Spiders are everywhere—from gardens and forests to our own homes. With over 45,000 species found around the world, they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are small and harmless, while others are big and bold. They may build webs, jump to catch prey, or hide under leaves waiting for the right moment.
Here, you’ll discover 42 different types of spiders, each with its own look, behavior, and favorite place to live. For each spider, we’ll show you how it looks, where it lives, what it does, and how to identify it easily. Whether you’re curious, learning, or just love spotting spiders outdoors, this guide will help you recognize them with confidence.
Let’s get started with one of the most well-known spiders in the world—the Black Widow.
1. Black Widow
The Black Widow is one of the most famous spiders in the world. People often recognize it by its shiny black body and red hourglass mark. Though it has a bad reputation, it is not aggressive and usually avoids humans.
Appearance:
The female Black Widow has a shiny black body with a round, bulbous abdomen. A red or orange hourglass shape appears on the underside of her belly. Males are smaller, lighter in color, and may have small white or yellow markings.
- Size (body length): Females are about 1.5 cm (not including legs), while males are around 0.5 cm
- Color and markings: Glossy black with a bright red hourglass marking underneath
- Eye arrangement: Eight small eyes arranged in two rows, not always easy to see
- Body shape: Rounded and smooth, especially the abdomen
- Leg features: Long, thin legs that are smooth and dark-colored, not very hairy
Habitat:
Black Widows prefer quiet, dark areas. They build their messy webs in woodpiles, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and outdoor sheds. They often stay close to the ground and hide during the day.
Behavior:
These spiders are shy and nocturnal. They don’t chase prey—instead, they wait for insects to get caught in their sticky web. Female Black Widows may bite in self-defense, but this is rare. Most bites happen when people accidentally disturb their hiding spots.
How to Identify:
- Shiny black color
- Red hourglass shape under the abdomen
- Round, smooth body
- Thin, dark legs
- Messy web in hidden or low places
2. Brown Recluse
The Brown Recluse is a small, shy spider that is often misunderstood. It is known for its violin-shaped mark on the back and its secretive nature. Although its bite can be serious, it rarely bites unless disturbed.
Appearance:
The Brown Recluse has a light to dark brown body with a slightly flattened shape. One of its most unique features is the violin-shaped marking on the top of its head area. Males and females look very similar.
- Size (body length): About 0.6 to 2 cm (not including legs)
- Color and markings: Light to dark brown with a darker violin-shaped mark pointing toward the back
- Eye arrangement: Six eyes arranged in pairs (most spiders have eight), which is a key way to identify them
- Body shape: Slender and flat compared to other spiders, with fine hairs
- Leg features: Long, thin, and evenly colored legs without bands or spines. Legs appear smooth, not hairy
Habitat:
Brown Recluses like dry, dark, and quiet spaces. You can find them in closets, attics, garages, basements, and even in shoes or clothing that hasn’t been used for a while. Outdoors, they may hide under rocks, woodpiles, or bark.
Behavior:
These spiders are shy and mostly active at night. They don’t build large webs and prefer to roam in search of prey. They feed on small insects and stay hidden during the day. Bites usually happen when they get trapped against the skin.
How to Identify:
- Brown body with a violin-shaped mark
- Only six eyes (three pairs)
- Flat, smooth body
- Long, thin, unmarked legs
- Found in dark, hidden indoor places
3. Wolf Spider
Wolf Spiders are strong and fast hunters. They don’t spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they chase and pounce on insects like a wolf—hence the name. They may look scary, but they are not dangerous to humans.
Appearance:
Wolf Spiders have a robust, hairy body. Their color blends in with the ground—usually brown, gray, or black with stripes or mottled patterns. They have large eyes that shine in light, especially at night.
- Size (body length): Usually 1 to 3 cm, depending on the species
- Color and markings: Brown, gray, or black with stripes or spots
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in three rows—four small eyes on the bottom, two large in the middle, and two medium on top
- Body shape: Stout and slightly flattened
- Leg features: Long, strong, and hairy legs that help them move quickly
Habitat:
They are ground dwellers and live under rocks, logs, leaves, and sometimes in burrows. Some even live indoors, especially in basements or garages.
Behavior:
Wolf Spiders are hunters. They don’t wait for prey—they actively search and attack. Females carry their egg sacs on their abdomen and later carry spiderlings on their back. They are mostly active at night.
How to Identify:
- Hairy, thick body
- Striped or mottled color patterns
- Large middle eyes that reflect light
- Strong, fast runners
- Found on the ground, not in webs
4. Jumping Spider
Jumping Spiders are tiny, cute-looking spiders with big eyes and amazing jumping skills. They are not dangerous and are often curious about humans.
Appearance:
These spiders are small but easily spotted due to their bold colors and chunky shape. They often have black, gray, or brown bodies with white, red, or green markings. Their large front eyes give them excellent vision.
