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Bright Red Spider

redspiderinfo on February 4, 2025

Bright Red Spider: A Spider That Pops!

Ever spotted a spider that looks like it raided a lipstick factory? Bright red spiders might seem like a figment of your imagination, but they’re real, and they’re spectacular!

Encountering a red spider naturally leads to the question: What kind of Spider is bright red? We are here to shed some light.

Forget boring brown; these arachnids bring the drama to gardens, forests, and sometimes, even your living room (don’t worry, most are harmless). Let’s dive into the dazzling world of crimson crawlies!

True Red Spiders: The Scarlet Squad

Finding a truly red spider is like finding a four-leaf clover. They’re out there, but you’ve got to look closely!

Woodlouse Spider (Dysdera crocata): The Pill Bug Predator:

Description: This spider is the poster child for red arachnids. Imagine a tiny, reddish-orange tank with oversized fangs – that’s the woodlouse spider! Those chompers aren’t just for show; they’re designed to pierce the armor of their favorite snack.
Habitat and Distribution: These guys love damp, dark places, the kind of spots where woodlice (aka roly-polies, pill bugs) hang out. Think under rocks, logs, and in that slightly creepy corner of your garden.
Diet: They’re obsessed with woodlice. Seriously, it’s like their entire world revolves around these little crustaceans. They’re the ultimate pill bug assassins!
Behavior: Nocturnal hunters, they sneak out at night to ambush their prey. They’re like tiny, red ninjas on a mission.
(Other Red True Spiders): Other truly red spiders are rare. If you happen to stumble upon one, you’ve witnessed something special!
Do some research to find out what species might be in your area. (If you find one, it might be a good idea to take a picture and send it to us!)

Red Imposters: Not Spiders, But Still Spectacular

These guys aren’t technically spiders, but they’re often mistaken for them because, well, they’re red and they have eight legs. It’s an easy mistake to make!

Clover Mites (Bryobia praetiosa): The Bright Red Spider – Sort of:

Description: Imagine a spider the size of a pinhead. Now imagine hundreds of them. That’s clover mites! They’re tiny, bright red, and they love hanging out on plants, especially clover and grass.
Habits: They’re like the spring breakers of the mite world, showing up in huge numbers when the weather warms up.
Importance: They’re mostly harmless, but they can be a bit of a nuisance if they decide to have a party in your house.

Chiggers (Trombiculidae): The Itchy Irritators:

Description: Chiggers are the tiny, red devils of the mite world. They’re almost invisible, but you’ll definitely know when they’ve found you.
Bites: Their bites are insanely itchy. Think of them as tiny vampires that leave behind a parting gift of pure itchiness.
Prevention: Wear long sleeves and pants in grassy or wooded areas, and use insect repellent. Consider it your armor against the chigger hordes.

Why So Bright Red? The Mystery of the Crimson Hue

Why are these little critters so colorful? Scientists have a few ideas:

Warning Signs (Aposematism): That bright red color might be a way of saying, “Hey, I might not taste so good!” It’s like a tiny, biological “Do Not Eat” sign.
Love Connection: Maybe red is the spider equivalent of a dating profile picture. The brighter the red, the more attractive they are to potential mates.
Camouflage (Maybe?): Okay, this one’s a bit of a stretch. Red might help them blend in with certain plants or flowers, but it’s not the most convincing theory.

Bright Red Spiders and Us: Friend or Foe?

Toxicity: Most bright red spiders are harmless to humans. They’re not going to give you superpowers or anything like that.
Bites: They might bite if they feel threatened, but it’s usually no big deal. Just clean the bite and put on a cold compress.
Allergies: Some people can have allergic reactions to spider bites in general, even from non-red ones.
First Aid: Clean the bite, apply a cold compress. If you start feeling really sick, see a doctor.

Bright Red is the New Black (for Spiders)

Bright red spiders are a reminder that the spider world is full of surprises. They’re colorful, fascinating, and mostly harmless.

So, next time you see a flash of red in the garden, take a closer look. You might just be witnessing one of nature’s most vibrant creations.

Are Red Spiders Harmful

redspiderinfo on February 17, 2023

Many people are terrified or put off by the thought of spiders, but these eight-legged creatures go about their lives without a thought about you. This is because out of the more than 45,000 known spider species, only a few of them are said to be harmful. In fact, less than 30% of species are actually harmful.

