Spiders are everywhere, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. From the beautiful webs of Orb-Weaver Spiders to the fearless Wandering Spiders, each type has something that makes it unique.
Some spiders catch your eye with their bright colors, while others have fascinating hunting skills, like Spitting Spiders that trap their prey by spitting a sticky liquid.
Learning about these amazing creatures can be both fun and helpful. Below, you’ll find easy-to-follow charts and descriptions to help you spot and understand the different kinds of spiders you might come across.
Table of Contents
Spider Identification Chart
When it comes to spotting different spiders, noticing their unique traits can be both interesting and helpful.
Each family of spiders has something that makes them stand out, like the detailed webs of Orb-Weaver Spiders or the bold stance of Wandering Spiders.
Some are famous for their bright colors, while others have special ways of hunting. For example, Spitting Spiders catch their prey by spitting a sticky liquid.
As you explore these amazing creatures, the Spider ID Chart below will help you easily identify different species. It lists details like size, color, and other key features.
| Family / Species | Size (mm) | Color | Distinguishing Features | Habitat |
| Orb-Weaver Spiders (Araneidae) | 4-30 | Various | Round, spiral webs; different body shapes; often bright colors | Gardens, forests, near lights |
| Garden Spider (Argiope spp.) | 15-28 | Yellow, black | Black and yellow markings; large, oval-shaped body | Gardens, fields, shrubbery |
| Nursery Web Spiders (Pisauridae) | 10-25 | Brown, gray | Long legs; eyes like wolf spiders; carries egg sacs | Near water, vegetation, grasslands |
| Funnel-Web Spiders (Agelenidae) | 5-20 | Brown, gray | Funnel-shaped webs; two spinnerets at the end of the body | Grasslands, shrubs, human homes |
| Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Nephila spp.) | 20-50 | Yellow, brown, black | Large size; golden web; long body | Tropical areas, gardens, woods |
| Spitting Spiders (Scytodidae) | 3-6 | Pale, yellow | Dome-shaped head and thorax; spits to catch prey | Indoors, under stones, leaf litter |
| Trapdoor Spiders (Ctenizidae) | 10-40 | Brown, black | Burrowing; large, strong body; trapdoor-like entrance to burrow | Soil, under rocks, in gardens |
| Sheet Web Spiders (Linyphiidae) | 2-5 | Brown, black | Sheet-like webs; small size; long legs | Grasslands, forests, shrubs |
| Long-Jawed Orb Weavers (Tetragnathidae) | 5-30 | Silver, brown | Long, thin body; long legs; often near water | Near water, marshes, wetlands |
| Pirate Spiders (Mimetidae) | 3-7 | Brown, yellow | Small size; mimics other spiders; preys on spiders | Vegetation, shrubs, leaf litter |
| Mouse Spiders (Actinopodidae) | 10-35 | Black, brown, red | Heavy body; strong fangs; males often red or orange on head and thorax | Burrows, grasslands, forests |
| Lynx Spiders (Oxyopidae) | 4-25 | Green, yellow | Spiny legs; usually bright green; sharp eyesight | Vegetation, gardens, grasslands |
| Wandering Spiders (Ctenidae) | 15-50 | Brown, gray | Large; very mobile; aggressive stance; often venomous | Tropical areas, under rocks, vegetation |
Types of Spider
Spiders come in many shapes and sizes, with different habits and traits that set them apart. Understanding the types of spiders can help you recognize and appreciate the variety in this group of arachnids.
Below are some common types of spiders, each with its own unique characteristics.
1. Orb-Weaver Spiders
Orb-Weaver Spiders are known for their large, round webs. They come in various colors and sizes, often displaying bright colors. They are usually found in gardens and forests.
2. Huntsman Spiders
Huntsman Spiders are large and fast-moving. They are often mistaken for tarantulas due to their size. They don’t build webs but are active hunters, usually found in warm climates.
3. Jumping Spiders
Jumping Spiders are small and known for their excellent jumping ability. They have a unique eye arrangement that gives them excellent vision. These spiders are curious and often spotted during the day.
4. Wolf Spiders
Wolf Spiders are robust and agile hunters. They don’t spin webs to catch prey but chase it down instead. They are typically found in grasslands and forests.
5. Tarantulas
Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders known for their impressive size. They are usually slow-moving and live in burrows. They are found in warm regions around the world.
Large Spider Identification Chart
When identifying large spiders, it’s important to consider their unique features and behaviors. Some of these spiders are known for their impressive size, vibrant colors, and distinctive body shapes.
