The Red-Legged Purseweb Spider is an intriguing arachnid that often goes unnoticed in nature due to its secretive lifestyle. These spiders are part of the Purseweb Spider family, known for constructing tubelike webs, usually 6-10 inches long, positioned vertically against the base of a tree. The web may appear like a small branch leaning against the tree trunk, making it easy to overlook.
As the spider hides within its tube, it patiently awaits its prey. Missouri Department of Conservation states that observing these spiders in the wild is a rare sight. Despite being elusive, there’s plenty to learn about the Red-Legged Purseweb Spider’s unique behavior, habitat, and physical characteristics.
Red Legged Purseweb Spider Overview
Species and Classification
The Red Legged Purseweb Spider, scientifically known as Sphodros rufipes, is a member of the mygalomorph spider family, Atypidae. These spiders fall under the order Araneae, and are part of the suborder Mygalomorphae, sharing relations with the tarantulas. They belong to the genus Sphodros.
Physical Attributes
Red Legged Purseweb Spiders are characterized by their dark, shiny bodies and bright red legs. As mygalomorph spiders, they have their fangs facing towards the ground. The size of these spiders varies, but they are generally medium-sized. A brief comparison of their features:
| Attribute | Red Legged Purseweb Spider |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium-sized |
| Body Color | Dark, Shiny |
| Leg Color | Bright Red |
| Fang Orientation | Downward (mygalomorph) |
Key characteristics of the Red Legged Purseweb Spider:
- Distinct red legs
- Dark, shiny body
- Medium size
- Downward-oriented fangs
These spiders primarily build tube-like webs, which they use to catch their prey. They are often found in wooded areas or near the base of trees. The Red Legged Purseweb Spider is an interesting creature with unique physical attributes and behaviors, making them a fascinating subject of study for both amateur and professional entomologists.
Distribution and Habitat
Geographical Range
Red-legged purseweb spiders can be found in various regions of North America, including the United States and Canada. They inhabit states such as Missouri, Massachusetts, Kansas, Indiana, New Jersey, and southern states like Tennessee and Louisiana. Some specific locations include Tuckernuck Island and even as far north as Minnesota.
Preferred Habitats
These spiders thrive in temperate forests, where they can build their characteristic tube-like webs. A typical habitat may feature:
- Trees with sturdy bases for web construction
- Abundant prey availability
- Dense vegetation for camouflage
In comparison to other spiders, red-legged purseweb spiders have a smaller geographical range and specific habitat preference. Here is a comparison table of purseweb spiders and similar species:
| Species | Geographical Range | Preferred Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Red-legged purseweb spider | US and Canada | Temperate forests |
| Common Kentucky purseweb spider | US Midwest | Forests, grasslands |
| Jumping spider | US and Canada | Various, including gardens and around homes |
In summary, red-legged purseweb spiders are found in selected areas of North America, with a preference for temperate forests. Their unique tube-like webs and hunting strategies are well-suited to these environments.
Anatomy and Physiology
Fangs and Venom
- Red Legged Purseweb Spiders have large, powerful fangs that can deliver a venomous bite.
- Their venom is mainly used to subdue and digest prey.
Chelicerae
- The spiders’ chelicerae are oversized and highly noticeable.
- They use chelicerae to hold, crush, and puncture prey, effectively immobilizing them.
Comparison between Red Legged Purseweb Spider and other spiders:
| Feature | Red Legged Purseweb Spider | Other Spiders |
|---|---|---|
| Legs | Red or orange legs | Various colors and patterns |
| Chelicerae | Large and prominent | Size varies; some may be less noticeable |
| Venom | Potent for prey; usually not harmful to humans | Varies; some can be harmful to humans |
Pedipalps
- Pedipalps are the front pair of appendages resembling small legs.
- They are used for sensing the environment, manipulating food, and mating.
In summary, the Red Legged Purseweb Spider has several unique anatomical features, such as red or orange legs, prominent chelicerae, and venomous fangs. These characteristics help them capture and consume prey efficiently.
Diet and Prey
Feeding Habits
The Red Legged Purseweb Spider uses a unique method for catching its prey. They create a tubelike web vertically against the base of a tree. The spider hides within this tube, waiting for unsuspecting victims to pass by.
