and South Carolina. It is worth noting that this particular species has also expanded its presence to North America.
Don’t be overly fearful, as it is not life-threatening. The poison it possesses can induce significant discomfort, yet it will occasionally attack if provoked or handled harshly, and this particular breed is not hostile.
There is a mythological creature called Jorōgumo, modeled after the Spider Joro, in Japanese folklore. Despite being a relative species, Jorōgumo is not a harmless creature; it can shapeshift into a beautiful woman and control other spiders, and it is capable of breathing fire.
#9. Spider with Black and White Spines
Identifying Characteristics:.
The Spiny Spider with Black and White Coloration is distinct from the majority of spiders found in India!
Despite its small size, this spider won’t take attacks lying down. The most interesting feature of its abdomen is the sharp spines that cover its back. This small orb-weaving spider has a hardened body that protects it from predators.
I can see a little dog and a cat’s face in the examples above. The designs on its back can take the shape of anything from a cuddly panda to a skull. Additionally, its coloring is similar to that of a Rorschach inkblot test.
Spiny White and Black Spiders spend most of their time constructing webs in shrubs. Before eating, they wrap their prey in silk and wait for it to become tangled.
#10. Deserted-web Orb-Weaver
Parawixia dehaani.
Identifying Characteristics:.
The spider often lies in wait, grabbing its prey! Observers and predators often think they are abandoned, as the web created by the Orb-weaver spider, known as the Abandoned-web, often has loose silk strings and missing sections.
If you happen to come across one of these spiders, consider yourself extremely lucky. It is unlikely to see the Orb-web Abandoned-web weaver spider, as it spends its days sheltering under leaves in the underbrush. Although it predominantly eats moths, this nocturnal spider in India is large enough to consume small bats.
When searching in overgrown gardens or bushland, the optimal location to explore is where you attempt to locate one. Webs found amidst branches and leaves in these regions are crafted by forsaken-web Orb-weavers.
#11. Phintella with Multiple Colors
Identifying Characteristics:.
It can be difficult to identify Phintella Multi-colored spiders because their colors range widely. It might be hard to believe that those two spiders are the same species, based on their coloring. Their large middle eyes and unique body shape make it hard to mistake them for any other spider, despite their differing shades. Just look at the photos above!
In tropical climates, these small jumping spiders prefer hunting for prey on the forest floor instead of constructing webs, although they typically do not reside in forests and buildings.
Phintellas, a type of spider, use camouflage to blend into their surroundings. For example, if they live in a forest, their coloring might be various shades of dark brown to blend in with tree bark. On the other hand, if they live in a city, they are better served by having pale coloring to hide on light-colored walls or floors.
#12. Long-horned Spider
Identifying Characteristics:.
Take a closer look at the Orbweaver Long-horned spider, which definitely stands out as one of the most intimidating spiders found in India. It has a remarkable body with two long spines that curl out from its hardened shell-like exoskeleton. Let me provide you with all the information you need about this incredible spider and how it got its name!
Long-horned Orbweavers reside in tropical rainforests, including densely forested regions, where they find catching sizable insects extremely efficient, enabling them to construct webs measuring up to 1.2 m (four ft) in diameter. Weaving their webs proves ideal within the thick tree canopy found in this habitat.
They prefer to spend their time away from humans, waiting for a meal underneath leaves. The Long-horned Orbweaver has never been reported to bite humans and is not dangerous, despite its appearance. 🙂
#13. Hasselt’s Thorny Spider
Identifying Characteristics:.
Hasselt’s Thorny Spiders inhabit tropical woodlands in India.
These orb-weaving spiders may appear harmless to humans at first glance, but their spiny appendages and bright coloring give them a dangerous look in reality.
Their flashy appearance serves as a defense mechanism against bigger predators, indeed! If I were to encounter it, I would certainly refrain from consuming one, I suppose! The species possesses a rigid, shell-like abdomen similar to other spiny orb-weavers, making it challenging for even sizable predators to penetrate. Furthermore, they must also face the obstacle of sharp, elongated spikes, even if they manage to breach the protective shell. Moreover!
