Banana spiders are a group of large and eye-catching spiders found in different parts of the world. The name “banana spider” is not for one single species—it’s a common nickname used for several types of spiders that are often found around banana plants or in banana shipments. Some are harmless web-builders with golden silk, while others are fast-moving hunters with strong venom.
In this guide, I’ve listed 17 known types of banana spiders, along with how to identify them, where they live, and whether they’re dangerous or not.
1. Trichonephila clavipes (Golden Silk Orb-Weaver)
This spider is often called the banana spider in the United States. It is known for spinning large, strong webs that shine like gold in the sunlight. You can find it in warm places like the southern U.S., the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America. It looks big and bright, but it’s not dangerous to people.
These spiders like to stay in quiet outdoor areas where they can build their webs between trees or bushes. The females are large and colorful, while the males are very small and often go unnoticed.
Appearance
Trichonephila clavipes has a long, oval body with shiny yellow markings. The legs are dark with orange or yellow bands. Females are much larger and easier to spot.
Identification
- Color: Yellow with black, brown, or orange spots
- Legs: Long and thin with hair and color bands
- Size (female): About 1.5 inches (not including legs)
- Size (male): Only about 0.2 to 0.3 inches
- Web: Golden and strong, often over 3 feet wide
- Location: Southeastern U.S., Central and South America
Behavior
This spider is active during the day. It sits in the center of its web and waits for insects to fly into it. It’s not aggressive and usually doesn’t move unless it feels threatened.
Venom and Danger
Golden silk orb-weavers are not harmful to people. They do have venom, but it’s very mild—about the same as a bee sting. Most people won’t need medical care if bitten.
2. Phoneutria fera
Phoneutria fera is one of the most dangerous spiders in the world. It’s part of the Brazilian wandering spider group and is sometimes called a banana spider because it has been found in banana shipments. This spider lives in the rainforests of South America, especially in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.
Unlike web-building spiders, Phoneutria fera doesn’t spin webs to catch prey. It roams the ground at night and hides during the day. It’s fast, bold, and will raise its front legs as a warning when it feels threatened.
Appearance
This spider is large and dark brown, often with reddish or black patterns on its body and legs. It has strong, thick legs and looks hairy.
Identification
- Color: Brown or dark gray with reddish or black markings
- Legs: Long, strong, and hairy
- Size: Body about 1.5–2 inches; legs can stretch 5–6 inches wide
- Web: Doesn’t build webs; hunts on the ground
- Location: Amazon rainforest areas in South America
- Eyes: Two large front eyes with six smaller ones
Behavior
It hunts at night and hides in dark places during the day, like under logs or inside shoes and bags. It’s very active and can move quickly when chasing prey.
Venom and Danger
This spider has very strong venom that can be dangerous to humans. A bite can cause pain, sweating, fast heartbeat, and other symptoms. Medical help is needed right away if bitten.
3. Phoneutria nigriventer
Phoneutria nigriventer is another species from the Brazilian wandering spider group. It’s also sometimes called a banana spider because it has shown up in banana shipments to other countries. It lives in Brazil and nearby regions and is known for being aggressive when disturbed.
This spider is often found in cities as well as forests. It hides in homes, clothes, shoes, and under furniture, which is why it’s taken seriously in its native countries.
Appearance
This spider is dark brown or black with some red or orange coloring under its legs. It has a wide, flat body and thick, hairy legs.
Identification
- Color: Dark brown to black, sometimes with red patches
- Legs: Sturdy and hairy, often with light bands
- Size: Body up to 2 inches, leg span up to 6 inches
- Web: Does not spin a catching web
- Location: Mainly in Brazil, but can travel in fruit shipments
- Movement: Fast and aggressive if scared
Behavior
It walks or runs on the ground, looking for insects and small animals at night. When it feels threatened, it raises its body and front legs to scare away attackers.
Venom and Danger
Phoneutria nigriventer has powerful venom that affects the nervous system. Its bite can be very painful and may need emergency treatment, especially for children or older adults.
