Insects and Arachnids of Chatfield State Park

Latrodectus hesperus, the western black widow spider or western widow, is a venomous spider species found in western regions of North America. The female's body is 14–16 mm (1/2 in) in length and is black, often with an hourglass-shaped red mark on the lower abdomen. This "hourglass" mark can be yellow, and on rare occasions, white. The male of the species is around half this length and generally a tan color with lighter striping on the abdomen.... less ↑

Argiope trifasciata (the banded garden spider or banded orb weaving spider) is a species of spiders found around the world. It can be found in certain areas of Europe, namely the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands, and Madeira, The similar looking Argiope bruennichi is common in the Azores. as well as in North America. Considered a pest in some areas, they typically begin to appear during autumn from early September to late October as temperatures start... less ↑

The six-spotted fishing spider, Dolomedes triton, is an arachnid from the nursery web spider family Pisauridae. This species is from the genus Dolomedes, the fishing spiders. This species of fishing spider is named after the mythological Greek god Triton who is the messenger of the big sea and the son of Poseidon. These spiders can be seen scampering along the water’s surface when a person walks by in which they are often referred to as dock... less ↑

The zebra back spider (Salticus scenicus) is a common jumping spider of the Northern Hemisphere. Like other jumping spiders it does not build a web. It uses its four pairs of large eyes to locate and stalk its prey before pouncing on it. Their common name refers to their vivid black and white colouration, whilst their scientific name derives from Salticus from the Latin for “dancing”, in reference to their agility, and the Greek scenicus, translating... less ↑

Phalangium opilio is "the most widespread species of harvestman in the world", occurring natively in Europe, and much of Asia, and having been introduced to North America, North Africa and New Zealand. It is found in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, bogs, forests, and various types of anthropogenic habitats, such as gardens, fields, hedgerows, lawns, quarries, green places in built-up areas, walls and bridges. less ↑