Spiders often get a bad rap, but most are harmless and even helpful in controlling pests. However, a few species can be dangerous to humans. Knowing which spiders pose a real threat and how to spot them is important for anyone who spends time outdoors or lives in areas where these arachnids are common.
I’ll cover some of the most dangerous spiders around the world and provide tips on identifying them.
Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse is known for its violin-shaped marking on its back. It’s usually light to medium brown and about the size of a quarter. These spiders prefer dark, quiet places like closets, woodpiles, or shoes left outside. Their bite can cause serious skin damage and, in rare cases, more severe symptoms.
Black Widow Spider
Black widows are easy to spot with their shiny black bodies and red hourglass shape on the underside. They’re about 1.5 inches long, including their legs. Black widows often make webs in dark, quiet corners of sheds, garages, or woodpiles. Their bite can cause intense pain, muscle cramps, and nausea.
Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
This Australian spider is one of the most dangerous in the world. It’s large, black, and has a shiny head and fangs. Sydney funnel-web spiders live in burrows and can be aggressive when disturbed. Their venom is highly toxic and can cause serious health problems if not treated quickly.
Brazilian Wandering Spider
Also called the banana spider, this large arachnid can grow up to 5 inches across. It’s brown with distinctive red jaws. These spiders don’t build webs but wander on the ground, sometimes hiding in banana bunches. Their bite is extremely painful and can be life-threatening without proper treatment.
Six-Eyed Sand Spider
Found in deserts of southern Africa, this spider is light brown or tan to blend with sand. It has six eyes instead of eight like most spiders. Six-eyed sand spiders bury themselves in the sand to ambush prey. While bites are rare in humans, their venom is very potent.
Yellow Sac Spider
These small, pale yellow or beige spiders are often found indoors. They’re about a quarter-inch long with darker fangs and feet. Yellow sac spiders like to hide in small spaces and may bite if trapped against skin. Their bite can be painful and cause a slow-healing sore.
Redback Spider
Similar to the black widow, the redback has a black body with a red stripe on its back. It’s found mainly in Australia and makes messy webs in dry, sheltered spots. Redback spider bites can cause severe pain, sweating, nausea, and vomiting.
Mouse Spider
Mouse spiders are stocky with large fangs and a shiny head. They’re usually black or dark brown and live in burrows. Found in Australia, mouse spiders can deliver a painful bite that may cause serious symptoms similar to a funnel-web spider bite.
Hobo Spider
Common in the northwestern United States, hobo spiders are brown with a pattern of yellow markings on their backs. They build funnel-shaped webs on the ground or in dark corners. Hobo spider bites can cause pain, redness, and in some cases, a slow-healing wound.
Chilean Recluse Spider
This spider looks similar to the brown recluse but is found in South America. It has a violin-shaped mark on its back and is light brown. Chilean recluse spiders prefer dark, quiet places and their bite can cause serious skin damage.
Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders are large, hairy spiders that can be up to 1.5 inches long. They’re usually brown or gray with striped legs. Unlike many spiders, wolf spiders don’t build webs but chase their prey. While not typically aggressive, they may bite if handled roughly. Their bite can be painful and cause swelling, but it’s rarely dangerous.
Brown Widow Spider
Related to the black widow, brown widows are light to dark brown with an orange hourglass shape on their underside. They’re about half an inch long and often build webs in sheltered outdoor areas. Brown widow bites are less severe than black widows but can still cause pain and other symptoms.
Goliath Birdeater Tarantula
The Goliath birdeater is the largest tarantula species by mass, with a leg span reaching up to 11 inches. Native to South American rainforests, it has a dark brown body covered in hair. While its bite is painful, it’s not deadly to humans. However, it can flick urticating hairs from its abdomen, which can cause skin and eye irritation if they come into contact with a person.
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