They often have adaptations suited to their environments, such as burrowing habits or specific hunting techniques. Large spiders can be found in various habitats, from tropical forests to arid deserts.
To better understand these fascinating creatures, refer to the large spider identification chart below. It provides key details like size, color, and notable characteristics to help you identify each species.
| Family / Species | Size (mm) | Color | Distinguishing Features | Habitat |
| Tarantulas (Theraphosidae) | 20-100+ | Brown, black, colorful | Large, hairy; robust body; fangs; often kept as pets | Burrows, under rocks, tropical areas |
| Huntsman Spiders (Sparassidae) | 15-30 | Brown, gray | Large size; crab-like movement; flattened body; long legs | Under rocks, bark, tropical climates |
| Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) | 10-35 | Brown, gray | Stout body; long legs; good eyesight; eyes in three rows | Ground, leaf litter, grasslands |
| Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Nephila spp.) | 20-50 | Yellow, brown, black | Large size; golden-colored web; elongated abdomen | Tropical regions, gardens, woodlands |
| Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria spp.) | 30-50 | Brown, black | Aggressive; potent venom; defensive posture with front legs raised | Rainforests, under logs, vegetation |
| Trapdoor Spiders (Ctenizidae) | 10-40 | Brown, black | Burrowing spiders; large, robust body; trapdoor-like entrance to burrow | Soil, under rocks, in gardens |
| Fishing Spiders (Pisauridae) | 10-25 | Brown, gray | Often found near water; long legs; eye arrangement similar to wolf spiders | Near water, vegetation, grasslands |
| Mouse Spiders (Actinopodidae) | 10-35 | Black, brown, red | Bulky body; powerful fangs; males often have red or orange cephalothorax | Burrows, grasslands, forests |
| Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) | 30-90 | Brown, tan | One of the largest spiders; robust body; urticating hairs | Rainforests, burrows, under logs |
| Australian Funnel-Web Spider (Atracidae) | 10-50 | Black, brown | Highly venomous; shiny, robust body; large fangs; aggressive behavior | Burrows, under rocks, forests |
| Camel Spiders (Solifugae) | 20-70 | Brown, tan | Not true spiders; large chelicerae; fast runners | Arid regions, deserts |
| Tarantula (Aphonopelma spp.) | 20-75 | Black, brown, tan | Thick, hairy body; robust build; often less aggressive than other tarantulas | Southwestern U.S., Mexico |
| King Baboon Spider (Pelinobius muticus) | 20-60 | Orange, brown | Large size; aggressive; burrowing behavior | Savannas, scrublands in East Africa |
| Colombian Giant Redleg (Megaphobema robustum) | 40-70 | Black, red | Large size; thick legs; defensive posture; bright red leg bands | Rainforests of Colombia and Brazil |
| Cobalt Blue Tarantula (Haplopelma lividum) | 25-40 | Blue, black | Striking blue coloration; aggressive; burrow-dwelling | Tropical forests in Southeast Asia |
Small Spider Identification Chart
Small spiders can be just as intriguing as their larger counterparts, with unique traits and behaviors that set them apart. From the colorful Jumping Spiders to the ant-mimicking skills of some species, these tiny arachnids have fascinating adaptations.
They can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, indoor spaces, and leaf litter. Observing their differences, like web structures or body shapes, can be a fun and educational experience.
The following small spider identification chart will help you identify these small spiders based on their family, size, color, and unique features.