While spiders may be harmless, it is still a smart idea to leave them be. Spiders are not friendly; they still follow their instinct to survive and to reproduce.

Are Any Red Spiders Poisonous?

You may ask, “are any red spiders poisonous?” This might be surprising but there are no known spiders that are poisonous; however, there are some that are venomous. For a spider to be considered poisonous, it has to be digested, but as the method of delivery of the toxins is by a bite, spiders can be venomous just like snakes.

Is a Venomous Spider Harmful?

Spiders bite their victims with a fang-like mouthpiece that is called a “chelicerae.” The chelicerae are used to inject their victims with toxins that include proteins and neurotoxins, and this helps immobilize their prey.

While there are many venomous spiders, the number of spiders that are lethal to people is very small. Out of the 3000 species of spiders that are found in the North American region, only two known species are known to be dangerous to people. These two known species are the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse spider.

A black widow spider’s venom can hurt as it is full of neurotoxins, but it is usually not fatal. The brown recluse spider or otherwise known as the “fiddleback” spider, can cause tissue damage if the bite is left untreated.

Why Do Spiders Bite People?

To put the mind’s of people who suffer from a fear of spiders at ease, humans are not on the spiders’ list of desirable food. Instead, spiders bite people as a defensive mechanism.

Spiders will often choose to run away, hide from people, and play dead as a way of avoiding confrontation from others. If a spider does choose to bite, it is usually done as a last-ditch effort in self-defense.

Are There Red Spiders That Can Be Harmful

The Red spider, also known as a spider mite, is part of the plant-feeding mite family and is not harmful to humans. They are common household pests that also inhabit foliage and trees. The red spider has an average life cycle of around three weeks. Adult mites are around 0.02 inches long.

Even though they have red in their name, these red spiders are not actually red. Some can be yellow, green, and orange.

Do The Colors of Spiders Reflect How Dangerous They Are?

The color of the spider does not state how dangerous it is; they are not like frogs. Frogs have an “honesty policy” that can be seen that are stating they are toxic.

Yes, some spiders that are colorful are dangerous, but that does not mean that all spiders that are colorful are dangerous. Many species of spiders are often bland or camouflaged as a way to hide from prey to better hunt.

So while the red spider looks dangerous, it is not harmful to humans.

Red Clover Mites

redspiderinfo on December 20, 2022

If you’ve seen tiny red spiders on your plants, in your grass or even inside your home, they are likely to be clover mites. They are arachnids, like spiders, but belong to the mite family with the binomial name of “Bryobia praetiosa”. Found all over North America, they are most active in the spring and late fall and can cause damage to plants and grass.

Identifying A Clover Mite

Clover mites look like tiny red spiders, being about the size of a pinhead. They have long front legs that might look like antennae. They lay tiny, bright red eggs and are most commonly found in sunny, grassy areas. Grass blades that start turning silver indicate a clover mite infestation.

As they prefer cooler weather, clover mites are most active in the spring and late fall. While their natural habitat is outdoors, spring is when an indoor infestation of clover mites is most likely to occur. They can enter buildings through tiny gaps and cracks, including under doors and around windows. If they lay eggs, these will hatch in late fall, bringing another infestation of clover mites.

Are Clover Mites Dangerous?

Clover mites are not dangerous. They are not venomous and their tiny size makes it impossible for them to bite a human or a pet. They pose no threat to health or a building’s interior or exterior. Don’t squash them, however, as this will leave a red stain.

Plants are susceptible to damage from clover mites, who prefer to live in healthy grass. They eat a wide range of plants including grasses, flowers, weeds and herbs and in cases of severe infestation, they can kill patches of lawn.

How To Control Clover Mites

Clover mites can be a nuisance pest both indoors and outdoors. But is it possible to get rid of them or at least control them?

Indoor Clover Mite Control

Ensure all cracks and gaps in the exterior of your building are sealed up, especially around windows and doors.
Do not crush the mites, but you can use a wet rag to wipe them up if they’re not on a light colored surface or on fabric.
Vacuuming the clover mites up is also an effective way to remove them without crushing them and causing stains.
Consider using double sided tape to trap mites in areas where they have found a way in.
Avoid using insecticide spray inside the home.

