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Ground spider utah3/6/2024 Properly identifying a hobo spider requires a microscope and knowledge of spider anatomy. Males have enlarged pedipalps located near the mouth, resembling short legs (Fig. Mature female hobo spiders are 9.5–16.5 mm (3/8–5/8 in.) long, and male hobo spiders are 7–13.5 mm (9/32–9/16 in.) in body length. Because of the wide variation of color and size seen in hobo spiders and other similar species, hobo spiders cannot be identified by color alone. Unlike many other similar-looking spiders, hobo spiders do not have dark bands on their legs. The pattern is generally more distinctive in immature specimens. The abdomen (the second body region) has a distinctive pattern of “chevron” yellow markings on a grey background, although this pattern can be difficult to discern without the aid of a microscope or hand lens. The hobo spider typically has a brown cephalothorax (the front body region where the legs are attached) with darker brown markings and brown legs. The only sure way to identify a spider as a hobo spider is to compare its reproductive structures that define it as a species, though the information given in this fact sheet may help you rule out similar-looking spider species. The hobo spider shares many traits with its relatives in the Agelenidae family and it can be very difficult to distinguish, even for experts. Adult male hobo spider front view of pedipalps (left) and side view (right). Their old common name, “aggressive house spider,” originated from a misinterpretation of the species name “agrestis” which actually means “of the field,” describing their natural, outdoor European habitat. Hobo spiders are nonaggressive and unlikely to bite. This species is now distributed throughout northern Utah. Over time, the hobo spider migrated to other parts of the western United States. The hobo spider is native to Europe but was detected in the Pacific Northwest in 1936. Funnelweb spiders are long-legged, swift-running spiders that build funnel or tube-shaped retreats in turf, log piles, rock piles, and other areas around the home and yard. The hobo spider, Eratigena agrestis, is a member of the funnel-web spider family Agelenidae (Fig. Many spiders resemble the hobo spider and nonexperts are unlikely to properly identify them.The CDC does not list hobo spiders among venomous spider species that are toxic to humans. No significant scientific evidence suggests that hobo spiders have a necrotic (flesh-eating) bite.They are frequently found in Utah homes from August through October.Hobo spiders and their relatives build funnel webs to catch prey.Adult female hobo spider (left) with egg sac (right)
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