When an insect or arthropod comes into contact with the web, the spider quickly seizes it through the silk, pulling it inside the tube to consume. Their webs are typically 6-10 inches long.
Common Prey
Red Legged Purseweb Spiders generally prey on a variety of insects and arthropods. Some examples of their diet include:
- Crayfish (occasionally)
- Small insects (flies, beetles, and ants)
- Other arthropods (such as spiders)
| Insect | Ease of Capture | Frequency in Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Flies | Easy | Common |
| Beetles | Moderate | Common |
| Ants | Easy | Common |
| Crayfish | Difficult | Occasional |
| Other Spiders | Moderate | Less Frequent |
Despite their small size, Red Legged Purseweb Spiders can catch various prey by taking advantage of their unique web structure and ambush tactics. Their diet consists primarily of insects found near trees and in woodland habitats.
Reproduction and Mating Behavior
Mating Process
In the Red Legged Purseweb Spider, the male spider approaches the female’s purseweb to initiate mating. The male then taps on the web to signal his presence and receive permission to enter.
Inside the purseweb, copulation occurs, ensuring eggs are fertilized.
Offspring
- Female spiders lay their eggs within the protective purseweb.
- The number of eggs can vary depending on the individual.
- After the eggs hatch, spiderlings emerge.
Spiderlings
Spiderlings of the Red Legged Purseweb Spider have a few key characteristics:
- They reside in the purseweb with their mother for a short period.
- As they grow, spiderlings leave the web to establish their own territory.
- They independently build their webs and begin their hunting routine.
The Red Legged Purseweb Spider’s reproduction and mating behavior showcases the unique survival strategies and adaptations in the spider world.
Life Cycle and Lifespan
Stages of Development
- Egg stage: The Red Legged Purseweb Spider begins its life as an egg, which is protected inside a silken case.
- Spiderlings: After around 24 to 36 days, spiderlings emerge from the egg cases and start their lives as small versions of the adult spiders.
- Juvenile stage: During this stage, spiders undergo several molts, gradually growing in size and developing their adult characteristics.
- Adult stage: Reaching adulthood, Red Legged Purseweb Spiders are fully developed, able to mate and reproduce.
Lifespan
- The average lifespan of Red Legged Purseweb Spiders varies, but adult females typically live longer than males.
| Males | Females | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Shorter | Longer |
For example, adult females have been known to live for a couple of years, while males generally have a shorter lifespan, often only reaching a few months in most cases.
Conservation Status and Human Interactions
Threats and Conservation Efforts
The Red Legged Purseweb Spider is considered a species of conservation concern due to habitat loss. Threats include:
- Deforestation
- Urban development
- Pesticide usage
Conservation efforts are in place:
- Habitat protection
- Public awareness initiatives
- Inclusion in iNaturalist for tracking and monitoring
Interaction with Humans
These spiders are rarely encountered due to their secretive nature, hiding in their tubelike webs. Human interactions are minimal:
- Generally not dangerous to humans
- May react defensively if threatened
Comparison of Threats and Conservation Efforts:
| Threats | Conservation Efforts |
|---|---|
| Deforestation | Habitat protection |
| Urban development | Public awareness initiatives |
| Pesticide usage | Inclusion in iNaturalist for tracking |
Remember:
- Spiders are important for ecosystems
- Support conservation efforts
- Report sightings in iNaturalist if spotted
Notable Relatives and Comparison
Atypus Bicolor
Atypus bicolor is a species of purseweb spider that creates tubular webs on tree bases. Some of its features are:
- Medium size with dark coloration
- Oversized chelicerae (jaws)
Compared to the red-legged purseweb spider, Atypus bicolor is less vibrant in color and prefers milder environments.
Red Widow Spider
The red widow spider (Latrodectus bishopi) is not a purseweb spider, but it shares the mygalomorph characteristic with purseweb spiders. They have:
- Reddish-orange cephalothorax
- Dark abdomen with red markings
Red widow spiders differ from purseweb spiders in that they build irregular cobwebs, while purseweb spiders create tubular webs.