Outdoor Clover Mite Control

Cut back plants, grass and vegetation near a building to stop the mites migrating inside.
Hose off clover mites found on exterior walls. They are more commonly found on the south and west sides of buildings, trying to escape the heat.
Adding plants and shrubs such as roses, marigold and juniper may discourage clover mites from infesting your garden.
Contact a professional pest control company about using miticides and for advice on how to get rid of clover mites.

Common Red Spiders

redspiderinfo on November 11, 2022

If you’ve found a red spider in your house and are wondering what it is, you may need to take a closer look. Does the spider have a red body and legs or does it just have a red back? Is it tiny, small or quite large? Is it a jumping spider or something altogether more scary? Read about the characteristics and descriptions of the most common red spiders to see which arachnid you’ve found.

Tiny Red Spiders

If you’ve come across some very small red spiders, they are most likely clover mites. Mites are a type of arachnid and the clover mite is smaller than a pinhead. They can be found in large numbers across the US and can infest homes looking for food or shelter. While not dangerous to humans or to the structural integrity of your home, they leave a bright red stain when squashed and may be difficult to control.

Clover Mites

Scientific name: Bryobia praetiosa
Size: Between 0.75 and 0.85 mm (0.030–0.033 in) long
Distinguishing features: Younger mites and eggs are bright red. Adults have a long pair of front legs.
Habitat: Clover mites are usually found in healthy grass lawns and on sun-exposed walls across the world.
Dangerous to humans?: No. They might be annoying and cause staining to fabrics and floors but they are not dangerous.
How to get rid of clover mites: To stop clover mites from infesting your home, trim grass back if it comes up to the door or walls. Use miticide treatments for barrier protection. If the red clover mites are already inside, vacuuming them up is the easiest way to get rid of them, although take care to avoid crushing them as they will leave red stains behind.

Spiders With a Red Body

Although there are a couple of spiders that might fit this description, the most common red- bodied spider is the woodlouse spider. Getting its name from the fact that it predominantly eats woodlice, this bright red to dark red spider can look quite menacing due to the large fangs protruding from its mouthparts. It can be beneficial in the garden as it doesn’t eat plants, only pests. You probably don’t want to see these red spiders inside your home, however, as they can have a nasty bite.

Red house spiders also fall into this category, and while they are found in some parts of the US, they’re not generally found in the western states.

Woodlouse Spider

Scientific name: Dysdera crocata
Size: Adult females can grow to a body length of 11–15 mm (0.43–0.59 in).
Distinguishing features: This red house spider has large, powerful mouthparts or “chelicerae” and does not spin webs to catch food.
Habitat: Leaf litter and human houses, primarily across the northern hemisphere.
Dangerous to humans?: No. The red woodlouse spider is poisonous and can and will bite humans if threatened but the amount of venom it can inject is not large enough to be harmful to humans. Some itching at the bite site may occur but shouldn’t last very long. If you happen to be allergic to spider venom, however, contact a medical professional if you have trouble breathing or a lesion appears at the bite area.
How to get rid of woodlouse spiders: Prevent red spiders coming into your house by sealing up exterior cracks and gaps, especially around windows. Install a tight-fitting door sweep and remove potential nesting sites such as plants and trash cans from around exterior entrances. In the case of a large number of red spiders around your home, contact a local pest control company.

Red House Spider

Scientific name: Nesticodes rufipes
Size: The larger female can have a body length of 5-8 mm (0.2 – 0.3 in).
Distinguishing features: The rounded abdomen of the red house spider can mean it’s sometimes mistaken for a type of black widow.
Habitat: Houses and yards, most commonly in California, Texas and Florida.
Dangerous to humans?: No. Red house spiders can bite humans but their venom is non-toxic meaning that bites should not require any special medical attention.
How to get rid of red house spiders: Frequent dusting of corners, door frames and clearing clutter will discourage red house spiders from taking up residence in your home. Seal up any cracks in the exterior of your house to prevent them from coming inside. If you have any sort of red house spider infestation, contact a professional pest control company.

