Many species of spider are abundant in Utah thanks to the diverse mix of climates and natural settings that range from deserts to mountainous alpine forests. Depending on which part of Utah you are in, there are a variety of funnels, orb weavers, crab, wolf, and jumping spiders. All spiders have some amount of venom with varying potency. The venom is injected through fangs into the victim, usually an insect. The most dangerous spiders to humans are the arachnids; including hobo and black widow spiders, as well as tarantulas.
Black Widows
The black widow has potent venom and is ½ inch to 1 and ½ inches in size. They are found in Utah, in piles of wood, under rocks, in brick piles, under eves, or other sheltered areas. When living among humans, they prefer areas of undisturbed clutter. Most bites occur when the spider feels like it needs to defend itself.
Hobo Spiders
Hobo Spiders arrived in Utah 1980’s. Brown in color and ¼ to 1 inch in size the hobo spider can be mistaken for a common house spider. They spin a funnel-shaped web and have a poisonous bite. Like brown recluses, hobos tend to hide during the day and roam nocturnally.
Caitlin Huppi,