VENOMOUS SPIDERS OF THE UNITED STATES

Let me start by saying that I am not an arachnologist, nor am I an entomologist. These pages are designed to give limited information about the dangerously venomous spiders of the United States, but should in no way be considered a complete guide.

In reality, virtually every species of spider is venomous. All of them have fangs and inject venom to kill or paralyze their prey, however, most species do not have potent enough venom to be considered dangerous to humans. This page is designed to help identify those species of spiders in the United States that have potent venom, and could be considered dangerous or of medical significance. Click on the common name of the spider for information about that spider.

Widow Spiders
1. Northern Black Widow - Latrodectus variolus
2. Southern Black Widow - Latrodectus mactans
3. Western Black Widow - Latrodectus hesperus
4. Brown Widow - Latrodectus geometricus
5. Red Widow - Latrodectus bishopi
Recluse Spiders
1. Apache Recluse - Loxosceles apachea
2. Arizona Recluse - Loxosceles arizonica
3. Baja Recluse - Loxosceles palma
4. Big Bend Recluse - Loxosceles blanda
5. Brown Recluse - Loxosceles reclusa
6. Chilean Recluse - Loxosceles laeta
7. Desert Recluse - Loxosceles deserta
8. Grand Canyon Recluse - Loxosceles kaiba
9. Martha's Recluse - Loxosceles martha
10. Mediterranean Recluse - Loxosceles rufescens
11. Russell's Recluse - Loxosceles russelli
12. Texas Recluse - Loxosceles devia
13. Tucson Recluse - Loxosceles sabina
House Spiders
1. Hobo Spider or Aggressive House Spider - Tegenaria agrestis

Another group of spiders, called Yellow Sac Spiders, has been reported as having a painful bite sometimes resulting in an open wound (called a necrotic lesion) similar to those caused by the bite of Recluse spiders or Hobo Spiders. In some cases, systemic effects (i.e. headaches or nausea) were reported as well. At least two species of Yellow Sac Spiders exist throughout the United States:

Black-footed Spider - Cheiracanthium meldei
Yellow Sac Spider - Cheiracanthium inclusum

Many people fear tarantulas because of their large size. Although several species of tarantula are native to the US, their bite is not considered to be a threat to humans. The bite of a tarantula can be painful, partly due to the actual puncturing of skin by large fangs, but currently, no species of tarantula is considered deadly.

For more information on dangerously venomous spiders, please see the Venomous Links page.

Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy

Change your Cookies Preferences