Careful Footwork
Posted by Renee Hoffman on May 31, 2006
Q: I was wondering if you would be able to tell me what kind of spider is black and fuzzy looking wih a white triangle shape and two white lines on is body, I have also seen these spiders with yellow and orange on their backs.
State: Wisconsin
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: Spiders come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, patterns, and colors so it's extremely difficult to make an identification without a detailed description or photo. But, from what you've shared, it sounds as though your spiders do not spin a web but crawl about on the ground or walls? If this is the case, you've probably got jumping spiders. These are especially good little buggers that pounce on their prey but don't make a web. If you can check out the "Golden Guide to Spiders and Their Kin" there are all kinds of good illustrations that will help you get close to your spider's ID. This paperback book is inexpensive and really helpful. Thanks for asking and I hope I've helped a wee bit.
John Wiessinger ( June 1, 2006)