In addition, predators help deter the colorful appearance of their tough exoskeleton. In reality, they don’t have potent toxins at all.
#14. Opadometa with a Pear-shaped Body
Identifying Characteristics:.
The network of Pear-shaped Opadometas is made up of various silks, each serving a different function. These silks are generated in seven unique categories, similar to other orb weavers.
Collecting on the web’s surface are droplets of water, which the Pear-shaped Opadometa drinks. Furthermore, they detect and capture food in their web by sensing the vibrations. The survival of the Pear-shaped Opadometa heavily relies on these webs as they play a vital role in all aspects of their life.
Occasionally, humans bite spiders in self-defense. However, Opadometa, the pear-shaped spider, does not have toxic venom. Bites from Opadometa spiders typically cause minor swelling and redness, but they are generally less severe than bee stings.
#15. Ornamental Arachnid
Identifying Characteristics:.
Ornamental Vleispiders are among the most flamboyant spiders in India!
What I intend to inquire is, observe the gleaming silver streaks that emphasize its green and yellow physique. Stand out amidst all the other arachnids in the area, even their vibrant patterns and distinctively-shaped abdomen enable them.
The Decorative Vleispider spends a significant amount of time underneath leaves in its web. It possesses elongated limbs and a compact head, which makes it readily recognizable. Its unique pointed posterior end, resembling a teardrop, adds to its distinctiveness.
#16. Asian Thorny Orb-Weaver
Identifying Characteristics:.
If you spot an Asian Prickly Orb-weaver, you might struggle to believe it’s a spider!
Predators searching for nourishment are safeguarded by its prickly outer covering, nevertheless, since it lacks strong poison, this type appears more akin to a crab with its fortified covering and elongated form.
If you are in rural, forested areas in India, you are likely to find these spiders. Orb-weavers, specifically the Spiny Oriental, spend a significant amount of time in their webs, which they build between tall bushes.
The reproduction of Orb-weavers, such as the Spiny Oriental spider species, is not complete until the sac egg hatches and the young spider emerges. These spiders only live once they have completed their reproduction. Unlike other species, Orb-weavers have long lifespans.
#17. Pointillist Neoscona
Identifying Characteristics:.
Pointillist Neoscona Spiders are prevalent in India and famous for a unique cause.
Although spider-fighting is a practice where spiders are often used, it is widely discouraged as it can be fairly brutal and another spider is often pitted against them.
Some schools have become distracting environments for administrators because fights have broken out among students. In fact, some children at these schools earn money by placing bets on spider fights and even set up their own fights.
After the battle is finished, the defeated spider often ends up killing the victorious one. Regrettably, another female in their vicinity will not tolerate dominance fights. They exhibit aggression and territorial behavior due to their use of Pointillist Neosconas.
Spiders in the Neoscona Pointillist wild often spend their time waiting in their webs, trapping and waiting for food. People who are not aggressive and enter homes are often treated roughly.
#18. Spider Resembling Bird Droppings
Identifying Characteristics:.
A single glance at the Bird-dropping Spider in India is sufficient to understand the origin of its name!
This spider is easily mistaken for a bird poop – its brown and white coloring helps it blend in seamlessly. It has short legs and a shapeless, lumpy abdomen. It is a master of disguise, choosing to dress up as its chosen costume – a bird poop.
The spider grabs the moth once it gets near, using its powerful legs. They release a pheromone that mimics the scent of female moths, attracting male moths. Additionally, Bird-dropping Spiders have a unique way of catching a meal. The most distinctive thing about this species is its incredibly weird appearance.
You will probably notice the distinctive egg sacs of the spider itself, as they hang in thin strands of silk in rows or bunches. They are almost as large as the actual spider, and you might even miss it because of its amazing camouflage.
