This publication is intended as a general introduction to some of the common and charistmatic spiders found in Florida. While this is not a comprehensive list, it will serve as a helpful resource for anyone looking to identify a spider or learn more about the biology of spiders they encounter. This publication is accompanied by a coloring book (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1390) for all ages, a creative educational tool for parents, educators, Extension agents, and any member of the public interested in spiders.
There are over 250 species of spiders found in Florida, with a striking diversity of body shapes, colors, sizes, hunting strategies, and habitats (Edwards and Marshall 2002). Tiny jumping spiders rely on vision and catlike leaps to capture food. Giant orb weavers wait patiently for their web to vibrate with the promise of prey. But these are just a few examples of Florida’s vast spider diversity. Most spiders live harmoniously with people, providing important ecological services by eating other invertebrates (Foelix 2011). Not only do spiders eat pest insects (such as those that attack crops or vector disease), but they also play essential roles in ecosystems by keeping insect populations from exploding (Wise 2001). Despite being voracious predators with poor reputations in our society, spiders are mostly non-aggressive, shy, and generally not a threat to humans.
To capture and consume their prey, most spiders use venom. Venom is used to immobilize insect prey, then dissolve it into a “smoothie” for spiders to ingest, as they are unable to eat solid foods (Foelix 2011). Thus, most spiders are venomous (with a few exceptions, see Uloboridae), but few have venom of concern to humans. In Florida, few spiders have venom that is considered “medically significant,” meaning a bite could require medical care (Edwards 2002). The only spiders native to or established in Florida with medically significant venom are the widow spiders (Latrodectus spp.). Though many claims implicate brown recluses (Loxosceles reclusa) as perpetrators of spider bites in Florida, many of these cases are dubious. This species is not established in most of the state, confirmed sightings are rare, and infestations are typically restricted to a single building (Vetter et al. 2004).
This publication highlights some of the most commonly encountered spiders in Florida and some less common, but particularly charismatic, groups.
Florida’s warm, humid climate makes it a prime habitat for a diverse range of spider species. From harmless garden spiders to venomous widows, over 900 species of spiders can be found in the Sunshine State. Understanding the most common spiders in Florida can help identify friend from foe when you spot a many-legged creature in your home or yard.
The Most Common Spiders in Florida
According to observational data, the most frequently encountered spiders in Florida include:
- Wolf spiders
- Orb weaver spiders
- Jumping spiders
- Cobweb spiders
- Crab spiders
- Widow spiders
Wolf spiders and orb weavers are generally harmless but can deliver a painful defensive bite. Venomous spiders like widows are rarely aggressive unless provoked. Knowing how to identify different types of spiders can prevent unnecessary fear or handling of dangerous species.
How to Identify Florida Spiders
Identifying spiders starts with examining key physical characteristics
Body shape – Spherical/oval (widows) elongated (wolf spiders), bulbous (orb weavers)
Markings – Bands, dots, stripes, violin shape
Legs – Color, length, hairiness
Eyes – Number and arrangement
Behavior – Jumping, spinning webs
For example, wolf spiders have hairy bodies and thick legs for hunting prey on the ground. Orb weaver spiders spin elaborate webs using silk. Venomous widows have bulbous black bodies with red hourglass markings.
Common Spider Groups in Florida
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are ground hunters with camouflaged striped bodies. They have excellent eyesight and do not spin webs to catch prey. Wolf spiders use venom to subdue their food but are not considered dangerous to humans. Their painful bites are comparable to a bee sting.
Orb Weaver Spiders
Orb weaver spiders spin intricate, circular webs to trap flying insects. Common orb weavers in Florida include garden spiders and writing spiders. They have rounded abdomens and bright colors or patterns. Orb weavers are harmless to humans but may bite if disturbed.
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are compact, hairy spiders that actively hunt prey. Instead of building webs, they pounce up to 40 times their body length to catch food. Their forward-facing eyes provide excellent vision. Jumping spiders are harmless to humans.
Cobweb Spiders
Cobweb spiders spin messy webs in dark corners of homes. They have a round abdomen shape that tapers at the end, resembling black widows. However, cobweb spiders are considerably smaller and not dangerous.
Crab Spiders
Crab spiders have a laterally flattened body shape that allows them to hide in flowers and foliage. They can walk sideways and backward. While crab spiders bite when threatened, they do not produce medically significant venom.
Widow Spiders
Widow spiders have rounded abdomens and produce potent neurotoxic venom. The southern black widow is most common in Florida. Widows are not aggressive but should be avoided. Seek medical attention immediately for widow bites.
Spider Habitats in Florida
Different spiders live in preferred microhabitats. Here are some places you’re likely to encounter common spiders in Florida:
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Ground dwellers – Leaf litter, mulch, under rocks. Example: wolf spiders.
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Web builders – Gardens, shrubs, structures. Example: orb weavers.
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House spiders – Corners, windows, ceilings. Example: cobweb spiders.