- Size (body length): About 0.4 to 1.8 cm
- Color and markings: Varies—often black or brown with colorful markings
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes, with two large front eyes that stand out
- Body shape: Compact and stocky
- Leg features: Short, strong legs with noticeable front legs for jumping
Habitat:
They live on plants, walls, fences, windowsills, and even indoors. They prefer sunny areas where they can hunt.
Behavior:
Jumping Spiders are active during the day. They stalk their prey and leap to catch it. They don’t build webs for hunting but may use silk for shelter or safety lines.
How to Identify:
- Big, forward-facing eyes
- Small, stout body
- Colorful or patterned appearance
- Quick jumps and fast movements
- Found in sunny, open spots
5. Orb Weaver
Orb Weavers are famous for making the classic round spider web. They are harmless and helpful, catching flies, moths, and mosquitoes in their beautiful webs.
Appearance:
Orb Weavers come in many shapes and colors, but most have a large, rounded abdomen and spiny or patterned bodies. Their color can be brown, yellow, orange, or even white.
- Size (body length): 0.6 to 2.5 cm
- Color and markings: Varies—can be brown, orange, yellow, or white with patterns
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Large abdomen, often rounded or oval
- Leg features: Long legs, sometimes banded, with fine hairs
Habitat:
They are often found in gardens, forests, near lights, or between buildings—anywhere there’s space to hang a web.
Behavior:
Orb Weavers spin large, circular webs to catch flying insects. They usually sit in the center or hide nearby with a signal thread. They are mostly active at night and rebuild their webs daily.
How to Identify:
- Round, classic spider web
- Plump, patterned body
- Often seen hanging in the center of the web
- Long legs, sometimes with bands
- Common in gardens and around lights
6. Huntsman Spider
Huntsman Spiders are large and fast. People often spot them on walls or ceilings. Even though they look scary, they are not dangerous and usually avoid humans.
Appearance:
Huntsman Spiders have a flat body and long, crab-like legs that stretch out sideways. Their color is usually brown or gray, helping them blend into their surroundings.
- Size (body length): 1 to 5 cm, but their leg span can reach up to 15 cm
- Color and markings: Light brown to gray with dark bands or spots
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Flat and wide
- Leg features: Long, thin legs that spread sideways; often banded and hairy
Habitat:
They are often found in homes, tree bark, sheds, garages, and under rocks. They like warm climates and often enter houses in search of prey or shelter.
Behavior:
These spiders don’t spin webs to catch food. They hunt and pounce on insects, especially cockroaches. They move fast and may startle people, but they don’t bite unless threatened.
How to Identify:
- Large, flat body
- Legs spread outward like a crab
- Light brown or gray coloring
- Found on walls, ceilings, or under objects
- Quick runners, no web for catching prey
7. Daddy Longlegs (Harvestman)
Often confused with spiders, Daddy Longlegs are not true spiders. Still, they are commonly grouped with them. They are harmless and gentle creatures.
Appearance:
They have a very small, round body and extremely long, thin legs. Their color is usually light brown, gray, or tan.
- Size (body length): 2 to 10 mm; legs can be several centimeters long
- Color and markings: Pale brown or gray, usually without distinct markings
- Eye arrangement: Two eyes on a small raised bump (unlike spiders with 8 eyes)
- Body shape: Tiny, round body with no separation between head and abdomen
- Leg features: Very long, thin, delicate legs
Habitat:
Found in basements, under furniture, in gardens, under leaves, or around damp areas. They are common in shaded outdoor areas.
Behavior:
They don’t spin webs or bite. They feed on decaying matter, small insects, and fungi. They move slowly and are known for their wobbly walk.
How to Identify:
- Tiny round body
- Super long legs
- Only two eyes
- No web, no biting
- Often found in damp, shaded places
8. Funnel-Web Spider
Funnel-Web Spiders are known for building a sheet-like web with a tunnel or funnel-shaped retreat. Some species are highly venomous, but many are harmless.
Appearance:
These spiders are usually dark brown to black with a shiny head and hairy legs. They have a strong, thick body and a large set of fangs.
- Size (body length): 1 to 5 cm depending on the species
- Color and markings: Dark brown or black; may have shiny cephalothorax
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes arranged in two rows
- Body shape: Stocky, heavy-bodied
- Leg features: Thick, hairy legs; strong and often held bent
Habitat:
They build funnel-shaped webs in moist, hidden places like under rocks, logs, leaf piles, or in garden beds. Some live in burrows lined with silk.
Behavior:
They wait inside their funnel and rush out when prey lands on their web. They are quick and aggressive hunters. Some species, like the Sydney Funnel-Web, are medically significant.
How to Identify:
- Funnel-shaped web
- Dark, shiny body
- Thick legs
- Hides inside silk tunnel
- Found in moist outdoor areas
9. Tarantula
Tarantulas are among the largest spiders in the world. They look intimidating but are usually gentle and slow-moving. Some people even keep them as pets.
