Texas is home to a wide variety of spiders—some large, some small, and a few that can be dangerous. With its warm climate and diverse habitats, it’s no surprise that spiders are a common sight in both rural and urban areas of the state.
This article highlights 13 spiders you’re most likely to encounter in Texas, helping you identify them, understand their behavior, and know which ones to avoid.
1. Texas Wolf Spider
The Texas wolf spider is one of the most commonly seen large spiders in the state. Despite its intimidating size and appearance, it is not aggressive and rarely bites humans. These ground-dwelling spiders are fast movers and skilled hunters.
Identification
- Body length: 1 to 2 inches
- Color: Brown or gray with darker markings
- Eyes: Two large front eyes and six smaller ones in rows
- Legs: Long, hairy, and spread wide when resting
- Shape: Sturdy, with a slightly raised head area (cephalothorax)
Habitat
You’ll find wolf spiders in grassy fields, under rocks, in leaf litter, and sometimes inside homes—especially garages or basements.
Behavior
They don’t spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they actively hunt insects using speed and stealth, mainly at night. Females carry their egg sacs and even young spiderlings on their backs after hatching.
Bite Danger
Their bite may cause mild pain, redness, and swelling, similar to a bee sting. While not considered medically dangerous, those allergic to spider venom should seek medical advice if bitten.
2. Texas Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse is one of the most feared spiders in Texas due to its venomous bite. Although encounters are rare, it prefers dark, undisturbed places in and around homes. Most bites occur when the spider is accidentally pressed against the skin.
Identification
- Size: About 0.5 inches (body), legs span up to 1.5 inches
- Color: Light to dark brown
- Marking: Dark violin-shaped marking on its back (not always visible)
- Eyes: Six eyes arranged in three pairs (unusual for spiders)
- Legs: Fine hairs, no spines
Habitat
Commonly found in sheds, closets, attics, and underneath furniture or cardboard boxes. They prefer dry, quiet places.
Behavior
Shy and non-aggressive. It only bites in self-defense, usually when trapped between clothing or bedding and skin.
Bite Danger
Bites can result in necrotic wounds and should be monitored. Some may require medical attention, especially if the skin starts to break down or infection occurs.
3. Big Spiders in Texas
Texas is home to some of the largest spiders in North America. These spiders may look scary due to their size, but most are harmless and play important ecological roles by controlling pest populations.
Identification
- Includes large species like:
- Texas Huntsman Spider – up to 5 inches leg span
- Texas Tarantula – heavy-bodied, up to 4 inches
- Orb Weaver Spider – large abdomen and bold markings
- Texas Huntsman Spider – up to 5 inches leg span
- Often hairy or with long spindly legs
- Seen more often in warmer months
Habitat
Backyards, gardens, barns, garages, and sometimes indoors. They prefer warm, dry areas with plenty of insect activity.
Behavior
Most large spiders are nocturnal hunters or web builders. They are solitary, not aggressive, and tend to avoid human contact.
Bite Danger
Though their bites may cause pain or swelling, most are not medically dangerous. They rarely bite unless provoked or threatened.
4. Common House Spiders in Texas
Texas homes are shared with several harmless house spider species. These spiders are small, usually non-aggressive, and help reduce indoor pests. Many go unnoticed unless they build webs in corners or near windows.
Identification
- Common types:
- American House Spider – small, round abdomen, dull brown
- Black House Spider – dark body, velvet texture
- Texas Jumping Spider – compact, bold patterns, large front eyes
- American House Spider – small, round abdomen, dull brown
- Size: Typically under 1 inch
- Color: Varies from tan to dark brown or black
- Eyes: 6 to 8 depending on species
Habitat
They hide in dark corners, ceiling edges, behind furniture, or closets. Web builders often create cobwebs in undisturbed areas.
Behavior
Most stay hidden during the day. Web-builders trap flies and insects, while jumping spiders actively hunt their prey.
Bite Danger
Bites are rare and not dangerous. At worst, they may cause mild irritation, like a bug bite.
