I’ve always noticed tiny web tunnels in the corners of my windows and cracks along the outside walls. After some curious observation and research, I discovered they were made by Southern House Spiders. These spiders belong to a group called Kukulcania, and they’re part of the crevice weaver family. Over time, I became fascinated by their behavior, their differences, and how many types actually exist—especially across the southern United States and neighboring regions.
In this article, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about 10 different types of Southern House Spiders. If you’ve ever spotted one and wondered which kind it is, this guide might help you identify them more easily.
What Are Southern House Spiders?
Southern House Spiders are part of the species Kukulcania hibernalis. They’re known for building flat, sheet-like webs with a funnel-style retreat, often tucked into cracks, vents, or tight corners of homes. These spiders are usually dark brown to gray and can look a little intimidating because of their size and long legs, but they’re harmless to humans.
I’ve seen both males and females around my property, and they behave differently—females stay hidden in their webs, while males wander more in search of mates. Their webs don’t look like the typical round shape most people expect; instead, they’re messy and hard to notice unless you get close.
Why Understanding Spider Types Matters
At first, I used to think all spiders like these were the same. But the more I observed, the more I saw differences—in their size, where they built webs, and even their color. Knowing which type of spider you’re dealing with can help you feel safer and more informed, especially if you live in an area where multiple Kukulcania species are present.
Some people confuse Southern House Spiders with more dangerous ones, like brown recluses. Learning to tell the difference can prevent unnecessary fear and help you appreciate how helpful these spiders actually are—they eat pests and usually keep to themselves.
10 Common Types of Southern House Spiders
There are several species of Southern House Spiders under the Kukulcania genus. While they all share similar habits—like building webs in crevices and staying hidden during the day—each species has small but noticeable differences in appearance, web patterns, and preferred habitats.
1. Southern House Spider (Kukulcania hibernalis)
This is the most common species I’ve found around my home in the southern U.S. They stay hidden in cracks and corners, only coming out at night. Males are often seen wandering indoors, which is usually when people notice them. Despite their intimidating look, they’re completely harmless.
Identification
- Color: Males dark brown to charcoal gray; females tan to light gray
- Body Length: Males ~9–10 mm; females ~13–18 mm
- Legs: Long and thin in males; thicker and shorter in females
- Eyes: Closely grouped in curved rows
- Web: Flat sheet with funnel retreat
- Often mistaken for brown recluse spiders
Appearance
Males look sleek and spindly, while females appear rounder and bulkier. Their dull colors help them blend into walls and dusty corners.
Habitat
They love tight, undisturbed spaces—windowsills, gaps under rooflines, and between bricks. I usually spot their webs near outdoor lighting or vents.
Web style
Their webs are messy and flat, often leading into a dark hole or crack where the spider hides. It’s easy to miss unless you look closely.
Facts about this spider
They help control household pests like moths and roaches. Females can stay in the same web for several years. Males are more active and are often seen during mating season.
2. Arizona Crevice Spider (Kukulcania arizonica)
I came across this species while visiting Arizona. They have a very similar look to the Southern House Spider but seem slightly more slender. I found their webs tucked into shaded corners of stone walls and wooden fences.
Identification
- Color: Light brown to gray
- Body Length: Males ~8–9 mm; females ~12–16 mm
- Legs: Long and delicate
- Eyes: Tightly grouped
- Web: Flat and irregular
- Found mainly in Arizona and nearby regions
Appearance
They appear leaner and more delicate than other Kukulcania spiders, especially the males. Their color blends in well with dry, dusty environments.
Habitat
Common in dry, desert-like areas. They often hide in wall cracks, fence posts, and even under roof tiles.
Web style
Webs are irregular and flat, leading to a narrow retreat. I noticed they preferred shaded and cooler spots even in desert conditions.
Facts about this spider
They thrive in hot, dry regions. Though they look fragile, they’re tough survivors of harsh environments and help control small insects.
3. Utah Crevice Spider (Kukulcania utahana)
I haven’t seen this one in person yet, but I’ve read about it in guides while researching western U.S. spiders. It’s closely related to the Arizona species and looks very similar but is found further north.