Appearance:
Tarantulas have large, hairy bodies and thick legs. Their color can range from brown and black to reddish or bluish, depending on the species.
- Size (body length): 5 to 11 cm, with a leg span up to 25 cm
- Color and markings: Brown, black, or colorful, often with fuzzy bodies
- Eye arrangement: Eight small eyes arranged in a cluster
- Body shape: Thick and heavy
- Leg features: Hairy, thick legs used for digging and climbing
Habitat:
They live in burrows or under rocks, logs, and leaves. They prefer dry, warm climates and are common in deserts, grasslands, and rainforests.
Behavior:
Tarantulas don’t use webs to catch prey. They hunt insects and small animals like frogs or lizards. When threatened, some species kick irritating hairs from their abdomen as a defense.
How to Identify:
- Large, hairy spider
- Heavy body and thick legs
- Slow-moving
- Often seen at night or near burrows
- Found in warm, dry habitats
10. Goliath Birdeater
The Goliath Birdeater is the largest spider in the world by weight and size. It belongs to the tarantula family and lives deep in the rainforests of South America.
Appearance:
It has a thick, hairy body and massive legs. Its color is usually brown with reddish or golden hairs. It looks very similar to a large tarantula but bigger.
- Size (body length): Up to 12 cm, with a leg span up to 30 cm
- Color and markings: Brown with reddish or golden hairs
- Eye arrangement: Eight small eyes clustered on the head
- Body shape: Broad, solid body
- Leg features: Very thick, hairy legs with powerful claws
Habitat:
Found in the deep, humid rainforests of northern South America. They live in burrows dug in soft ground, often near swamps or rivers.
Behavior:
Despite its name, it rarely eats birds. It feeds on insects, frogs, and small rodents. When threatened, it makes a loud hissing sound by rubbing its legs together and may kick hairs into the air.
How to Identify:
- Extremely large and heavy
- Thick, hairy body and legs
- Hissing sound when disturbed
- Found in rainforest burrows
- Massive leg span, up to 30 cm
11. Peacock Spider
Peacock Spiders are tiny, colorful spiders known for their bright patterns and dance-like movements. They are harmless and mostly found in Australia.
Appearance:
These spiders are small but vibrant. Males have colorful flaps on their abdomen with bright patterns—often red, blue, or green. They display these flaps during courtship dances. Females are duller in color.
- Size (body length): About 3 to 5 mm
- Color and markings: Males are brightly colored with striking patterns; females are brown or gray
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes, with two large front eyes
- Body shape: Compact and rounded
- Leg features: Short legs, with some raised during display; front legs may have color markings
Habitat:
Peacock Spiders are found in grasslands, leaf litter, and low shrubs in Australia. They prefer open, sunny environments where they can move freely.
Behavior:
Males are known for their dance displays during mating, where they lift their colorful flaps and wave their legs. They don’t spin webs to catch prey but stalk and pounce like jumping spiders.
How to Identify:
- Very small size
- Colorful abdomen in males
- Courtship dancing behavior
- Found in Australian bushland
- Two large front eyes
12. Golden Silk Orb-Weaver
Also called Banana Spiders, these spiders are known for their golden-colored silk and large webs. They look striking but are harmless to humans.
Appearance:
Golden Silk Orb-Weavers have long bodies with thin legs. Their color is often yellow, orange, or greenish, with white spots or stripes. Females are much larger than males.
- Size (body length): Females up to 5 cm; males under 1 cm
- Color and markings: Yellowish, green, or orange with white or black spots
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Long, oval body
- Leg features: Long, thin legs with dark bands and fine hairs
Habitat:
They live in forests, gardens, and near water where they can hang large webs between trees or posts. Their golden webs are usually built high off the ground.
Behavior:
They spin huge, strong, circular webs to catch flying insects. They sit in the center of the web and rarely move unless disturbed. The silk may shine gold in sunlight.
How to Identify:
- Large, round web
- Long body with bright markings
- Golden-colored web silk
- Females much bigger than males
- Found in warm, outdoor areas
13. Redback Spider
The Redback Spider is a close relative of the Black Widow and is mostly found in Australia. It’s known for its red stripe on the back and its toxic bite, though bites are rare.
Appearance:
Females are black with a bright red stripe on their upper abdomen. Males are smaller and lighter in color with white markings.
- Size (body length): Females about 1 cm; males less than 0.4 cm
- Color and markings: Glossy black with a red stripe; males have pale markings
- Eye arrangement: Eight small eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Round and smooth abdomen
- Leg features: Long, thin, and dark legs
Habitat:
Redbacks are found in sheds, mailboxes, under seats, and outdoor furniture. They prefer dry, sheltered places and build tangled webs close to the ground.
Behavior:
They hide during the day and are active at night. Females often sit upside down in their web. They only bite if disturbed, and their venom can cause illness, but antivenom is available.