5. Texas Jumping Spider
Texas jumping spiders are small, energetic hunters known for their sharp vision and leaping ability. These curious spiders are often seen on walls, fences, or window sills and can be surprisingly bold.
Identification
- Size: 0.25 to 0.75 inches
- Color: Black, brown, or gray, often with iridescent scales
- Eyes: 8 eyes, with two large front eyes giving them a “cute” look
- Body: Compact with short, strong legs
- Movement: Fast and jerky with strong jumps
Habitat
Found in gardens, tree bark, fences, and indoor windowsills or walls. They prefer well-lit areas where prey is active.
Behavior
They don’t spin webs to trap prey. Instead, they stalk and leap onto insects with precision. Often curious toward humans but completely harmless.
Bite Danger
Very low risk. Bites are extremely rare and typically painless. They do not bite unless mishandled.
6. Texas Banana Spider (Golden Silk Orb-Weaver)
Known for its dazzling web and long legs, the Texas banana spider is often seen in gardens and forests. Despite their large size and vivid appearance, they are not aggressive and rarely bite.
Identification
- Size: Females up to 2 inches (body), leg span up to 5 inches
- Color: Bright yellow, orange, and black patterns
- Body: Long abdomen, often cylindrical
- Web: Golden-colored, large, and strong
- Legs: Long and banded with spiny segments
Habitat
Often found in woodlands, backyards, and near trails. They build massive orb webs in open, sunny areas.
Behavior
These spiders stay in their webs during the day and catch large flying insects like wasps and grasshoppers. Males are much smaller and stay near the female’s web.
Bite Danger
Their bite is not dangerous to humans. It may cause mild discomfort similar to a bee sting but is extremely rare.
7. Texas Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia)
Texas garden spiders are strikingly patterned and frequently seen in backyard gardens. They are beneficial for controlling insect populations and are harmless to people.
Identification
- Size: Females around 1 inch (body), with long legs
- Color: Black body with yellow markings
- Abdomen: Oval-shaped, often shiny
- Web: Large, circular web with zigzag “stabilimentum” in the center
- Legs: Long and thin, often held in an X shape
Habitat
Found in open gardens, flower beds, and tall grass areas. They prefer sunny spots to build their webs.
Behavior
Stationary during the day, they wait in the center of their web for prey. Garden spiders rebuild their webs daily and are active in summer and early fall.
Bite Danger
Not harmful to humans. If handled roughly, a bite may cause slight redness or itching but nothing serious.
8. Black House Spider (Texas)
The black house spider is a reclusive species sometimes found around windows, sheds, and dark corners of buildings in Texas. Though they may look alarming due to their dark color and compact body, they are not dangerous to humans.
Identification
- Size: Body about 0.4 to 0.6 inches
- Color: Dark brown to black, often with a velvety texture
- Shape: Stocky with thick legs
- Web: Messy and funnel-shaped
- Eyes: 8, closely grouped
Habitat
Prefers quiet, sheltered locations—window frames, eaves, sheds, and garages. Outdoors, they may be found under bark or rocks.
Behavior
Shy and non-aggressive. They wait in their webs for insects to wander close, then rush out to capture them.
Bite Danger
Their bite is rare and considered harmless. It may cause slight local pain or swelling but nothing medically significant.
9. Huntsman Spider in Texas
Known for its speed and large size, the Huntsman spider is one of the biggest spiders in Texas. They don’t spin webs but are active hunters, often startling people by appearing suddenly indoors.
Identification
- Size: Leg span up to 5 inches or more
- Color: Light brown to gray with dark markings
- Body: Flat and wide, helps them squeeze through tight spaces
- Legs: Long and curved sideways like a crab
- Eyes: 8, arranged in two rows
Habitat
Found under bark, rocks, loose tree bark, or indoors—especially in sheds and garages. They prefer warm, dry places.
Behavior
Huntsman spiders are fast runners and ambush predators. They mostly hunt at night and are more likely to flee than bite when disturbed.
Bite Danger
Generally not dangerous. Their bite may cause temporary pain or swelling, but they are not venomous to humans in a medically significant way.
