The spined micrathena, or Micrathena gracilis, inhabits the forests of western Massachusetts. The female has distinctive abdominal ridges to discourage predators that are not present in the males. Males are black, white or both, but without much of a mix of color. This is not the case for the females, who can also be yellow and brown. Most are 1/3 inch long.
Araneus diadematus is the scientific name of the cross orb weaver spider. A bulbous, brown, mottled abdomen, and comparatively small legs, are the distinguishing traits of this insect. Immature spiders are darker, while mature ones are generally lighter brown and yellow. There are two scalloped lines on the spider and several white dots creating what looks like a cross. They are a 1/4-to-1/2 inch long.
The goldenrod crab spider, also known as Misumena vatia, is yellow with red edges that change tone. The spider uses its colors for camouflage, both from predators and while hunting. The goldenrod crab does not spin webs, but it does stalk prey. While it may bite humans, most will not bite unless provoked, leaving behind a sharp pain. Misumena vatia are generally small, averaging a 1/4 inch.
The bold jumper spider, scientific name Phidippus audax, has excellent eyesight, allowing it to see things that are far away. It is a black, hairy spider with a green-tinted mouth and very large forward eyes on its cephalothorax. It hunts during the daytime, making human bites infrequent. The bite is comparable to a bee sting and, while painful, has no serious symptoms. Males can be up to 3/4 inch long, with females smaller.