4. Phoneutria keyserlingi
Phoneutria keyserlingi is part of the Brazilian wandering spider family. Like other species in this group, it’s called a banana spider because it’s sometimes found in banana shipments. This spider lives in Brazil and nearby parts of South America. It looks scary and moves fast, which makes people nervous around it.
Unlike most spiders, it doesn’t make webs to catch prey. Instead, it walks around at night to find insects and small animals to eat.
Appearance
It has a dark, solid-colored body with short, dense hairs. It looks very similar to other Phoneutria spiders and can be hard to tell apart without close inspection.
Identification
- Color: Brown to dark gray
- Legs: Strong, covered in short hairs
- Size: Body about 1.5 inches; leg span around 5–6 inches
- Web: No web; hunts freely
- Location: Mostly Brazil and nearby countries
- Face: Fangs point downward; eyes arranged in three rows
Behavior
Phoneutria keyserlingi is active at night and hides in dark places during the day. It can become aggressive when disturbed and will raise its front legs to show it’s ready to defend itself.
Venom and Danger
This spider has dangerous venom that affects the nerves. Its bite can cause strong pain, muscle issues, and other serious symptoms. It’s important to seek medical help right away if bitten.
5. Phoneutria boliviensis
Phoneutria boliviensis is another dangerous wandering spider that’s also known as a banana spider. It’s found in Central and South America, including Bolivia, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Like others in its group, it doesn’t spin webs and prefers to walk or hide during the day.
This spider is often found in banana plantations and can end up inside bunches of bananas. That’s where the nickname “banana spider” comes from.
Appearance
Phoneutria boliviensis has a slim, long body with dark brown or reddish tones. It has some patterns or bands on its legs that help it blend into its surroundings.
Identification
- Color: Dark brown or reddish-brown
- Legs: Long with faint bands; hairy
- Size: Body about 1.2 to 1.6 inches; leg span up to 5 inches
- Web: No catching web
- Location: Central and South America, especially Bolivia and Colombia
- Eyes: Big front eyes, often glowing in light
Behavior
This spider hides under leaves, rocks, or logs during the day. At night, it goes out to hunt. It doesn’t usually bite unless it feels threatened or trapped.
Venom and Danger
The venom is strong and can cause pain, muscle problems, and other symptoms. While not every bite is deadly, it’s still a medical emergency and should be treated quickly.
6. Phoneutria reidyi
Phoneutria reidyi is a lesser-known species in the Brazilian wandering spider family. It’s still called a banana spider in some regions because of its connection to banana-growing areas. This spider is found in parts of northern South America, especially in countries like Venezuela and Colombia.
It doesn’t spin webs and instead moves around on the forest floor or hides in dark, quiet places during the day. At night, it actively hunts for prey.
Appearance
This spider has a dark body with reddish or orange markings on the underside of its legs. It looks similar to other Phoneutria spiders, with a thick, hairy body and long legs.
Identification
- Color: Dark brown with some red or orange shades
- Legs: Hairy and long, sometimes with striped patterns
- Size: Body up to 1.8 inches; legs can reach 5–6 inches
- Web: Does not build catching webs
- Location: Colombia, Venezuela, and nearby countries
- Movement: Fast, active, and alert
Behavior
It hunts at night and hides under rocks, leaves, or logs during the day. If it feels in danger, it may show an aggressive pose with raised legs.
Venom and Danger
Phoneutria reidyi has venom that can affect the nerves and muscles. A bite can be serious, especially for children or those with health problems. It’s important to get medical help if someone is bitten.
7. Phoneutria pertyi
Phoneutria pertyi is another species from the same group of wandering spiders. It is rare and not as commonly seen as other Phoneutria types. Still, it may be called a banana spider in areas where bananas grow, especially in South America.
This spider lives mostly in forested regions and is very active at night. It prefers quiet, dark spots to rest during the daytime.
