Spitter Spider

Spitter Spiders are slow-moving, solitary predators that hunt their prey using a paralyzing dart attack. The less energetic cousins of Wolf Spiders, they prefer to hunt alone and avoid confrontation. Spitters are found exclusively in hardmode, except through lineage.

Appearance
With a black body and six long legs, Spitter Spiders can be identified by the red spines that extrude from their backs. The darts fired from their mouths are a pale white, and each one has an elongated sac on its end, likely storing the paralyzing toxin.

Behavior
Spitter Spiders are slower than Wolf Spiders, avoiding close combat and hunting from a distance. They attack by spitting dart maggots in short bursts of three or four, which have a delayed and temporary paralyzing effect on creatures including slugcat. Each successful hit of the darts increases the speed of the paralyzing effect on the target: getting hit by one dart allows for 5 seconds of normal movement before paralysis sets in, two darts means a 3-second delay, and three darts will almost immediately knock out the target. Unconsciousness can last for several seconds, enough time for the Spitter to carefully approach and grab prey.

Evasion
If hit by a projectile, fleeing or attacking is recommended. Stabbing with a spear before being knocked out is feasible, but more of a risk. You can easily recover, but might not have enough time if too close. Line-of-sight is important for these creatures; hiding for long enough makes them lose interest. It is best to stay on a level above or below them, but beware that darts can be spat down or up.

Regions
Spitter Spiders can be found in Shaded Citadel, Subterranean, The Exterior, Farm Arrays or Chimney Canopy as Red Slugcat.