Tips

Keep in mind that, depending on the species, you may encounter a great deal of variation in coloration or abdominal patterns. For some species (so far, Araneus montereyensis and Neoscona crucifera), I have a special page showing some of the variation.

Funnel web weavers:

Many of our local funnel web weavers, found in shrubbery, belong to the genus Hololena. Currently, there are 30 species known within this genus. The different species are very difficult to distinguish from each other, especially the females. Males are somewhat less difficult to identify but a good dissection scope is needed and one must examine the palps in detail. Be content recognizing this spider to the genus level. Large funnel webs located at ground level likely belong to Agelenopsis aperta. Check for long spinnerets.

Orb weavers:

Orb weavers hang head down in their webs. Often only the underside (venter) of the spider is easily visible. Try to get a view or the topside (dorsal surface) for a sight ID.

Wolf spiders:

Small wolf spiders are not easy to identify to species. The most common in our area belong to the genus Pardosa (approximately 22 species are in California.) They are often found in large numbers in shaded areas, especially adjacent to creeks.