Possible female mouse spider - Ask Extension
Hi: We have a spider in our house that we have never seen here before (photo attached). Looking at Google images, it seems to be a female mouse spider...
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Possible female mouse spider #623470
Asked April 12, 2020, 4:58 PM EDT
Hi: We have a spider in our house that we have never seen here before (photo attached). Looking at Google images, it seems to be a female mouse spider. Can you identify from this photo?
We like spiders - if not harmful, we leave in the house (we catch-and-release widows and recluses to the outdoors) - so would like to know what to do with this one?
Thanks for any information. Susan and Michael
We like spiders - if not harmful, we leave in the house (we catch-and-release widows and recluses to the outdoors) - so would like to know what to do with this one?
Thanks for any information. Susan and Michael
Routt County Colorado
Expert Response
That is one of the "bark crab spiders". Check either the genus Xysticus or Bassiana.
They are harmless to humans - can not bite, certainly no venom that is harmful to us. They are normally found on tree trunks and other sites where they blend in and wait for passing prey that they then ambush. For some reason they will enter homes fairly often (or be brought in on firewood) but will not reproduce indoors.
They are harmless to humans - can not bite, certainly no venom that is harmful to us. They are normally found on tree trunks and other sites where they blend in and wait for passing prey that they then ambush. For some reason they will enter homes fairly often (or be brought in on firewood) but will not reproduce indoors.
Thanks so much!