How to Identify:
- Black body with red stripe on back
- Tangled web in dry, sheltered places
- Females are much larger
- Often upside down in web
- Common in Australia
14. Mouse Spider
Mouse Spiders are chunky, ground-dwelling spiders found in Australia. They are sometimes mistaken for funnel-webs but are less aggressive.
Appearance:
They have large, black bodies with shiny heads. Some males have bright red heads or jaws. Their overall look is stocky and strong.
- Size (body length): 1 to 3 cm
- Color and markings: Mostly black; some males have red markings
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Thick body with shiny, hard front
- Leg features: Thick, strong legs with some hair
Habitat:
They live in burrows in the ground, often with a trapdoor or silk lining. They prefer open areas like lawns, fields, or forest floors.
Behavior:
Mouse Spiders stay hidden in burrows most of the time. They come out during rain or mating season. Though they have venom, they rarely bite and are not aggressive.
How to Identify:
- Ground-dwelling burrow
- Shiny black body
- Stocky build
- Males may have red jaws
- Seen after rain or in open spaces
15. Trapdoor Spider
Trapdoor Spiders are sneaky hunters that hide in burrows with camouflaged lids. They wait for prey to walk by, then jump out quickly.
Appearance:
They are dark brown to black, with a thick, smooth body and powerful jaws. Their bodies are shiny and solid-looking.
- Size (body length): 1.5 to 4 cm
- Color and markings: Usually black or brown, without strong markings
- Eye arrangement: Eight small eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Thick and rounded with strong front legs
- Leg features: Short, thick, hairy legs
Habitat:
Found in gardens, forests, and grassy fields. They dig burrows with a silk-lined door made from soil and leaves. The door blends perfectly with the ground.
Behavior:
They rarely leave their burrows. Instead, they wait just inside the trapdoor. When an insect walks by, they burst out, grab it, and pull it inside.
How to Identify:
- Hidden burrow with silk trapdoor
- Thick, shiny black body
- Found in ground-level habitats
- Strong front legs
- Comes out quickly to grab prey
16. Green Lynx Spider
The Green Lynx Spider is a bright green spider known for its long legs and hunting skills. It doesn’t build webs to catch prey and is helpful in gardens.
Appearance:
This spider has a long, slender green body with red spots or lines. Its legs are long, thin, and covered in black spines. The body is slightly transparent, helping it blend in with plants.
- Size (body length): 1 to 2 cm
- Color and markings: Light green with red or white markings on the body
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Slender and pointed at the rear
- Leg features: Very long, spiny legs with black dots and fine hairs
Habitat:
They live on shrubs, flowers, and tall grass. They are common in gardens, meadows, and farmland.
Behavior:
Green Lynx Spiders are active hunters. They wait on flowers or leaves and pounce on insects. They are fast and can jump short distances. They help control garden pests.
How to Identify:
- Bright green body
- Long, thin legs with black spines
- Red or white markings
- Found on plants and flowers
- Hides in greenery during the day
17. Spiny Orb-Weaver
Spiny Orb-Weavers are small spiders with hard, colorful bodies and spiky edges. They are often called “crab spiders” because of their shape.
Appearance:
These spiders have a flat, wide body with six spiny projections along the edges. Their color varies—white, yellow, red, or black with dots or patterns.
- Size (body length): 5 to 9 mm
- Color and markings: Bright colors with black spines or dots
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Wide, crab-like body with sharp spines
- Leg features: Short legs with dark bands
Habitat:
They are found in gardens, bushes, and forests. They spin small orb-shaped webs between plants and trees.
Behavior:
Spiny Orb-Weavers are harmless. They stay in the center of their web during the day. Their bright color and spiky body help protect them from predators.
How to Identify:
- Tiny, colorful body
- Spines around the edge
- Round web in bushes or trees
- Found in sunny outdoor spots
- Crab-like shape
18. Long-Bodied Cellar Spider
Often called “Daddy Longlegs” in homes, these spiders are not true harvestmen. They have long, delicate legs and are common in basements or ceilings.
Appearance:
They have a small, long body with thin legs that can stretch far. Their color is usually pale gray or tan.
- Size (body length): 2 to 10 mm; legs can be over 5 cm
- Color and markings: Pale gray, tan, or translucent
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes, sometimes grouped closely
- Body shape: Long and narrow, almost tube-like
- Leg features: Very long, thin, and fragile-looking
Habitat:
Found indoors in corners, ceilings, basements, and sheds. Outdoors, they hide under rocks or wood.
Behavior:
They build messy, loose webs in quiet corners. When disturbed, they vibrate quickly in place. They are harmless and often eat other spiders.
How to Identify:
- Long, skinny legs
- Small, narrow body
- Loose, messy web
- Found in quiet indoor spaces
- Shaky or vibrating movement
19. Garden Spider
Garden Spiders are big, bold, and helpful. They build large, round webs and are often seen in gardens or near lights catching flying insects.