Appearance
This spider is brown to reddish with strong legs and a thick body. Like others in its family, it looks furry and can be easily mistaken for other species without close study.
Identification
- Color: Brown or reddish-brown
- Legs: Strong and covered with fine hair
- Size: Body about 1.5 inches; legs up to 5 inches
- Web: No web for catching prey
- Location: Brazil and other parts of South America
- Features: Similar in shape to other Phoneutria, but less common
Behavior
It walks around at night looking for insects and small animals to catch. It hides during the day and can act defensively if disturbed.
Venom and Danger
Phoneutria pertyi carries strong venom. Though it’s rare, a bite can still cause serious effects like pain, sweating, or trouble breathing. Medical help is needed right away in case of a bite.
8. Phoneutria bahiensis
Phoneutria bahiensis is another spider in the Brazilian wandering spider family. It is native to Brazil and mostly found in the state of Bahia, which is where its name comes from. Like other species in this group, it is sometimes called a banana spider because it lives in banana plantations and can be found in fruit shipments.
This spider hunts at night and hides during the day. It prefers quiet places like under logs, inside plants, or near buildings.
Appearance
This spider is usually dark brown with thick legs and a furry body. It has a strong and solid look like other Phoneutria spiders.
Identification
- Color: Dark brown or blackish
- Legs: Thick and hairy
- Size: Body about 1.5 inches; leg span around 5 inches
- Web: Does not spin catching webs
- Location: Mainly in Bahia, Brazil
- Face: Has two large front eyes and six smaller ones
Behavior
It is active at night and may enter homes or hide in shoes, bags, or corners. If it feels threatened, it raises its front legs in a warning pose.
Venom and Danger
This spider has powerful venom. A bite can cause serious reactions like intense pain, muscle cramps, or trouble breathing. Quick medical treatment is needed if bitten.
9. Cupiennius salei
Cupiennius salei is often mistaken for more dangerous spiders like Phoneutria because of its size and where it’s found. It is also called a banana spider since it often hides in banana plants and has been found in fruit shipments. This species is not aggressive and is not dangerous to humans.
It is mostly found in Central America and Mexico. Unlike many wandering spiders, Cupiennius salei is often used in scientific research because it’s easy to keep in labs.
Appearance
It has a gray to brown body with a reddish area around the mouth. Its legs are long and slender, often with small dark spots.
Identification
- Color: Gray, brown, or reddish-brown
- Legs: Long and thin with small dark markings
- Size: Body about 1 inch; legs can span 4–5 inches
- Web: No web; hunts by walking
- Location: Central America and southern Mexico
- Mouth area: Often reddish in color
Behavior
This spider is calm and avoids people. It comes out at night to hunt insects. During the day, it hides in plants or under leaves. It does not show aggressive behavior.
Venom and Danger
Cupiennius salei does have venom, but it is not harmful to humans. It may bite if handled roughly, but it feels like a small pinprick. It is considered harmless and helpful in pest control.
10. Cupiennius getazi
Cupiennius getazi is another spider that people sometimes call a banana spider, especially in Central America. Like other Cupiennius species, it often hides in banana plants and can show up in fruit shipments. This spider is not dangerous and is known for helping control insect pests.
You’ll find it in Costa Rica and nearby countries. It likes to stay in plants during the day and comes out at night to hunt.
Appearance
It has a slim, long body with reddish or brown coloring. Its legs are long, thin, and covered in tiny hairs. It’s easy to confuse with other wandering spiders due to its shape.
Identification
- Color: Reddish-brown or orange-brown
- Legs: Long, slim, slightly hairy
- Size: Body around 1 inch; leg span up to 4 inches
- Web: Does not spin webs for catching prey
- Location: Costa Rica and nearby regions
- Markings: Light patterns on legs and body
Behavior
Cupiennius getazi is active at night and hunts by walking around. It avoids humans and quickly hides if disturbed. During the day, it rests inside plant leaves or flowers.
Venom and Danger
This spider has mild venom and is not dangerous to humans. It may bite if trapped, but the bite is not serious. Most people never notice these spiders because they stay hidden and quiet.