Spiders With Red Markings

Most commonly, there are two species of spider with red markings on them. One is the Johnson’s jumping spider which has a bright red abdomen. The other is the black widow which has a distinctive red hourglass shape on its abdomen. It’s important to be able to tell the difference between these two red backed spiders as the black widow is notorious for its potentially dangerous bite.

Red-Backed Johnson’s Jumping Spider

Scientific name: Phidippus johnsoni
Size: Males and females grow to approx. 10mm (0.4 inches) in body length
Distinguishing features: This black spider has a bright red back with the male having a solid red abdomen and the female having a black stripe on a red back.
Habitat: Generally found between the Pacific coast and the Rocky Mountains. The red backed jumping spider prefers dry woodlands or coastal dune habitats.
Dangerous to humans?: No. Not to be confused with the actually venomous “redback spider” (Latrodectus hasselti), these red back jumping spiders are not venomous to humans. In the unlikely event of a bite, you will not need medical attention.
How to get rid of red-backed jumping spiders: If you find a lot of jumping spiders inside your home, vacuuming them up is the easiest way to get rid of them. Otherwise, a pest control company can treat your property with preventive barrier sprays.

Black Widow

Scientific name: Latrodectus hesperus – the Western black widow
Size: Females can grow to 14–16 mm (0.5 in) in body length
Distinguishing features: This spider is shiny black with a bulbous abdomen and the famous bright red hourglass shape, although this can sometimes also be white or yellow.
Habitat: This species of black widow is found throughout western North America.
Dangerous to humans?: Yes. The black widow is highly venomous and symptoms from a bite can range from mild irritation to a severe reaction. Female black widow venom acts as a neurotoxin to humans so seek medical advice if you have been bitten by a black widow spider.
How to get rid of black widow spiders: If you see black widow spiders in your home or yard, you can contact a professional pest control company to remove them. To stop them from entering your home, install tight-fitting door sweeps, seal up any holes or cracks in the exterior of your home and remove potential hiding spots by getting rid of clutter in your yard and garage.

Red Spiders

redspiderinfo on November 11, 2022

Spiders are a common sight anywhere you are, with many locations hosting more than their fair share of large and venomous arachnids. Most people are probably familiar with black widow spiders, wolf spiders and the hobo spider, but what are the bright red spiders that can be found in houses and yards?

Red Spider Facts and Information

Find out about the characteristics and habitats of the different types of red spider. Learn about and identify the clover mite, red house spider, woodlouse spider, jumping Johnson’s spider and the black widow.

Spiders come in all shapes, sizes and colors and with a variety of different traits and behaviors. If you see a red spider and you don’t know what it is, the main question you might have is: is it dangerous? Check out the information on each spider to see whether you should be worried or not and learn more about each arachnid on the way.

Red Spider FAQs

Are red spiders poisonous?

This is a common question about red spiders and most spiders in general. For the vast majority of spiders, even if they have poison or venom, the amount they can inject into a human is very small and usually will not cause any serious health issues. The exceptions are: if you happen to be allergic to spider venom and also, if a black widow bites you. In either case, the reaction can be treated and it’s extremely rare for severe symptoms to occur.

Is a bright red spider dangerous?

In nature, bright colors usually have two purposes:

To attract other creatures for mating or pollination
To act as a warning that the creature is toxic. This is sometimes true and sometimes just used as a survival mechanism

So if you see a bright red spider, should you be scared of it? In reality, red spiders do not pose any more of a threat than their counterparts of any other color. While it’s possible that you could be bitten by a red house spider or a woodlouse spider, neither one will cause you serious harm. If you see tiny little bright red clover mites, these are also totally safe for humans, if very annoying.

What kind of red spiders are there?

The most common red spider you’ll see is the woodlouse spider. These can be found in homes and yards across the nation. You may see a red house spider but these are not frequently found in the western states. Clover mites are tiny arachnids that may be mistaken for little spiders and are common almost everywhere. There are also a couple of species of spider with black bodies and bright red markings, such as the Johnson’s jumping spider and the black widow. Certain hobo spiders may also seem reddish in color, and can be identified by their large palpi or mouth parts, which can look like boxing gloves.