Appearance:
They have a large, rounded abdomen with bright yellow and black markings. Their legs are banded with black and orange or white.
- Size (body length): Females 1.9 to 2.8 cm; males smaller
- Color and markings: Yellow and black abdomen with striped legs
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Plump and rounded
- Leg features: Long legs with color bands and small spines
Habitat:
They live in gardens, fields, and near outdoor lights. Their big webs stretch between plants, posts, or fences.
Behavior:
They sit in the middle of the web with their legs in an “X” shape. At night, they rebuild the web if damaged. They are not harmful and help reduce pests.
How to Identify:
- Large, colorful body
- Yellow and black markings
- Round web in open areas
- Legs form “X” while resting
- Seen often in gardens
20. Zebra Jumping Spider
The Zebra Jumping Spider is a tiny but bold hunter. It gets its name from the black-and-white stripes on its body, similar to a zebra.
Appearance:
These spiders are small and compact. They have big front eyes and a black body with white stripes running across the back.
- Size (body length): 5 to 9 mm
- Color and markings: Black with white zebra-like stripes
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes; two large front-facing eyes
- Body shape: Short and stocky
- Leg features: Short legs with some striping
Habitat:
Found on walls, fences, windows, and plants. They like sunny spots and are often seen outdoors or inside near windows.
Behavior:
They don’t spin webs to catch prey. They stalk and leap on insects. They are curious and may even turn to look at you.
How to Identify:
- Small size
- Black body with white stripes
- Large front eyes
- Quick, jumping movement
- Found in sunny, open areas
21. Camel Spider
Camel Spiders are not true spiders but belong to a different group called solifuges. They are fast, aggressive-looking, and live in dry, desert areas.
Appearance:
They have a tan or brown body with large jaws and a segmented abdomen. Their legs are long and hairy, and they move quickly across the ground.
- Size (body length): 1 to 7 cm
- Color and markings: Yellowish-tan or brown, usually plain
- Eye arrangement: Two eyes set close together on top of the head
- Body shape: Long, flexible abdomen with visible segments
- Leg features: Long, hairy legs and large jaws; they appear to have 10 legs, but two are actually feelers
Habitat:
Camel Spiders live in deserts, dry grasslands, and rocky areas. They hide under rocks or logs during the day and come out at night.
Behavior:
They are fast runners and strong hunters. They don’t spin webs and prefer to chase and tackle prey. Despite their scary look, they are not venomous.
How to Identify:
- Long, tan body with huge jaws
- Looks like it has 10 legs
- Very fast movement
- Found in dry, hot climates
- No web, no silk
22. Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
The Sydney Funnel-Web Spider is one of the most venomous spiders in the world. It is native to Australia and is known for its shiny black body and strong fangs.
Appearance:
It has a large, glossy black or dark brown body. Its fangs point downward, unlike most spiders. The head area is smooth and shiny.
- Size (body length): 1.5 to 3.5 cm
- Color and markings: Shiny black or dark brown
- Eye arrangement: Eight small eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Thick and robust
- Leg features: Strong, thick legs with fine hairs
Habitat:
They live in moist, cool places like gardens, forests, and under logs or rocks. They build a funnel-shaped web leading into a hidden burrow.
Behavior:
They are aggressive when threatened and can deliver dangerous bites. They stay hidden in their burrow but come out during rain or at night.
How to Identify:
- Shiny black body
- Funnel-shaped web
- Found in moist, sheltered areas
- Large fangs and aggressive behavior
- Native to eastern Australia
23. Brazilian Wandering Spider
Also known as the “banana spider,” this spider is known for its fast movement and strong venom. It’s considered one of the most dangerous spiders in the world.
Appearance:
It has a hairy, brown body with black or red markings. It looks similar to a wolf spider but more aggressive in posture.
- Size (body length): 1.7 to 5 cm
- Color and markings: Brown with dark patterns; some have red jaws
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in three rows
- Body shape: Long and muscular
- Leg features: Long, hairy legs that are quick and strong
Habitat:
Found in tropical forests, under logs, inside shoes or clothes, and sometimes transported in fruit shipments. Mostly seen in South America.
Behavior:
It roams at night and hides during the day. When threatened, it raises its front legs as a warning. It’s aggressive and delivers a powerful bite.
How to Identify:
- Brown, hairy body
- Raises front legs in defense
- Fast and active at night
- Found in tropical areas or near human homes
- Known as “banana spider” due to its hiding spots
24. Six-Eyed Sand Spider
The Six-Eyed Sand Spider is a desert-dwelling spider known for hiding under sand. It is very venomous but rarely bites humans.
Appearance:
It has a flat, wide body with a sandy or dusty color that blends perfectly with the ground. It often looks covered in tiny hairs or sand grains.
