Have you ever noticed small red spiders crawling around your home? You may be wondering “What are the little red spiders?” These tiny crimson arachnids may look menacing, but they are actually harmless and have a variety of interesting characteristics. In this article, we will explore the mysteries of the little red spiders, including what they are, where they live, and how to get rid of them if needed.
Araneae
The Araneae order includes most of the common spiders and is divided into two suborders: Mesothelae, which includes primitive spiders, and Opisthothelae, which includes the majority of spider species. They are characterised by having four pairs of eyes and two body regions (cephalothorax and abdomen). Most species of Araneae produce silk, which they use to make webs or other structures to capture prey.
Mygalomorphae
The Mygalomorphae order includes spiders such as tarantulas, trapdoor spiders and funnel-web spiders. They have two body regions (cephalothorax and abdomen) and four pairs of eyes. Unlike the Araneae, Mygalomorphae spiders do not produce silk, instead relying on their strong jaws to capture prey.
Symphytognathidae
The Symphytognathidae family contains the so-called ‘little red spiders’. These spiders are tiny, with a body length of less than one millimetre, and are characterised by having eight eyes arranged in two rows of four. Symphytognathidae spiders are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, and feed on small insects and mites.
What are the Little Red Spiders?
The Little Red Spiders are small, red-colored spiders that are commonly found in North America and Europe. They are usually found in damp, dark areas such as under rocks, logs, and in leaf litter. They have a distinctive red marking on their abdomen which gives them their name.
Little Red Spiders are usually harmless and do not pose any danger to humans. They are also not venomous and do not pose a threat to other animals. Instead, they feed on small insects and other arthropods.
The Little Red Spiders measure between 3-5mm in length and are usually red or orange in color. They have eight legs and two eyes that are located on the front of their head. They also have a pair of pedipalps which are short appendages used to sense their environment.
Little Red Spiders build webs around their prey in order to capture it. They also produce silk for the purpose of building their webs and for protection. The webs are usually made in dark, damp areas where their prey is likely to hide.
Little Red Spiders are beneficial to humans as they help to reduce the number of small insects and arthropods in our environment. They are also not considered to be a nuisance and can actually be beneficial to have around.
Habitats of Little Red Spiders
Little Red Spiders, or Redback Spiders, are found in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Japan. They inhabit dark, sheltered places such as crevices, under stones, in logs, and in old buildings. They are most commonly found in urban areas and backyards, and often build webs in the corners of buildings or in shrubs or trees. They are also found in sheds, garages, and other areas with low foot traffic. Little Red Spiders are also known to inhabit areas of long grass and other vegetation. They can also be found living in compost piles, woodpiles, and other debris. The spiders prefer warm, humid environments and are most active during the summer months.
Diet
Little red spiders feed primarily on small insects such as aphids, flies, and mites. They are opportunistic predators, meaning they will feed on whatever prey they can catch. In addition to these insects, they sometimes feed on aphid honeydew, pollen, and nectar.
Reproduction
Little red spiders reproduce by laying eggs in webs or sacs that are attached to the ground, vegetation, or objects in the spider’s environment. Each egg sac may contain up to 150 eggs, which hatch after two to five weeks. Depending on species and environmental conditions, the spiderlings may emerge at once or over a period of several weeks. After hatching, the spiderlings remain in the egg sac for several days, until they have developed enough to disperse. Female little red spiders typically live for up to two years, while males live for one year.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of the little red spider consists of an egg stage, a larva stage, a nymph stage and an adult stage. The egg stage can last from one to three weeks, depending on conditions. During the larva stage, the spider will molt several times and grow in size. The nymph stage is marked by several more molts until the spider reaches adulthood. The adult stage can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
Predators
The little red spider is preyed upon by a variety of other arthropods, including larger spiders, centipedes, predatory insects, and scorpions.
| Predator | Description |
|---|---|
| Larger spiders | These spiders consume the little red spider for its nutrient-rich body |
| Centipedes | Centipedes are fast-moving predators that use their sharp claws to immobilize prey before consuming it |
| Predatory insects | Insects such as dragonflies, damselflies and lacewings prey on the little red spider |
| Scorpions | Scorpions use their venomous stingers to paralyze the little red spider before consuming it |
Control of Little Red Spiders
- Remove webs, spider eggs, and debris from around and inside the home
- Vacuum frequently to remove spiders and eggs
- Seal cracks and crevices around doors and windows
- Apply residual insecticides to entry points and spiders’ hiding places
- Use insecticide dusts in wall voids and other inaccessible areas
- Regularly inspect for spiders and their webs
- Place sticky traps near entry points to trap spiders
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Mysteries of the Little Red Spiders?
Little red spiders, also known as clover mites, are tiny red arachnids that are commonly found in and around buildings. They are usually found on walls, windowsills, and other surfaces and can cause problems, especially during the spring and summer months. But what are the mysteries of the little red spiders?
These spiders are known to reproduce quickly and can be difficult to get rid of due to their small size. They feed on plants, and can also be found in gardens and other outdoor areas. They are also known to infest homes and buildings, as they can enter through tiny cracks and crevices in walls and foundations.
The mystery of these spiders is that they can survive in a wide range of climates and environments, and can live without food for weeks or even months. They are also known to be able to reproduce without mating, and are capable of rapid population growth.
The mysteries of the little red spiders are still being studied and researched, and it is still unknown how to completely prevent their infestation. However, steps can be taken to reduce their numbers such as sealing off cracks and crevices in walls and foundations, and removing any plants that they may be feeding on.
Where do Little Red Spiders Live?
Little red spiders are typically found in dark and damp areas, such as basements, closets, and bathroom corners. They are also known to inhabit woodpiles, old furniture, and other cluttered areas. Little red spiders are most active in the summer months, so they can usually be found in warmer, sunnier locations. In winter, they tend to move indoors to find shelter from the cold. They are also known to hide in warm clothes and bedding that has not been used in a while.
What do Little Red Spiders Look Like?
Little red spiders are small, red and black spiders that measure between 1 and 4 millimetres in length. They have eight legs and a segmented body, and they often have white spots or a white stripe on their abdomen. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, woodlands, and fields.
How can I identify little red spiders?
Little red spiders, also known as clover mites, are small, eight-legged arachnids. They are reddish-brown in color and have a flattened, oval-shaped body. They have a distinct dark red spot on each side of the abdomen. Clover mites have compound eyes, long front legs and are approximately 1mm in size. They are usually found in or around homes, especially near windows and doors. They feed on plant material, pollen and other organic matter.
How can I get rid of little red spiders on my concrete?
The best way to get rid of little red spiders on your concrete is to vacuum them up and discard them. You can also use a broom and dustpan to sweep them away. You can also spray the spiders with a pesticide designed to kill spiders. Be aware, however, that spraying pesticides will also kill beneficial insects. If you choose this method, it’s a good idea to use a pesticide that is designed to target only the spiders. Finally, you can also use a natural spider repellent such as peppermint oil to deter the spiders.
Conclusion
The little red spider is a common household pest. They are usually found in dark, damp areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. While they can be a nuisance, they do not pose any serious health risks. With proper sanitation and pest management, the presence of little red spiders can be reduced or eliminated.