Identification
- Color: Grayish-brown
- Body Length: Males ~9 mm; females ~14–17 mm
- Legs: Slender with darker joints
- Eyes: Clustered tightly
- Web: Sheet-style with deep retreat
- Found in Utah and surrounding states
Appearance
They have a dusty look, with muted colors and long legs that help them move quickly over rocks or siding.
Habitat
Lives in cracks of stone walls, logs, or the corners of older buildings, especially in rural and semi-arid areas.
Web style
They build flat webs with a funnel-like tunnel deep into a hidden crevice. These webs are hard to see unless you’re close.
Facts about this spider
These spiders are rarely seen outside their retreat. They’re shy and only come out to hunt at night, helping reduce flying insects in their zone.
4. Texas Crevice Spider (Kukulcania geophila)
This spider is common in Texas and surrounding areas. I’ve seen a few while visiting family—they often stick near outdoor sheds or garage walls. They’re not aggressive and almost never leave their web.
Identification
- Color: Medium brown to dark gray
- Body Length: Males ~10 mm; females ~15 mm
- Legs: Thick and strong-looking in females
- Eyes: Two tight curved rows
- Web: Dense sheet with tunnel
- Found across Texas and nearby states
Appearance
They look solid and a bit stockier than other crevice spiders. Females can appear almost velvety due to their short, dense hairs.
Habitat
Often found in shaded corners of wooden structures, wall gaps, and behind outdoor furniture.
Web style
Their webs are flat and wide, with a clearly visible tunnel retreat. Some of them even stretch across corners like a film.
Facts about this spider
They’re efficient hunters and rarely wander. I’ve noticed they stay loyal to one web and rebuild in the same area if disturbed.
5. Western Crevice Spider (Kukulcania tractans)
This species is found mostly in the western U.S., especially in California and Nevada. I came across this spider while hiking near rocky slopes—it was hiding in the cracks of a wooden trail sign. It looked calm and completely blended into the surface.
Identification
- Color: Brownish-gray
- Body Length: Males ~9 mm; females ~14 mm
- Legs: Long and lightly banded
- Eyes: Closely grouped in a compact pattern
- Web: Flat and dusty, built along wood or stone
- Found across western U.S., especially California
Appearance
Their colors help them blend into wood and stone surfaces. Males have a thinner build, while females appear more round and solid.
Habitat
Prefers wooden fences, rock piles, and outdoor structures. Often found in dry, sunny areas with some shelter.
Web style
Webs are loose and flat, typically stretched across crevices. The retreat hole is deep and shadowy.
Facts about this spider
They’re extremely reclusive and stay in their hiding spots unless disturbed. They’re more commonly seen in the wild than near homes.
6. Mexican Crevice Spider (Kukulcania mexicana)
This spider is native to Mexico but has been found in some southern U.S. areas as well. I’ve seen pictures and notes from other spider watchers who’ve spotted them in garden sheds and stone walls near the border.
Identification
- Color: Dark brown to black
- Body Length: Males ~10 mm; females ~16–18 mm
- Legs: Thick in females, slender in males
- Eyes: Tightly packed
- Web: Flat, built inside narrow wall gaps
- Found mostly in Mexico and occasionally near U.S. border
Appearance
They’re a bit darker and glossier than other Kukulcania species. Females have a very sturdy body shape.
Habitat
Usually spotted in older buildings, brick walls, and dry outdoor corners. They prefer warm climates.
Web style
Their webs are wide but almost invisible unless light hits them. The funnel opening is often deep and hidden from plain sight.
Facts about this spider
They’re shy and slow-moving. Unlike some crevice spiders, they rarely relocate unless their web is destroyed.
7. Short-legged Crevice Spider (Kukulcania brevipes)
This is one of the lesser-known types, and I’ve only seen photos and notes in spider identification guides. They’re named for their shorter legs, especially noticeable in females.