- Size (body length): 1 to 2 cm
- Color and markings: Tan or light brown, matching desert sand
- Eye arrangement: Six eyes arranged in three pairs
- Body shape: Flat and wide
- Leg features: Short, thick legs with fine hairs that help it stay hidden
Habitat:
Lives in dry deserts, hiding under loose sand, rocks, or debris. It buries itself to stay cool and avoid predators.
Behavior:
It lies in wait under sand to ambush insects. It rarely moves unless disturbed. Bites are extremely rare but can be serious.
How to Identify:
- Sandy-colored, flat body
- Six eyes (not eight)
- Hides under sand
- Rarely seen in the open
- Found in deserts
25. Chilean Recluse Spider
Closely related to the Brown Recluse, the Chilean Recluse is found in South America and is one of the most venomous spiders in its region.
Appearance:
It has a light to dark brown body with a violin-like marking on its head. It looks almost identical to the Brown Recluse but slightly larger.
- Size (body length): 1 to 2.5 cm
- Color and markings: Brown with a violin-shaped mark on the back
- Eye arrangement: Six eyes arranged in three pairs
- Body shape: Slim and flat
- Leg features: Long, smooth legs without bands or spines
Habitat:
Lives in quiet indoor spaces like closets, behind furniture, and under beds. Outdoors, it hides under rocks, wood, and debris.
Behavior:
It is shy and only bites if pressed against the skin. Bites may cause skin damage but are not always dangerous.
How to Identify:
- Brown body with violin marking
- Six eyes
- Long, smooth legs
- Prefers indoor hiding spots
- Looks similar to Brown Recluse
26. Grass Spider
Grass Spiders are fast, web-building spiders known for their funnel-shaped webs in lawns and bushes. They are harmless to humans and helpful in controlling pests.
Appearance:
They have a brown body with darker stripes running lengthwise. Their legs are long and banded, and their body looks slim and low to the ground.
- Size (body length): 1 to 2 cm
- Color and markings: Brown or gray with dark stripes along the body
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in three rows
- Body shape: Slim and slightly flattened
- Leg features: Long, fast-moving legs with light banding and fine hairs
Habitat:
Found in grassy areas, bushes, and around buildings. They spin funnel-shaped webs in lawns, between plants, or along fences.
Behavior:
They wait inside the narrow funnel and rush out when prey lands on the web. They don’t bite unless handled and are not dangerous.
How to Identify:
- Funnel-shaped web in grass or shrubs
- Brown body with stripes
- Hides in back of web
- Fast runners
- Common in lawns and gardens
27. Banana Spider (Nephila)
Often confused with other spiders, Banana Spiders are large, bright orb-weavers. They are famous for their golden silk and impressive web structures.
Appearance:
They have a long, cylindrical body with orange, yellow, or brown patterns. Their legs are long and often black with orange or yellow joints.
- Size (body length): Females 2.5 to 4 cm; males much smaller
- Color and markings: Bright yellow, orange, and brown patterns
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Long and narrow
- Leg features: Very long legs, often with color bands and fine hairs
Habitat:
Found in tropical and subtropical areas, especially in forests and gardens. They build large orb webs in open spaces between trees or tall plants.
Behavior:
They sit in the center of their web during the day. Their silk can appear golden in sunlight. Despite their size, they are shy and not harmful.
How to Identify:
- Large, golden orb web
- Brightly patterned body
- Long black-and-yellow legs
- Often hangs in center of web
- Common in tropical forests
28. Cat-Faced Spider
The Cat-Faced Spider is a harmless orb-weaver with a funny look—its back looks like it has two “ears” or bumps, like a cat.
Appearance:
They have a large, round abdomen with two bumps on top. Their body is usually beige, brown, or orange with some white markings.
- Size (body length): 1 to 2.5 cm
- Color and markings: Beige, orange, or brown with lighter patches
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Large round abdomen with horn-like bumps
- Leg features: Medium-length legs with fine hairs
Habitat:
Common in gardens, balconies, and around lights. They spin classic orb webs in corners, shrubs, or fences.
Behavior:
They stay still during the day and are active at night. They rebuild their web regularly. They are gentle and rarely move when approached.
How to Identify:
- Two “horns” or bumps on the back
- Round, lumpy abdomen
- Found in gardens or corners of buildings
- Web-builder
- Varies in color but often orange or beige
29. Banded Garden Spider
Banded Garden Spiders are beautiful orb-weavers that build large webs. They have colorful striped bodies and are very common in late summer.
Appearance:
They have a silver head and a striped abdomen with bands of white, yellow, black, or brown. Their legs are also banded.
- Size (body length): Females 1.5 to 2.5 cm; males are smaller
- Color and markings: Yellow, black, and white stripes across the body
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Oval-shaped abdomen
- Leg features: Long, banded legs with visible spines
Habitat:
They are often seen in gardens, tall grass, and around outdoor lights. They stretch large orb webs between plants or posts.
