Discover 5 Brown Spiders Crawling Around New Mexico

There are hundreds of spider species in New Mexico, but this article will discuss five brown spiders that occur in New Mexico and if they are dangerous. However, it’s important to note that borders do not bind these spiders, and their distribution is subject to change. Therefore, there have been many reports of spiders found in locations where they do not naturally occur because people often transport them in luggage, cars, and other items.

1. Wolf Spider (Hogna coloradensis)

The wolf spider is one of the brown spiders in New Mexico, and they live solitary lives, generally roaming around at night, trying to catch prey. Because they are mainly spotted at night, people often confuse them with tarantulas. While these spiders can climb trees, they are primarily found on the ground. Hogna coloradensis Additionally, they can wander into houses, so homeowners usually find them in their crawl spaces, basements, and breezeways.

While these large spiders are not dangerous, their bites can cause an allergic reaction in people, but their venom is not poisonous. Furthermore, due to their size, their bites can be painful and cause mild swelling, inflammation, and itchiness. However, these symptoms do not last long.

2. Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus)

You should never confuse the brown widow with the black widow, as they are completely different. Brown widows come in several colors, including black, dark brown, and white. However, most of these spides are light to medium brown. In addition, these spiders are not as dangerous as their black cousin because symptoms from their bites are less severe. While the brown widow’s venom is more potent than the black widow’s, they don’t release as much neurotoxic venom as the black widow, resulting in less severe symptoms. Furthermore, adult males and juveniles don’t bite at all.

Brown widows are one of the brown spiders in New Mexico that avoid humans at all costs. In fact, when people come too near, these spiders will fall to the ground and roll into a ball, pretending to be dead. However, never try to handle these spiders, as they will defend themselves.

3. Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa)

If there is one brown spider in New Mexico known for its venomous bite, it’s the brown recluse spider. This spider typically occurs in the South and Central USA. They are primarily nocturnal and spend most of the night building webs that serve as trigger systems and shelter. Their webs alert them when prey is passing by, but as dawn approaches, these spiders will seek out dark crevices like cracks, debris piles, rocks, and more. However, if they are in a home, they might try to hide in shoes, trash cans, tarps, rubber tires, and cabinets.

Their bites can cause significant damage to humans, and if bitten, seek emergency care immediately. In addition, their venom can cause the skin to rot and other severe reactions. However, around 90% of brown recluse bites are not fatal.

4. Texas Orb-Weaver (Araneus illaudatus)

The Texas orb-weaver spider is one of the brown spiders in New Mexico. They are nocturnal and work on building their webs in the darkness. However, some of these spiders will eat or tear their webs down in the morning and create a new one each day. They formed this interesting habit of soaking up the dew that falls onto the web in the early mornings to prevent birds from getting caught in the web. These spiders don’t bite and will only attack if they feel threatened or cornered. But if they do bite, don’t worry; their venom is equivalent to a bee sting. However, if you are allergic to their venom, you must see a doctor immediately.

5. Texas Brown Tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi)

The Texas brown tarantula is actually quite docile. They are mainly found on the ground, where they look for food and mate. Despite their name, these spiders have a wide distribution around North America. For example, they occur in New Mexico, Arizona, Kansas, Louisana, and Mexico. They are not aggressive, but when frightened, they will react by running away, stretching their front legs to increase their size, and biting. However, their bites are not dangerous, but they will hurt.

Summary of 5 Brown Spiders Crawling Around New Mexico

While all five spiders on this list can deliver painful bites, most are not aggressive. Only the brown recluse is capable of causing death or permanent injury.