×
BugFinder Insects by State Spiders Butterflies & Moths Bees, Ants, & Wasps Beetles All Bugs Videos (YouTube)

Comb-Clawed Spider (Parasteatoda spp.)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Comb-Clawed Spider


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/2
Image Credit: Arch Baker
Full-sized image of the Comb-Clawed-Spider Thumbnail image of the Comb-Clawed-Spider
2/2
Image Credit: Arch Baker
Full-sized image #2 of the Comb-Clawed-Spider Thumbnail image #2 of the Comb-Clawed-Spider

The itsy-bitsy Comb-Clawed Spider climbs more than waterspouts as it ventures everywhere around or inside buildings.



Updated: 01/03/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Comb-Clawed, or Comb-Footed, spiders are the most common type of house spider in North America. They come in a variety of dark colors ranging from brown to almost black. The bulbous abdomen has a mottled pattern on it. Female legs are banded with black and yellowish stripes. Males' legs are mostly orange in color. Females hang brown, papery egg sacs near their resting site and guard them until spiderlings hatch. If the egg case falls, the mother will fetch it and reattach it to her web.

Comb-Clawed Spiders typically form webs in the corners of buildings like sheds, garages, and homes. These sticky cob webs collect dust as well as insects, and commonly are mimicked in set design for scary movies as well as for Halloween decorations. The Comb-Clawed Spider is active at night, building its web under the cover of dark. It rests on its webs during the day, waiting for a meal. It uses the nearly invisible comb-like hairs on its 'ankles' to fling strands of web at its recently snared prey, further securing the soon-to-be meal.

This family of spiders includes species like the black widow, the brown widow and the American house spider, however, this species does not have toxic venom like its more nefarious widowed cousins. Fans of the fictional hero Spiderman may recognize this spider's body shape since it is the same as the one that bites Peter Parker, imbuing him with spider powers.©InsectIdentification.org


Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.


General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Insect biting icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Arachnida
      Order: Araneae
        Family: Theridiidae
View More
          Genus: Parasteatoda
View More
            Species: spp.

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Parasteatoda spp.
Other Name(s): Comb-Footed Spider
Category: Spider
Size (Adult; Length): 5mm to 6mm (0.19" to 0.23")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: brown; tan; beige; white; black
Descriptors: tiny; speckled; biting


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 5mm (0.2in) and 6mm (0.2in)
Lo: 5mm
Md: 5.5mm
Hi: 6mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
State of Alabama graphic
State of Arizona graphic
State of Arkansas graphic
State of California graphic
State of Colorado graphic
State of Delware graphic
State of Florida graphic
State of Georgia graphic
State of Idaho graphic
State of Illinois graphic
State of Indiana graphic
State of Iowa graphic
State of Kansas graphic
State of Kentucky graphic
State of Louisiana graphic
State of Maine graphic
State of Maryland graphic
State of Michigan graphic
State of Minnesota graphic
State of Mississippi graphic
State of Missouri graphic
State of Montana graphic
State of Nebraska graphic
State of Nevada graphic
State of New England graphic
State of New Jersey graphic
State of New Mexico graphic
State of New York graphic
State of North Carolina graphic
State of North Dakota graphic
State of Ohio graphic
State of Oklahoma graphic
State of Oregon graphic
State of Pennsylvania graphic
State of South Carolina graphic
State of South Dakota graphic
State of Tennessee graphic
State of Texas graphic
State of Utah graphic
State of Virginia graphic
State of Washington graphic
State of West Virginia graphic
State of Wisconsin graphic
State of Wyoming graphic
Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
Canadian territory of Ontario graphic
Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Comb-Clawed Spider may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Comb-Clawed Spider. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Site Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookies  |  Sitemap
Beetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee House Centipede JoroSpider.org

2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2024 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved. The InsectIdentification.org logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc...).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. By submitting images to us (InsectIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

©2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2006-2024 (18yrs)