Behavior:
They sit in the middle of the web with legs spread out. They may leave a zigzag silk line (stabilimentum) in the center. They rebuild their webs frequently.
How to Identify:
- Colorful, striped abdomen
- Zigzag line in center of web
- Large orb web in gardens
- Banded legs
- Often seen late in summer
30. Bolas Spider
The Bolas Spider is a clever hunter. Instead of spinning a full web, it catches moths using a sticky silk “bolas” it swings like a lasso.
Appearance:
They have a round, bulbous body that may look like bird droppings—a form of camouflage. Their colors are usually brown, white, or gray.
- Size (body length): 0.5 to 1.5 cm
- Color and markings: Brown or gray with white patches
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Plump and rounded
- Leg features: Short to medium legs, not strong or long
Habitat:
Found in shrubs, tall grass, and forest edges. They are usually hidden during the day and active at night.
Behavior:
They produce a sticky silk thread with a ball on the end to catch moths by swinging it. They also mimic the scent of female moths to attract males.
How to Identify:
- Round, bird-dropping-like appearance
- No web, uses swinging thread
- Found in bushes or grassy areas
- Hides during the day
- Clever moth-catching method
31. False Widow Spider
The False Widow Spider looks similar to the Black Widow but is less dangerous. It’s commonly found in homes and sheds and can give a mild bite if disturbed.
Appearance:
It has a shiny, dark brown to black body with cream or light markings on the back. Its abdomen is round, sometimes with a skull-like pattern.
- Size (body length): 0.8 to 1.5 cm
- Color and markings: Dark brown or black with pale patterns
- Eye arrangement: Eight small eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Round, bulbous abdomen
- Leg features: Thin, smooth legs, slightly reddish near joints
Habitat:
They live in sheds, garages, walls, or under furniture. They build tangled webs in corners or crevices.
Behavior:
False Widows are not aggressive. They stay in their web and catch flying insects. Bites are rare and usually mild.
How to Identify:
- Shiny dark body
- Light pattern on back
- Tangled web in sheltered spots
- Resembles Black Widow but without red mark
- Common indoors in mild climates
32. Marbled Orb Weaver
Marbled Orb Weavers are colorful, round spiders known for their marbled pattern and large orb webs in wooded or garden areas.
Appearance:
They have a large, round abdomen with orange, yellow, or white marbling. Their legs are often striped or banded.
- Size (body length): 1 to 2 cm
- Color and markings: Orange, yellow, or white with marbled swirls
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Fat, round abdomen
- Leg features: Banded legs with hairs and small spines
Habitat:
Found in woods, gardens, fields, and near water. They build large orb webs low to the ground.
Behavior:
They are nocturnal and often hide during the day in a nearby retreat. They rebuild their web daily to catch insects.
How to Identify:
- Bright marbled colors
- Large, round body
- Banded legs
- Web low to the ground
- Active in late summer and fall
33. House Spider
House Spiders are common spiders found indoors. They are harmless and help by catching flies and bugs inside the home.
Appearance:
They have a dull brown body with darker patterns on the back. Their legs are thin and often slightly banded.
- Size (body length): 0.5 to 1.2 cm
- Color and markings: Brown with gray or tan patterns
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Oval abdomen, small head
- Leg features: Thin, long legs with faint bands
Habitat:
They live indoors—in corners, basements, behind furniture, or under windows. They spin tangled webs to catch insects.
Behavior:
They are slow-moving and shy. They rarely bite and often stay hidden in webs unless disturbed.
How to Identify:
- Brown body with faint patterns
- Tangled web in corners
- Common in basements and ceilings
- Long thin legs
- Nocturnal and reclusive
34. Fishing Spider
Fishing Spiders are large, semi-aquatic spiders that can walk on water and catch small fish or tadpoles.
Appearance:
They are brown or gray with white or cream stripes down the sides. Their legs are long and strong, giving them a crab-like appearance.
- Size (body length): 1.5 to 3 cm
- Color and markings: Brown or gray with stripes
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Flat and wide
- Leg features: Long, powerful legs with some hairs, able to feel water movement
Habitat:
Found near ponds, lakes, streams, and wetlands. They stay close to the water’s edge.
Behavior:
They hunt by walking on water and sensing vibrations. They can dive and hold their breath to escape danger.
How to Identify:
- Found near water
- Striped body and legs
- Walks on water surface
- Large size
- Often mistaken for wolf spiders
35. Nursery Web Spider
Nursery Web Spiders are protective mothers. They get their name from the way they guard their young in silk nests.
Appearance:
They are tan or brown with dark stripes running down the length of the body. Their long legs make them look similar to wolf spiders.
- Size (body length): 1 to 1.5 cm
- Color and markings: Light brown with darker longitudinal stripes
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Slender, long body
- Leg features: Long, smooth legs with little hair
Habitat:
They live in tall grass, shrubs, and around water. They are often seen in fields or gardens during warm months.