#19. Cellar Spider with a Lengthy Body
Also referred to as Daddy Longlegs, the Skull Spider.
Identifying Characteristics:.
Do you know the spider that always seems to be in the corner of your basement? It’s likely the Long-bodied Cellar Spider, which is commonly found in buildings and homes as they prefer warm habitats. These delicate and thin spiders are often sucked up when I clean my basement with a vacuum, so I know that I have to do it regularly.
Unfortunately, some people find cellar spiders beneficial because they are known to hunt down and kill other types of spiders. In order to subdue their victims, these spiders will leave webs to hunt for other spiders. Once they find their prey, they will use their long legs to bite and retaliate. However, they will also eradicate native species of spiders.
Despite their close proximity to humans, they are not harmful and are not known to attack or bite people.
#20. Typical Domestic Spider
Identifying Characteristics:.
These spiders are discovered in close proximity to individuals in India!
They are typically as small as Common House Spiders, measuring between 5-6 millimeters (0.20-0.24 in) in length. It never fails to amaze me how I discover them in my garage, of all places!
Similar to flies, ants, and mosquitoes, Common House Spiders also consume small insects and pests within your household, which is why it is unnecessary to despise or be afraid of them, even if there might be a few present in your residence at the moment.
Although they are relatively docile, bites from them mostly occur due to their proximity to humans; however, there is no need to fear as their venom is not the least dangerous.
#21. Triangular Crab Spider
Identifying Characteristics:.
The best places to find Triangle Crab Spiders are meadows and sunny forest edges with dry vegetation and flowers. They closely blend in with their surroundings because they have a similar appearance.
Instead of making webs, these spiders patiently wait for their prey to come by using their long first and second legs to overpower them.
Did you know that spiders get their name “crab” because they have a unique way of walking that is similar to walking backwards, forwards, and sideways?
#22. Adanson’s House Leaper
Identifying Characteristics:.
India is home to a variety of warm climates in which Adanson’s Jumper House thrives. Its natural habitats include low vegetation and woodland, making it adaptable and capable of being found in any terrestrial area.
The Jumper House Adanson’s can be quite sociable and bigger numbers can be grouped together. The size of the spider is about twice as big and their webs are relatively small. They usually build new nests each night, although they can reuse their nests.
One of the most interesting traits of this species is its ability to hunt by injecting venom with a bite and then leaping several centimeters to grab their prey. It can jump incredible distances.
#23. Pantropical Salticid Spider
Identifying Characteristics:.
They cleverly spend time around sources of light that attract insect prey in cotton fields and citrus groves, near buildings where Pantropical Jumping Spiders live.
Unlike many spiders in India, jumping pantropical spiders do not construct webs. Instead, they often retreat in elevated positions between hides and rest, typically in the corner of a ceiling or other elevated areas, where they construct silken retreats.
Although Jumping Spiders may resemble a mild or stingless bee, their bites are relatively harmless. However, if roughly handled, they can deliver incredibly dangerous bites that make them appear menacing.
#24. Pantropical Giant Crab Spider
Identifying Characteristics:.
Occasionally, in moderate climates, these intimidating spiders can be discovered in greenhouses and heated structures, but they flourish in regions with hot climates. They catch a ride in imports of tropical fruits, thus migrating to different regions of the globe, which is why they are frequently referred to as banana spiders. The Pantropical Huntsman Spider originates from India but has quite the penchant for traveling the world!
Your chances of encountering a huntsman spider are quite low, as they are most active during the night. The venom of these spiders is not dangerous to humans. They have the ability to deliver a painful bite that can cause redness and swelling. Huntsman spiders slip into small crevices and cracks around sheds, barns, and homes because they require shelter.
You may have guessed the name of this species is Predator. They rely on their strength and speed, grabbing prey with their venom injecting jaws, instead of trapping prey in webs. In fact, in many tropical countries, people feed them on other pests and cockroaches.
#25. Grey Wall Leaping Arachnid
Identifying Characteristics:.