Fun Facts About Red Spiders

The most venomous red spider is the redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) that is mainly found in Australia.
Clover mites found in the US are female and do not need males to reproduce. This is called “parthenogenesis” and means that the offspring are full clones of the mother.
The woodlouse spider is so-called because it mainly eats woodlice. Woodlice also go by different names, which means that this spider is also known by a few different handles such as: sowbug spider, pillbug hunter, slater spider and wood spider.
Jumping spiders, such as the red backed Johnson’s jumping spider, can leap many times their own body length if they need to get away quickly. The Johnson’s jumping spider does this by changing its blood pressure to increase the amount of blood going to its legs. The sudden expansion of its eight legs causes the spider to fly through the air.
The web of a black widow can look like a bit of a mess but they are deliberately tangled to trap prey until the spider can paralyze it with its venom. The eggs of the black widow are also stored in the web, attached in a cocoon until they hatch.

Red House Spiders

redspiderinfo on November 10, 2022

Have you spotted a red spider in your house? Maybe you’ve seen tiny little red mites or a larger spider with a red body or back. There are several different species of spider that can fall under the “red house spider” umbrella and while most will be harmless to humans, there is at least one that can be dangerous to your health. Using this guide will help you identify the type of red spider you’re dealing with and to work out if it’s poisonous or not.

What Was That Red Spider In My House?

How Big Is The Red Spider?

If we’re talking tiny, and we mean tiny, as in a pinhead size, it’s another type of arachnid called the clover mite. If the spider is quite squat and compact and has a body length of just under half an inch or about 1 cm, it might be a red backed Johnson’s jumping spider. Any larger and it’s more likely to be a red woodlouse spider,a red house spider or maybe even a black widow. If you see a much larger brownish-red spider with large mouthparts that look like boxing gloves, that’s a hobo spider.

Does The Spider Have Red Markings?

If it’s red all over, it’s either a clover mite, a red house spider or a woodlouse spider. If it has a solid, bright red back or abdomen, it’s a Johnson’s jumping spider. The female jumping spider also has a black stripe in the middle of a red back or abdomen. If it’s a shiny black spider with a red hourglass marking on the abdomen, it’s a black widow.

Are Red Spiders Dangerous?

Yes and no. Clover mites are extremely small and are not dangerous to humans but will leave annoying red stains on fabrics and surfaces if crushed. Red woodlouse spiders can bite humans but the amount of venom injected is usually not enough to cause any medical issues. Red backed jumping spiders and red house spiders can also bite but are not poisonous or harmful to humans. There is a species of spider called the “redback spider” which is highly venomous but it’s not native to North America and is not currently found here. While the hobo spider looks aggressive with its “boxing gloves” on, a bite from one of these spiders is not toxic to humans. The black widow, however, is one of the most dangerous spiders in the world due to the potency of its venom and its widespread distribution bringing it into close contact with humans every day. While it’s unlikely that a black widow bite will cause death, the toxins they inject can severely affect humans with symptoms that can last for several days.

How Common Are Red House Spiders?

In some parts of the United States, red house spiders (Nesticodes rufipes) are very common but they are most often found more in California, Texas and Florida than they are in the rest of the country. It’s possible that other parts of the west are home to red house spiders but they’re not among the most common spiders in the region. If you live in the west and have seen a red spider in your home, it’s more likely to be a woodlouse spider.

How Can I Get Rid of Red Spiders?

It’s understandable that you wouldn’t want your home to be infested with spiders but it’s not likely to happen with any of the red spiders listed here. The most common red bug to infest your home would be the clover mite which, while annoying, won’t have any negative effects on your health. Spiders are usually beneficial to the garden, eating other pests and generally staying out of the way. If you do have a red spider issue, however, or you want to stop red spiders from coming into your home, there are some steps you can follow:

Seal up any cracks, gaps or holes in the exterior of your building, especially around windows and door frames.
If you have window screens, check that they’re in good condition with no holes.
Avoid attracting a red spider’s food source into your home, such as ants and flies.
Keep grass, plants and overhanging branches away from the main entrance to your home.
Dust the corners of your home to remove existing cobwebs.
If you do see any red spiders or clover mites, you can vacuum them up or catch and release them outside.
In the case of a severe infestation of red spiders, or if you have found black widows in your home, contact a professional pest control company.