11. Cupiennius coccineus
Cupiennius coccineus is a large, calm spider native to Central America. It’s also sometimes called a banana spider because it lives in banana plantations and often hides inside large leaves. It is harmless to humans and plays a role in keeping insect populations under control.
This species is less well-known than others, but it’s common in certain forested and farm areas in countries like Costa Rica and Panama.
Appearance
It has a reddish body and long legs. The body may have gray or orange tones, depending on the light. Its slim build helps it move quickly through plants.
Identification
- Color: Reddish, orange, or gray
- Legs: Thin and long with fine hairs
- Size: Body around 1–1.2 inches; leg span up to 5 inches
- Web: No catching web
- Location: Costa Rica, Panama, and nearby areas
- Features: Slim body with light stripes
Behavior
It hunts at night by sneaking up on insects. During the day, it hides in rolled-up banana leaves or plant stems. It is shy and not aggressive at all.
Venom and Danger
Cupiennius coccineus has weak venom that is not harmful to humans. It rarely bites, and even if it does, the bite is not painful or serious. It is safe to have around and can help with garden pests.
12. Cupiennius chiapanensis
Cupiennius chiapanensis is a large spider found mainly in southern Mexico, especially in the state of Chiapas. Like other spiders in the Cupiennius group, it is sometimes called a banana spider because it lives on banana plants and may be seen in banana farms. It’s a harmless spider that plays a helpful role in the ecosystem by eating insects.
This spider is not aggressive and avoids people. It spends most of its time hiding in plants and only comes out at night to hunt.
Appearance
This spider has a light brown or reddish body with a narrow shape. Its legs are long and often have fine spots or stripes. It looks very similar to other Cupiennius spiders.
Identification
- Color: Light brown or reddish
- Legs: Long and slim with small dark bands
- Size: Body around 1 inch; legs up to 4 inches wide
- Web: Does not spin a web to catch prey
- Location: Southern Mexico, mainly Chiapas
- Body shape: Slim with some faint markings
Behavior
It is a night hunter and walks on plants to find insects. During the day, it hides inside leaves or flower stems. It does not like bright light or noise.
Venom and Danger
Cupiennius chiapanensis has mild venom that helps it catch insects, but it is not harmful to humans. Even if it bites, which is rare, the bite will not cause serious problems.
13. Cupiennius celerrimus
Cupiennius celerrimus is another member of the banana spider group. It’s found in Central and South America, especially in warm, forested areas. Like its relatives, it hides in banana plants and may appear in fruit shipments, which is why it’s called a banana spider.
This spider is known for being fast and alert, but it is not aggressive and is safe to humans. It helps control insect pests in natural and farm areas.
Appearance
It has a reddish or brownish body with long, thin legs. It may have faint stripes or light spots on its body and legs. It looks delicate but moves quickly.
Identification
- Color: Brown or reddish-gray
- Legs: Very long and thin with light patterns
- Size: Body around 1 inch; leg span around 4–5 inches
- Web: No catching web; hunts by walking
- Location: Central and South American countries
- Speed: Very fast and alert when moving
Behavior
It is active at night and moves quickly to find prey. It hides during the day in leaves or between banana bunches. It usually avoids people and does not bite unless trapped.
Venom and Danger
Cupiennius celerrimus is harmless to humans. Its venom is weak and only useful for small prey. If it bites, which is rare, it feels like a small pinch and goes away quickly.
14. Argiope appensa
Argiope appensa is often called a Hawaiian banana spider because it’s common in Hawaii and nearby islands. It’s not dangerous and is actually helpful, as it catches many flying insects in its large web. People call it a banana spider because it’s often seen in gardens, banana plants, and forests.
This spider is known for its bold black-and-yellow body and large web with a zigzag pattern in the center.
Appearance
Argiope appensa has a bright, eye-catching body. The top side is usually yellow with black markings, and the underside has red or orange spots. Its legs are long and often held in an X shape when resting.