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Flower hunters – Gardens, meadows, agricultural areas. Example: crab spiders.
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Tree dwellers – Bark, branches, foliage. Example: jumping spiders.
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Sand – Dunes, beaches. Example: widow spiders.
Spider Prevention and Control
To discourage spiders from taking up residence in your home, trim vegetation touching the exterior, install tight screens on windows, and seal cracks around doors. Remove debris piles and leaf litter near foundations.
Vacuum lingering webs and use insecticides labeled for spider control around baseboards, windows, and door frames. Limit lighting at night when spiders are most active.
Inspect items like boxes, plants, and debris thoroughly before bringing them indoors. Wear gloves and exercise caution when handling material spiders could hide under. Knowing how to identify venomous spiders like widows allows you to use appropriate care if one is encountered.
With over 900 species calling Florida home, spider sightings are common. Familiarity with spider identification markers, behavior, and habitats can prevent unnecessary fear or risk. While spiders play an important role in controlling insect pests, knowing how to discourage them from inhabiting your home provides peace of mind. With proper identification and control measures, spiders and humans can safely coexist in the Florida environment.
Dimorphic jumping spider (Maevia inclemens)
Dimorphic jumping spider (Maevia inclemens) males come in two morphs, or forms, that occur together in the same population: the gray morph has striking zebra-striped legs and bright yellow pedipalps (Figure 14a), while the tufted morph has three black tufts of hair on his forehead (Figure 14b; Clark and Uetz 1993; Lietzenmayer and Taylor 2018). The existence of two different morphs of males within the same species is rare among spiders. In addition to the difference in appearance, these two male morphs even have different courtship dances that they use to impress females. The females look different than either of the male morphs: they are light tan to orange in color without tufts or leg stripes (Figure 14c).
Recluse spiders (Loxosceles spp.)
There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that any recluse spider is established in Florida (Edwards 2001; Vetter et al. 2004), but we include them here because many people mistakenly believe that they are common in Florida (Edwards 2003). Three species of Loxosceles have occasionally been intercepted in Florida: brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa), Chilean recluse (Loxosceles rufescens), and Mediterranean recluse (Loxosceles laeta) (Figure 17). Countless myths, rumors, and stories surround recluse spiders. Mystery bites and wounds and bacterial infections that require treatment with antibiotics are commonly misdiagnosed as recluse bites by the public, by doctors, and by veterinarians, none of which are trained in spider identification (Vetter et al. 2004). Without directly seeing the spider inflict the bite, it is difficult to accurately determine that such injuries are caused by a spider at all.
Recluses can be distinguished from other commonly encountered spiders by having only 6 eyes (unlike the more usual pattern of 8 eyes) and a dark violin-shaped pattern on their relatively flat cephalothorax (head), though the violin pattern is not always consistent and should not be relied upon for identification. They also have long, slender legs and are relatively less hairy than other spiders that they are commonly confused with (e.g., wolf spiders [Figure 7], fishing spiders [Figure11], and male southern house spiders [Figure 6a]). They also have short pedipalps when compared with male southern house spiders (Figure 6a).
Spiders in the United States : Identifying Florida Spiders
FAQ
What’s the most common spider in Florida?
- Brown Recluse Spider.
- Brown Widow Spider.
- Cellar Spider.
- Common House Spider.
- Crevice Spider.
- Daddy Long Leg Spider/Harvestmen.
- Huntsman Spider.
- Orb Weaver Spider.
What venomous spiders are in Florida?
In Florida, only two main types of venomous spiders occur: widow spiders and recluse spiders. Three species of widow spiders are native to Florida, and a fourth species has been introduced.
Are southern house spiders harmful?
Male southern house spiders sometimes appear aggressive, but they do not bite unless trapped and their mouthparts are too small to easily penetrate human skin.
What is the largest Florida spider?
What is Florida’s biggest spider? The largest spider found in Florida is the Golden Silk Orbweaver, which can have a leg span of up to five inches.Jun 30, 2023
What are the most common spiders in Florida?
Florida is home to hundreds of species of spider, varying in size, color, and species. Based on the most common observations over the years, we have put a list together of the 60 most common spiders you will come across in Florida. The 60 most common spiders in Florida you may come across, includes: 1. Spinybacked Orbweaver
Are there widow spiders in Florida?
Calcium gluconate and/or antivenin may be administered to relieve or counteract symptoms. There are four species of widow spiders in Florida: The brown recluse has been found in Alachua, Bay, Duval, Jefferson and Leon counties. It typically has a dark violin-shaped mark, although the color is variable.
Are there venomous spiders in Florida?
Two species of venomous spiders are found in Florida: the southern black widow and the brown recluse ( ref ). Black widow spiders are easily recognized by their shiny, black bodies and distinctive red hourglass shape on their underside. They are found throughout the state, often in dark, secluded areas such as woodpiles and sheds.