Spiders have a characteristic appearance easily recognized by most people.  They possess eight legs, which immediately separates them from insects, which have only six.  Spiders lack wings and antennae, and their bodies have only two major region;  a cephalothorax, which includes the fused head and thorax, and an abdomen.

There are many varieties of spiders here in Southern California, all of which thrive in different conditions.  Some spider varieties that are commonly found inside homes have adapted to the conditions indoors and can live in a less humid atmosphere and with less food consistently available.  Spiders that live outdoors prefer warm and damp surroundings, in which insects are their preferred source of food.