Spider reference
Background material used throughout the site: anatomy, taxonomy, and how measurements are reported.
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Spider anatomy: a visual glossary
Terminology used throughout this site for describing spider morphology, with the diagnostic features most useful for identification.
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Spider taxonomy: families covered on this site
A working list of the spider families most relevant to human-built environments in North America, with diagnostic notes.
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How body and leg measurements are reported
Reported sizes vary widely across sources. This page documents the conventions used on Spider Pest Authority and how they map to common field guides.
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Common US spider families - quick reference
Diagnostic summary of the ten spider families most often encountered in and around US homes, with the key trait that distinguishes each at first sight.
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Spider bite versus other arthropod bites
Most presumed spider bites are caused by other arthropods or by infection. This table-style reference compares spider bite presentation against the most common alternatives.
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Identification trait glossary
Plain-language definitions of the terms used on species pages: carapace, sternum, epigynum, scopula, calamistrum, cribellum, trichobothria, and more.