Behavior:
Females carry egg sacs in their jaws and build a silk “nursery” for their spiderlings. They guard the web until the babies hatch.
How to Identify:
- Long body with dark stripes
- Seen carrying egg sac under body
- Builds a protective silk tent for babies
- Found in grassy or bushy areas
- Looks similar to wolf spider but carries eggs differently
36. Ant-Mimic Spider
Ant-Mimic Spiders are clever look-alikes. They copy the shape and movement of ants to avoid predators and sneak up on prey.
Appearance:
They have a narrow waist, shiny body, and front legs that look like antennae. Their colors are usually black, brown, or reddish, resembling ants.
- Size (body length): 0.3 to 1 cm
- Color and markings: Black, brown, or reddish; ant-like appearance
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes, often arranged in an oval shape
- Body shape: Slim with a narrow “waist” between head and abdomen
- Leg features: Long front legs held up like antennae
Habitat:
Found on tree trunks, leaves, or walls—where ants are also present. They are common in tropical and subtropical areas.
Behavior:
They walk and move like ants, using their front legs to mimic antennae. This disguise helps them avoid being eaten and allows them to sneak up on ant prey.
How to Identify:
- Looks and walks like an ant
- Front legs raised like antennae
- Narrow, shiny body
- Found where ants are active
- Doesn’t spin large webs
37. Crab Spider
Crab Spiders get their name from their crab-like shape and sideways walking style. They’re great at hiding and waiting for prey on flowers.
Appearance:
They have a flat, wide body with short front legs held out to the sides. Colors include white, yellow, green, or pink—matching flower petals.
- Size (body length): 0.4 to 1 cm
- Color and markings: White, yellow, or pale pink, often with matching petal tones
- Eye arrangement: Eight small eyes arranged in two rows
- Body shape: Wide, flat, crab-like body
- Leg features: Short, strong front legs used for grabbing
Habitat:
Found on flowers, leaves, or stems. They hide in plain sight by blending in with petals.
Behavior:
They don’t build webs. Instead, they wait for bees or flies to land nearby and then grab them. Some species can even change color to match the flower.
How to Identify:
- Flat, wide body
- Color blends with flowers
- Holds legs like a crab
- Doesn’t use a web to hunt
- Found on flower heads
38. Arrowhead Spider
Arrowhead Spiders are small, colorful orb-weavers with a body shaped like a triangle or arrowhead.
Appearance:
Their abdomen is bright yellow or white with a sharp, triangular shape pointing backward. The rest of their body is brown or black.
- Size (body length): 0.5 to 1.2 cm
- Color and markings: Bright yellow or white abdomen, brown legs
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes in two rows
- Body shape: Arrowhead or triangular shape
- Leg features: Short, dark legs with slight banding
Habitat:
They live in gardens, forests, and bushes. Their orb webs are built in low shrubs or between tree branches.
Behavior:
They stay still in the center of their web. Their bright abdomen may scare off predators or act as camouflage among leaves.
How to Identify:
- Triangle-shaped abdomen
- Bright, bold color
- Round web in low shrubs
- Found in gardens and wooded areas
- Tiny and easy to miss unless close
39. Ogre-Faced Spider
Ogre-Faced Spiders are night hunters with long faces and giant eyes. They use a special net to catch prey instead of a typical web.
Appearance:
They have a long, narrow body and huge front-facing eyes. Their body is light brown or gray with thin, long legs.
- Size (body length): 1.5 to 2.5 cm
- Color and markings: Pale brown or gray, often with faint lines
- Eye arrangement: Eight eyes, two very large front eyes
- Body shape: Elongated and narrow
- Leg features: Long, thin legs with few hairs
Habitat:
Found in tropical forests and wooded areas. They hang upside down from leaves or branches at night.
Behavior:
At night, they stretch a web net between their front legs and snap it over passing prey. Their huge eyes give them amazing night vision.
How to Identify:
- Huge front eyes
- Long, skinny body
- Hangs upside down
- Makes small web nets
- Active only at night
40. Purseweb Spider
Purseweb Spiders are secretive spiders that build thick, silk tubes above and below ground. They belong to the same group as tarantulas.
Appearance:
They have a dark, shiny body and thick, strong legs. Their appearance is similar to a small tarantula.
- Size (body length): 1.5 to 3 cm
- Color and markings: Black or dark brown, shiny
- Eye arrangement: Eight small eyes close together
- Body shape: Thick, heavy-bodied
- Leg features: Short, strong legs covered in fine hairs
Habitat:
They build silk tunnels on the forest floor, with part of the tube sticking above ground. These are hidden under leaves or logs.
Behavior:
They wait inside the tube and stab through the silk when prey walks across it. They pull the insect inside to eat.
How to Identify:
- Hidden silk tube on forest floor
- Chunky, dark body
- Rarely seen outside the tunnel
- Stabs prey through silk wall
- Related to tarantulas
