Spiders are one of the most commonly recognized insects and can be found nearly everywhere in the world. In the state of Texas, numerous spiders can be found of varying colors and markings. There are several types of black and white spiders in Texas, and spiders with black or white markings. Some of these spiders can be dangerous, while others are harmless to people.
9 Black and White Spiders in Texas
The following list is of black and white spiders in Texas, meaning spiders that are black and white or at least partially one or the other.
1. Twin-flagged Jumping Spider
- Scientific name: Anasaitis canosa
- Coloring: black with white marks
The twin-flagged jumping spider has a unique experience, easily recognizable. There are multiple legs around their face, which help the insect to move around their environment better. While most are black, they have dashes of white as well.
Unlike other spiders, the twin-flagged jumping spider doesn’t use webs for hunting, but will instead jump on its prey. These small spiders aren’t dangerous creatures and will flee from people by jumping away. Jumping spiders prefer to live along the forest floor and in other wooded areas.
2. Spotted Orbweaver
- Scientific name: Neoscona crucifera
- Coloring: varies from white to yellow, to brown
While the spotted orb weaver spider does not always appear white, it can, and can also be found in varying other colors. A spotted orb weaver could be tan, yellow, red, or orange. Some of them will also have patterns on their abdomens, and all of these spiders have bristles along their bodies, legs, and heads.
These insects are most active during the warmer months of May and August, and they can be found in a range of habitats. Spotted orb weavers thrive in barns, forests, parks, gardens, and backyards. They will spend most of the day hiding in their large webs.
3. Tan Jumping Spider
- Scientific name: Platycryptus undatus
- Coloring: Dark brown/black
The tan jumping spider is mainly tan or light brown, but it can be dark enough for Texans to mistake it for black. These spiders are not dangerous to people and have been found to show curiosity around humans.
They have a painful bite, but usually don’t bite unless threatened or mishandled. The tan jumping spider is a quick and ferocious hunter of other insects and will use a strand of webbing to keep prey from escaping.
4. Southern Black Widow
- Scientific name: Latrodectus mactans
- Coloring: black with red hourglass marking
One of the most poisonous black spiders found in Texas is the southern black widow. These spiders are completely black with a recognizable red mark. The females are the only ones with venom, and the males are not venomous at all.
Southern black widows are not aggressive spiders, and rarely bite unless threatened. Female southern black widows typically only bite if they are protecting their eggs.
The name widow comes from the way females will eat males after they mate. Even though bites from southern black widows are rarely fatal, they do require immediate medical attention.
5. Peppered Jumping Spider
- Scientific name: Pelegrina galathea
- Coloring: brown/tan with white spots
Another common spider found in Texas is the peppered jumping spider. Females have a patterning made up of light and dark spots, while the males have white spots and are bronze or brown.
The peppered jumping spider is useful for pest control in crop fields. When not in crop fields, these spiders can be found on prairies. These are small spiders and do not grow more than an inch in size. Like other types of jumping spiders, they pounce on their prey when hunting.
6. Western Black Widow
- Scientific name: Latrodectus hesperus
- Coloring: black with red hourglass mark
Just like the southern black widow, the western black widow is commonly found across parts of Texas. The females carry venom, and any bites should be treated immediately with medical attention. Bites aren’t painful but can lead to symptoms like nausea and body pain.
Females are twice the size of males of this species and will eat the male after mating. These spiders are also called western widows. They can be recognized by the red hour-shaped marking on their abdomen. While the mark is typically red, some western black widows will have a white or yellow hourglass.
7. Carolina Jumping Spider
- Scientific name: Phidippus carolinensis
- Coloring: black
The carolina jumping spiders can be found around Texas, and are one of the larger types of jumping spiders found in the state. Female Carolina jumping spiders are significantly larger than males when adults. Females are mostly black, with a black stripe on their abdomen.
Male spiders are a similar color without a stripe, and may even look closer to orange or red. As juveniles, males will have the same coloring as females, but they will change over time as the spiders reach adulthood. Like the other jumping spiders found in Texas, the Carolina jumping spider is not dangerous to people.
8. Eastern Parson Spider
- Scientific name: Herpyllus ecclesiasticus
- Coloring: black and brown
The eastern parson spider is a quick and curious spider that is commonly found in homes, backyards, and woodlands. These insects have a unique white stripe that looks like a necktie, and they are covered in bristly hair.
Eastern parson spiders are the most active at night, when they wander along walls, on the ground, or hunt other insects. These spiders will ambush their prey when hunting.
During the day, they can be found hiding under debris, rocks, or boards. They commonly wander into people’s homes when looking for food. While these spiders do not have a venomous bite, some people may experience an allergic reaction and will need medical attention.
9. Falconina Gracilis
- Scientific name: Falconina Gracilis
- Coloring: Black with light-colored legs
The Falconina Gracilis spider is not native to North America, but it has been brought over from South America and can be found in some places in the United States.
This spider is hard to spot because it prefers to stay hidden, but it has been glimpsed in Texas. Their bodies are black while their legs are usually a lighter brown or tan. Not much is known about the Falconina Gracilis slider because of their tendency to stay hidden and away from people.
Conclusion
The Lone Star state is home to various types of animals, from larger animals to small insects. There are several black and white spiders in Texas, each one with unique features and markings. Some of these spiders are harmless, and even helpful, to people while others have painful and dangerous bites.
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