Red spiders with green backs refer to a variety of spider species that have a vibrant red abdomen and other green body parts. These colorful arachnids stand out against plant leaves and branches, yet their striking appearance serves an important purpose – camouflage In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common and interesting red and green spiders, how their coloring aids their survival, and some key facts about their biology
Why Are Some Spiders Red and Green?
Many spiders rely on camouflage to ambush prey and avoid predators Blending into their surroundings gives them an evolutionary edge Some species have adopted red and green as their colors of choice since they can readily mix with flowers, leaves and stems. The red often matches flower petals, while the green resembles leaves and stems. Some examples include
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The red-backed jumping spider has a bright red abdomen and green mouthparts. This mimics the look of certain flowers.
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The green lynx spider has a green cephalothorax and legs with a yellow and red striped abdomen. This matches many plants.
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Orbweavers like the cucumber spider and long-jawed orb weaver use green and red in different patterns to disappear against vegetation.
So even though red and green spiders really stand out to our eyes, within nature these colors help conceal them as they wait to ambush prey. Their strange look makes sense when you consider their habitat and lifestyle.
Key Species of Red and Green Spiders
Many spider species across multiple families display the iconic red and green colors. Here are some of the most common and interesting:
Red-Backed Jumping Spider
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Scientific name: Phidippus johnsoni
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Native to western North America.
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Grows up to 1 cm long.
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Bright red abdomen and teal mouthparts.
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One of the most commonly seen jumping spiders in its habitat range.
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Constructs a noticeable web nest under rocks and wood.
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Uses jumping and visual perception to actively hunt prey rather than spin webs.
Green Lynx Spider
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Scientific name: Peucetia viridans
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Found across North America.
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Grows up to 2 cm long.
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Female has green cephalothorax and legs with striped red and yellow abdomen.
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Ambush predator that waits on flowers and foliage to attack prey.
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Venom is harmless to humans.
Cucumber Spider
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Scientific name: Araniella cucurbitina
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Widespread in Europe, Asia and North America.
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Grows 4 to 9 mm long.
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Bright green abdomen with brown cephalothorax and orange mark on abdomen.
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Common in gardens and woodlands.
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Spins a web and waits for prey rather than hunting.
Long-Jawed Orb Weaver
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Scientific name: Tetragnatha viridis
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Found in Europe and North America.
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Abdomen color variable, often green or brown.
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Constructs a circular web and hangs upside down waiting for prey.
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Blends into vegetation with long green legs and mouthparts.
Green Crab Spider
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Scientific name: Diaea dorsata
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Native to Europe and Asia.
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Cephalothorax and legs green, abdomen is yellow.
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Does not spin webs, hunts prey on foliage.
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Can change color over time to better match surroundings.
Spider Anatomy and Physiology
All spiders share some basic anatomical and physiological traits. Understanding these provides more insight into the lives of red and green spiders:
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Two Main Body Parts: Cephalothorax (head and thorax fused together) and abdomen.
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Eight Legs and Eight Eyes: Most species have eight legs for walking and climbing. They also have up to eight simple eyes.
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Fangs and Venom: Spiders kill prey using fangs to inject venom. Some have venom potent enough to harm humans, but most have mild or non-toxic venom.
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Silk Production: They produce silk from spinneret glands to make webs and egg casings. Each species spins silk suited to its lifestyle.
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Specialized Hairs and Sensors: Hairs cover the body and act as sensory receptors for touch, airflow, and chemical cues. Slit sense organs also detect vibrations.
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Exoskeleton: The outer shell is made of chitin and must be molted for the spider to grow and mature.
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Simple Circulation: The heart pumps hemolymph through openings but no complex veins or arteries.
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Decentralized Nervous System: No single brain, several compact nerve clusters throughout the body.
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Varied Hunting Strategies: Spiders either spin webs and wait for prey, or actively hunt without webs.
So in addition to colorful camouflage, all spiders share these standard anatomical features. The specifics like size, venom toxicity and web construction depend on the species and habitat.
Habitats Prone to Red and Green Spiders
Certain environments seem especially prone to red and green spiders. These habitats include:
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Gardens: Flowers, fruits and vegetables attract insects for spiders to eat. Orbweavers spin webs among garden plants.
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Woodlands: Trees, fallen leaves and logs provide ambush sites. Jumping spiders hunt along the forest floor.
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Grasslands: Dense low vegetation creates habitat for crab spiders and jumpers.
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Chaparral: Diverse plants in this scrubland ecosystem support many spider micro-habitats.
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Deserts: Hardy spiders shelter under rocks and hunt in low vegetation.
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Wetlands: Vegetation around ponds and marshes harbor camouflaged spiders.
Red and green spiders thrive anywhere with a diversity of plants. Gardens are a haven for orbweavers, while jumpers and crab spiders frequent fields and forests. Different species occupy certain niches, but coloration helps them all blend into the background.
Key Takeaways About Red and Green Spiders
To wrap up, here are the key points worth remembering about these colorful arachnids:
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Red and green coloration provides camouflage against flowers, leaves and stems.
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Many species across multiple spider families have evolved these colors.
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Orbwaevers, crab spiders and jumpers are the most common red and green spiders.
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They are abundant in gardens, grasslands, chaparral, wetlands and other plant-rich habitats.
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All spiders share basic traits like two body parts, eight eyes and legs, silk use and venom.
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Most red and green spiders have mild or non-toxic venom posing no danger to humans.
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Their striking appearance helps them ambush prey while avoiding their own predators.
The vibrant reds and greens of these spiders may grab our attention. But for the spiders themselves, these colors provide ideal camouflage in the plant-dominated ecosystems they call home. Their distinctive look makes sense when you consider the hidden lives spiders lead among the flora. So next time you see a shockingly red or green spider, take a moment to appreciate its natural artistry!
Black and Yellow Argiope Spider, Argiope aurantia
The argiope spiders are a large and distinctive group. Their large, conspicuous webs can often be seen along the edge of woodlands. The black and yellow argiope can reach a length of 25-mm. Its characteristic silver carapace and yellow-and-black markings make it easy to identify. Argiope spiders tend to hang head down in the middle of a medium-sized web that has thickened, zigzag bands of silk in the center.
Golden Silk Spider, Nephila clavipes
The golden silk spider is found throughout Florida and the southeastern United States. The female is distinctively colored, and is among the largest orb-weaving spiders in the country. The female is 25-mm to 40-mm long and has conspicuous hair tufts on her long legs. Males are about 4-mm to 6-mm long, dark-brown, and are often found in the webs of females. These spiders feed primarily on flying insects, which they catch in webs that may be greater than a meter in diameter. They are most commonly found in forests, along trails and at clearing edges.
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FAQ
What kind of spider is green and red?
Green lynx spiders are medium-sized arachnids, typically 1/2 to 3/4 inches in body length. They have bright green bodies, often with red spots on the face and a light, translucent green abdomen. Their legs are long and slender, marked with black spines, giving them a spiky appearance.
Are red back jumping spiders harmful?
These spiders are not dangerous for humans and pets, as they don’t generally bite. But they can bite if they feel threatened or in danger of being squashed. If you are bitten, jumping spider bite symptoms tend to be mild like those of a mosquito bite, and they heal within a few hours.
Is the arrowhead spider poisonous?
The arrowhead spider is a harmless species of spider to humans.
What can be mistaken for a redback spider?
There is no orange/red ‘hourglass’ spot on the underside of the abdomen, which is present in a Redback Spider. The female Cupboard Spider could easily be mistaken for a Redback Spider, but lacks the distinctive red stripe on the back.