10. Texas Brown Spider
The term “Texas brown spider” is often used to describe several small to medium brown spiders found across the state, including the Brown Recluse. However, many of these are harmless and commonly mistaken for dangerous species.
Identification
- Size: Around 0.5 to 1 inch
- Color: Light to medium brown
- Shape: Slender body, long legs
- Eyes: Varies by species—some with 6, most with 8
- Markings: Often plain or with faint patterns, lacking the clear violin mark of a recluse
Habitat
They live in basements, closets, gardens, under rocks, or behind wall crevices. They are adaptable to both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Behavior
These spiders are solitary and secretive. Most are passive and only bite when pressed against the skin or disturbed in their hiding spots.
Bite Danger
Most brown spiders in Texas are harmless. Only the true Brown Recluse carries venom of medical concern. Accurate identification is important before assuming danger.
11. Texas Orb Weaver Spider
Orb weavers are one of the most recognized spiders due to their classic spiral webs. Many species of orb weavers live in Texas gardens and fields, weaving large, beautiful webs to trap insects.
Identification
- Size: 0.5 to 1 inch (body), depending on species
- Color: Varies—yellow, orange, brown, or black with patterns
- Shape: Often bulbous abdomen
- Web: Large, round, and symmetrical
- Legs: Long and spiny, sometimes banded
Habitat
Found in gardens, tall grass, forest edges, and near lights where flying insects gather. They build webs between plants, poles, and fences.
Behavior
Orb weavers are docile and avoid confrontation. They rebuild their webs frequently and stay in the center to wait for prey. Some drop and hide if the web is disturbed.
Bite Danger
Completely harmless to humans. Bites are very rare and cause only mild irritation if they occur.
12. Deadly Spiders in Texas
Texas is home to a few spiders with medically significant venom. While most species are harmless, some can pose a danger to humans, especially if left untreated. Understanding which ones to avoid is essential for safety.
Identification
- Brown Recluse Spider
- Small, brown with a violin-shaped marking
- Six eyes in pairs
- Small, brown with a violin-shaped marking
- Black Widow Spider
- Glossy black with a red hourglass on the underside
- Long legs and round abdomen
- Glossy black with a red hourglass on the underside
- Six-Eyed Sand Spider(rare but noted in southern regions)
- Flat body, blends with sand and debris
- Light brown with fine hairs
- Flat body, blends with sand and debris
Habitat
- Brown recluse: indoors, dark storage areas
- Black widow: woodpiles, sheds, and outdoor crevices
- Sand spider (rare): dry, desert-like environments
Behavior
These spiders are not aggressive and usually bite only when disturbed or trapped against the skin.
Bite Danger
- Brown Recluse: Can cause necrotic wounds and tissue damage
- Black Widow: Can cause muscle cramps, nausea, and pain
- Medical treatment is recommended for bites from either spider, especially in children or elderly individuals.
13. Texas Tarantula (Honorable Mention)
Although intimidating in size and appearance, the Texas tarantula is actually a docile spider. It’s more likely to run away than to bite and plays a key role in keeping insect populations in check.
Identification
- Size: Up to 4 inches (body), leg span up to 6 inches
- Color: Dark brown to black, often hairy
- Body: Thick, heavy body with a calm movement
- Eyes: Small, grouped closely at the front of the head
- Fangs: Large and downward-facing
Habitat
Common in dry grasslands, deserts, and brushy areas across central and western Texas. During warm months, they may wander in search of mates.
Behavior
Tarantulas are ground-dwelling hunters. They dig burrows or hide under logs. When threatened, they may flick urticating hairs or rear up but prefer escape.
Bite Danger
Their bite is painful but not medically dangerous. The biggest risk comes from irritation caused by their defensive hairs rather than venom.
Summary
From harmless garden dwellers like orb weavers and jumping spiders to more concerning species like the brown recluse and black widow, Texas offers a full range of spider encounters. Most spiders in Texas are not aggressive and actually help control insect pests. However, knowing how to identify key species and where they live can help you stay safe and avoid unnecessary fear. Whether you find them in your backyard, your home, or on a nature trail, being informed makes all the difference.
