This creepy looking critter was spotted on the eave of my house in north central Arkansas this morning. Scared the holy crud out of me. It was about 3-4 inches across (including legs)...I wasn't getting close enough to get out a ruler!
Is he or she beneficial or should I beware?
Thanks!
The image is not clear enough for me to be 100% sure, but any non-tarantula spider that large in Missouri just about has to be a wolf spider (family Lycosidae) or fishing spider (family Pisauridae). I've seen at least one wolf spider (likely in the genus Hogna) that had a leg span of more than 3". They are not aggressive towards humans, but large specimens can deliver a painful (but not dangerous) bite if handled carelessly.
This message was edited Oct 20, 2021 10:46 AM
Thanks so much Flapdoodle! I did an image search for fishing spiders and sure enough, that's what the spider I posted was. You are always such a tremendous help and it's much appreciated!
Oh my god spider is the most evil creature for me really!!
This message was edited Oct 20, 2021 5:42 PM