Purseweb Spiders
Purseweb spiders (family Atypidae) build distinctive tubular webs against tree trunks. Their characteristics include:
- Medium size
- Strong, sprawling legs
- Long, vertical tubular webs
In comparison to other mygalomorphs, purseweb spiders have unique web-building techniques, focusing on tube-like structures instead of more common funnel or trapdoor web designs.
Physical Features
Coloration
The Red Legged Purseweb Spider has a distinct color pattern. Its body is mostly black and glossy, and its legs are a vibrant orange color. This unique coloration makes the spider easily recognizable.
Size and Proportions
- Body length: Medium-sized spiders
- Chelicerae: Oversized compared to other spiders
These spiders are medium-sized, with oversized chelicerae (jaws). Their appearance may resemble wolf spiders, but with a few differences.
| Feature | Red Legged Purseweb Spider | Wolf Spider |
|---|---|---|
| Body size | Medium-sized | Medium to large |
| Chelicerae (jaws) | Oversized | Standard size |
| Color | Black and glossy, with orange legs | Hairy and brown |
| Habitat preference | Near stones, vertical surfaces | Ground-dwelling |
In summary, the Red Legged Purseweb Spider is a medium-sized spider with a black, glossy body, striking orange legs, and oversized chelicerae. It can be easily distinguished from other spiders, like the wolf spider, due to its unique coloration and proportions.
53 Comments. Leave new
My friend Kathy posted this for me. It was found in South Point, Ohio a couple weeks ago.
Midst of what I read about this species was that it’s an 8 legged spider. This had 10 legs. Is it still the same type.
Thanks for the additional information. The pedipalps are the fifth pair of appendages, but they are not true legs. They are usually black, not red Also, your photo was taken on a reflective surface which may be confusing you.
wowowowowowow what an amazing looking animal!
coool
I just killed one and i didn’t know … I feel so bad
Great photo! But “supposedly” an endangered species? Hm. I just spent a little over an hour searching the web for any listings of this species. I found many people claiming it’s endangered, but its global status is G4 (Apparently Secure), and it seems only 4 states have assigned any conservation status to it. The most severe is Maryland, which considers it definitely imperiled and possibly critically so. Florida calls it Vulnerable. The statuses assigned by the other two states basically say that its status can’t be assigned.
This posting is now eight years old, and there is much more information on the internet now than there was when the posting was created. According to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology Animal Diversity Web: “Red-legged purseweb spiders, although scarcely found in nature, are not listed on any conservation lists.” According to the University of Kentucky Entomology site: “The Red-Legged Purseweb Spider (Sphodros rufipes, which may occur in Kentucky) has historically appeared on U.S. endangered species lists, but some scientists believe that it may not be a rare spider.” Maryland Department of Natural Resources lists it as G4. According to the Maryland Biodiversity Project, it is “Endangered throughout its range” but the range is well beyond Maryland.
I live in St. Charles, mo and I was bitten on my toe while walking in my basement in early morning by this type of spider in late August (yesterday). It was quite painful, the equivalent of being poked with a sharp pin. The bite site turned slightly red and slightly swollen. The symptoms were gone within an hour and haven’t caused me any more trouble. Hope that helps.
The chelicerae of the male do look like they would deliver a deep double puncture.
I found this spider moving rather fast acrost my patio and took pics and a short video.
I think it is also a red purse web spider.
But I live in Humble Texas, but you say it is endangered? How so ? I see these and the red velvet ants or aka cow killer ant all the time.
I took pics and a vid of both how and where can I send them to ?
You can use the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
I found this spider moving rather fast acrost my patio and took pics and a short video.
I think it is also a red purse web spider.
But I live in Humble Texas, but you say it is endangered? How so ? I see these and the red velvet ants or aka cow killer ant all the time.
I took pics and a vid of both how and where can I send them to ?
I found this big guy crawling across my back porch in Loveland Ohio…
Wow! Keep him/her up there!
I found the same spider walking across my bathroom floor. Is it dangerous? It certainly doesn’t look like a red legged purseweb. Could it be something else?
The Woodlouse Hunter is not considered dangerous.
I recently found on in my hometown in Va
I live in Leland nc. I just found a red legged spider should we kill it.
Why would you want to kill it? It is an endangered species that poses no threat to humans.