Identification
- Color: Medium brown
- Body Length: Males ~8 mm; females ~12 mm
- Legs: Noticeably shorter and thicker
- Eyes: Clustered together
- Web: Compact sheet with tight funnel
- Found in Mexico and some southwestern U.S. areas
Appearance
Their legs are short but thick, giving them a stockier look. Their body seems more compact compared to other Kukulcania spiders.
Habitat
Often found in cracks near ground level, such as foundation gaps or rock borders.
Web style
Smaller than most, the web is tight and compact. It typically hugs the surface closely with a tiny funnel.
Facts about this spider
They tend to stay low and hidden, even more than other species. Their short legs may limit their movement, which is why they rarely roam far from their web.
8. Chinguaran Crevice Spider (Kukulcania chinguarensis)
I haven’t seen this one personally, but I read about it while researching lesser-known species. It was first recorded in parts of South America and is rarely mentioned in U.S.-based guides.
Identification
- Color: Brownish-black
- Body Length: Males ~9 mm; females ~15 mm
- Legs: Sturdy and well-proportioned
- Eyes: Closely grouped in curved rows
- Web: Sheet style with hidden retreat
- Found mainly in parts of South America
Appearance
They have a smooth, dark appearance and look a bit more polished than other Kukulcania spiders. Their body shape is balanced and solid.
Habitat
Often found in cracks of walls, old wooden structures, and sheltered outdoor spaces. They prefer humid environments.
Web style
Their webs are dense and tucked into narrow crevices. Not easily seen unless you look directly at the structure.
Facts about this spider
They are rarely seen due to their limited range and shy nature. Some researchers note they are slow to rebuild if their web is disturbed.
9. Santos Crevice Spider (Kukulcania santosi)
This spider was identified more recently and is native to Brazil. Like other crevice spiders, it hides well and builds subtle webs in sheltered areas.
Identification
- Color: Pale brown to gray
- Body Length: Males ~8 mm; females ~13 mm
- Legs: Slender with slightly darker joints
- Eyes: Tightly grouped
- Web: Flat, irregular web with deep funnel
- Found mainly in Brazil and nearby regions
Appearance
They appear lighter in color and often look a bit faded or dusty. Their size is moderate compared to other species.
Habitat
Lives in crevices of trees, rocks, or structures in tropical or subtropical areas.
Web style
Their webs are subtle and low to the surface, with a funnel that’s well hidden.
Facts about this spider
Because they’re newly documented, there’s still a lot to learn. But they’re believed to be beneficial in natural pest control like others in their genus.
10. Cochimi Crevice Spider (Kukulcania cochimi)
This spider gets its name from the Cochimi region of Baja California. I found it mentioned in a few studies that focus on desert species, and it seems very adapted to dry, rocky environments.
Identification
- Color: Dark gray or dusty brown
- Body Length: Males ~9 mm; females ~14 mm
- Legs: Thick and evenly proportioned
- Eyes: Closely set
- Web: Flat and dry-looking, with narrow retreat
- Native to Baja California and northern Mexico
Appearance
They have a rugged look, with dusty colors that match their desert habitat. Their legs and body are built to stay low and hidden.
Habitat
Usually found in rocky cliffs, stone fences, or under flat rocks in dry environments.
Web style
Dry and brittle-looking sheet web with a retreat leading deep into stone gaps.
Facts about this spider
Highly adapted to arid climates. They build where moisture is minimal and seem unaffected by intense heat.
Are Southern House Spiders Dangerous?
From everything I’ve seen and read—and from the ones I’ve personally encountered—Southern House Spiders are not dangerous to humans. They may look intimidating, especially the long-legged males, but they are not aggressive. I’ve even had them crawl near me without showing any signs of defense or attack.
They very rarely bite, and even if they do, their venom is not harmful to humans. Most bites happen only if they’re trapped or squished accidentally, which is unlikely because they avoid contact. I’ve gently relocated a few without any trouble.
Conclusion
Learning about Southern House Spiders has changed the way I see these silent visitors around my home. Instead of fearing them, I’ve come to appreciate their role in controlling unwanted pests. Knowing the different types helped me feel more comfortable and curious rather than alarmed.