Identification
- Color: Yellow and black with red or orange on the belly
- Legs: Long with black and yellow bands
- Size: Body around 1 inch; legs make it look much larger
- Web: Large, round web with zigzag line (called a stabilimentum)
- Location: Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific islands
- Shape: Broad, flat body with a narrow waist
Behavior
It builds its web in open areas between plants. During the day, it sits in the center of the web, waiting for flying insects. It’s calm and rarely moves unless touched.
Venom and Danger
This spider has mild venom, which it uses to stop its prey. It is not dangerous to people. A bite is very rare and usually causes no more than slight redness or itch.
15. Argiope aurantia
Argiope aurantia is also known as the yellow garden spider, and in some places, it’s casually referred to as a banana spider because of its color and web size. It’s very common in the United States and often seen in gardens, fields, and forests during the summer and fall.
This spider is large and builds a wide, round web with a bold zigzag pattern in the middle.
Appearance
It has a shiny black body with bright yellow markings on its back. The belly side is usually more plain. Its legs are black with yellow or orange bands.
Identification
- Color: Black and yellow body with light-colored underside
- Legs: Long with black and orange or yellow bands
- Size: Body around 1–1.1 inches (females); males are smaller
- Web: Large round web with a zigzag (stabilimentum) in the middle
- Location: United States, southern Canada, parts of Mexico
- Posture: Legs form an X shape while resting in the web
Behavior
It stays in the middle of its web during the day. If threatened, it may drop to the ground or shake its web to scare off predators. It helps control insect pests like flies and grasshoppers.
Venom and Danger
Argiope aurantia is harmless to humans. It only bites if handled roughly, and even then, the bite feels like a mild bee sting. It’s safe to have in gardens.
16. Nephila pilipes
Nephila pilipes is a large spider often called a giant golden orb-weaver and sometimes referred to as a banana spider in Asia and Australia. It’s famous for its long legs, bright colors, and golden web. It is one of the largest web-spinning spiders in the world and is not harmful to people.
This spider is usually seen in forests, gardens, and near trails where it builds huge webs between trees or bushes.
Appearance
The female has a shiny black body with yellow spots and long legs with yellow bands. Males are much smaller and less colorful. The web is golden and very strong.
Identification
- Color: Black with yellow markings (female)
- Legs: Very long with yellow and black bands
- Size: Female body 1.5–2 inches; leg span up to 6–7 inches
- Web: Big, round, golden-colored web
- Location: Southeast Asia, Australia, and Pacific Islands
- Sex difference: Males are tiny compared to females
Behavior
It stays in the center of its web during the day. The web can trap large insects and even small birds or bats. It rebuilds or repairs the web as needed and is very calm.
Venom and Danger
Nephila pilipes is not dangerous to humans. Its venom is weak and only works on its insect prey. Bites are rare and usually feel like a small pinch or sting.
17. Nephila senegalensis
Nephila senegalensis is another golden orb-weaving spider often called a banana spider in parts of Africa. It is closely related to Nephila pilipes and shares many features, such as a golden web and long legs. This spider is known for building large webs in trees and bushes.
It’s found across central and southern Africa, often in warm, tropical areas.
Appearance
It has a long, oval body that is black or dark brown with light yellow markings. Its legs are long, thin, and sometimes shiny, with a slight curve.
Identification
- Color: Dark body with yellow or light spots
- Legs: Long and smooth, often shiny
- Size: Female body about 1.5 inches; leg span up to 6 inches
- Web: Golden orb web, strong and wide
- Location: Sub-Saharan Africa
- Gender difference: Females much larger than males
Behavior
Nephila senegalensis builds its web in open forest areas, fields, or near water. It stays in the web most of the time and catches flying insects. It is peaceful and not aggressive.
Venom and Danger
This spider’s venom is mild and not harmful to humans. It helps catch prey but won’t cause serious symptoms in people. It’s safe to observe and good for pest control.