I saw one in Georgia recently
It has to be the Red-legged Ham beetle:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/445986
Pet food is what they feed on.
Is it bag for them to eat it?
I’m just reading this post, 12 yrs later, but wanted to respond. I live in Antioch, Tn and found one of these interesting creatures in my main-floor bathroom! I hate to kill anything, but unfortunately, not knowing what it was and because I don’t do well with spiders (especially in my house), I took direct measures to dispose of it. Later, I was so intrigued that I looked it up and then found that it is supposedly endangered. Yes, I felt bad at that point, but wondered, if it was so endangered how in the world did it make its way into my bathroom? Anyway, I just wanted it to be known for the record that one has been spotted in Antioch, Tennessee as well. Next time I will not be so quick to kill.
Saw one today. Wentzville Missouri
Thanks for the information. I was sad to learn that it not only looks malnourished but emaciated :(. Had I know I would have made an effort to feed it, though I will say it seemed lively and not lethargic at least.
Female Red Legged Purseweb Spiders are homebodies, and males wander about in search of a mate, making them more vulnerable to predators, accidents and wandering into areas where food is difficult to find. Your male was most likely wandering in search of a mate.
Hi Chris. I’m working on a distribution map for the red-legged purseweb spider in the southeast. Somewhere in the back of my mind I seem to recall that this was in the Buckhead area, but I don’t see that anywhere in the post. Was it in Buckhead? Thanks.
I have never seen this spider in my life until tonight. I live in Hermitage, TN, and found not only one, but 2 prowling around in my back yard. Of course, before I kill anything, I like to know what it is and what it eats. I have a lot of insects here, so any predatory spider is usually welcomed. Pest control is a great way for them to pay rent. 😉 But I’m glad I’m not the only one to have seen these. Thanks for the post!
Hi,
I have the same problem too and it seems like they moved into my kitchen now, any idea how to kill the beetle? Please help.
Thanks
Hi,
I have the same problem too and it seems like they moved into my kitchen now, any idea how to kill the beetle? Please help.
Thanks
Just found one today in Wichita, KS.
Thanks for letting us know.
My husband and I saw one recently on our property in East TN.
I live in Hardy Virginia and found one crawling outside my garage door yesterday.
I believe I also found a black purse Web spider in Hope Valley Rhode Island. Just wondering if that is a normal spider for this area he looked like it had huge fangs.
Though BugGuide does not report Black Purseweb Spiders from Rhode Island, we don’t believe there is any barrier to them crossing the border from nearby Massachusetts.
Coincidentally, saw one today in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. I had never seen one like it before. Came here looking to identify.
We have those all over Colorado there brownish red
Same issue here in NJ and no one knows how to get rid of them. The dog food company said impossible to have it at the factory must be the distributor, now I see beetles in the kitchen in spite of cleaning thoroughly and no food available to them. Can you help on this?
Did you figure out how to get rid of them? Having this problem right now!
I have same problem here in Croatia. Did you get rid of that bugs? I read articles, they are really invasive and is tough to get rid of them. I am really clean person so I am desperate about this situation. Please help!
Tanya I still see them. I am very clean and I now leave absolutely nothing out and everything is in sealed containers One was on my toothbrush last week! Gross!
I’m in Toms River NJ and just photographed one of these. You can find the pic which I’ll be posting on my Instagram Objects In Stillness
I found one today in Independence MO. I too have not seen this type of spider before nor my neighbor. Kinda scary looking. Are they poisonous?
I just got some really good pics of one in marion, NC on july 4th 2021.
I live in Spring, TX, and discovered a male one on the back of my house. I moved it to the forest behind my home. After identifying it and doing some reading, I wish I could have left it, but we had recently sprayed for ants at our backdoor and windows, and that’s where it was. I didn’t know they were rare/endangered as I had never seen one before. It was so beautiful! Our first ever!
It looks fucked up. What did you do to it???
Do not kill it… please. They are endangered soecies
Oops they are endangered species
Hi I am in Scotland and have found six of them in the last 2 day’s going out of my mind 😞 trying everything and anything
Just found one in my pantry. Safely removed it to the outdoors as I don’t like spiders but found it interesting, nonetheless!