| Family / Species | Size (mm) | Color | Distinguishing Features | Habitat |
| Jumping Spiders (Salticidae) | 3-8 | Various | Big front-facing eyes; short legs; usually vibrant; sharp vision | Vegetation, walls, indoors |
| Cobweb Spiders (Theridiidae) | 2-10 | Various | Small; round abdomen; irregular, tangled webs; sometimes potent venom | Indoors, vegetation, dark corners |
| Crab Spiders (Thomisidae) | 2-10 | White, yellow, brown | Crab-like appearance; front legs longer; can change color | Flowers, plants, under bark |
| Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae) | 2-10 | Pale, long legs | Extremely long legs; small body; loose, irregular webs | Basements, cellars, dark areas |
| Sac Spiders (Clubionidae) | 4-10 | Pale yellow, brown | Flattened body; sac-like silk retreat; no web | Leaf litter, under bark, indoors |
| Sheet Web Spiders (Linyphiidae) | 2-5 | Brown, black | Build sheet-like webs; small size; long legs | Grasslands, forests, shrubbery |
| Dwarf Spiders (Erigonidae) | 1-3 | Various | Tiny; often less than 3 mm; build sheet webs or live in leaf litter | Leaf litter, moss, grasslands |
| Ant-Mimicking Spiders (Myrmarachne spp.) | 2-8 | Black, brown | Resemble ants; elongated body; mimic ant behavior | Vegetation, near ant colonies |
| Pirate Spiders (Mimetidae) | 2-6 | Brown, yellow | Small size; mimic other spiders; preys on other spiders | Vegetation, shrubs, leaf litter |
| Spitting Spiders (Scytodidae) | 3-6 | Pale, yellow | Dome-shaped cephalothorax; unique spitting attack | Indoors, under stones, leaf litter |
| Comb-Footed Spiders (Theridiidae) | 3-6 | Various | Often have a rounded abdomen; build irregular webs; comb-like setae | Indoors, gardens, under furniture |
| Orb-Weaving Spiders (Araneidae) | 4-10 | Various | Round, spiral webs; varied body shapes; sometimes brightly colored | Gardens, forests, near lights |
| Ground Spiders (Gnaphosidae) | 2-10 | Brown, gray, black | Flattened body; elongated spinnerets; nocturnal hunters | Ground, leaf litter, under rocks |
| Money Spiders (Linyphiidae) | 1-5 | Various | Tiny; often found in low vegetation; associated with good luck | Grasslands, fields, gardens |
| Goblin Spiders (Oonopidae) | 1-3 | Pale, brown | Tiny; reduced eyes; often found in leaf litter | Leaf litter, soil, under rocks |
Also read: Ants Identification Guide
Black Spider Identification Chart
Black spiders are often seen as mysterious and intriguing due to their dark color. These spiders can vary widely in size and behavior, from the infamous Black Widow with its potent venom to the bold and active Jumping Spider.
While some black spiders are known for their striking markings, like the False Black Widow’s white patterns, others are recognized for their unique hunting habits. Observing these features can help identify the different species.
The following black spider identification chart provides detailed information on various black spiders, including their size, distinguishing features, and typical habitats.
| Family / Species | Size (mm) | Color | Distinguishing Features | Habitat |
| Black Widow (Latrodectus spp.) | 10-13 | Shiny black | Hourglass-shaped red marking on the lower abdomen; powerful venom | Undisturbed areas, garages, sheds |
| Trapdoor Spiders (Ctenizidae) | 10-40 | Black, dark brown | Bulky body; powerful fangs; often found in burrows with trapdoor entrance | Burrows, soil, under rocks |
| Mouse Spiders (Actinopodidae) | 10-35 | Black, sometimes red | Robust body; large fangs; males may have red cephalothorax | Burrows, grasslands, forests |
| Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax) | 8-15 | Black with white spots | Large front eyes; distinctive white or iridescent spots on abdomen | Vegetation, walls, gardens |
| False Black Widow (Steatoda spp.) | 6-10 | Shiny black | Often confused with true black widows; lacks red hourglass; may have white markings | Dark, undisturbed areas indoors and outdoors |
| Funnel-Web Spiders (Agelenidae) | 5-20 | Dark brown to black | Funnel-shaped webs; long spinnerets; fast-moving | Grasslands, shrubs, human dwellings |
| Ground Spiders (Gnaphosidae) | 5-15 | Black, gray | Elongated body; often found on the ground; nocturnal hunters | Leaf litter, ground, under rocks |
| Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) | 10-35 | Black, brown, gray | Stout body; eyes in three rows; carries egg sac; good eyesight | Ground, leaf litter, grasslands |
| Black House Spider (Badumna insignis) | 10-18 | Dark brown to black | Dark, velvety appearance; builds messy, tangled webs | Human structures, garden sheds, trees |
| Tube Web Spiders (Segestriidae) | 8-20 | Black, brown | Cylindrical body; build tubular silk retreats; fast-moving | Crevices in rocks, walls, bark |
| Woodlouse Spider (Dysdera crocata) | 8-15 | Reddish cephalothorax, black abdomen | Large chelicerae; specializes in hunting woodlice | Under stones, leaf litter, damp areas |
| Parson Spider (Herpyllus ecclesiasticus) | 7-13 | Black with white markings | Dark body with white band on abdomen; fast-moving | Indoors, leaf litter, under rocks |
| Six-Eyed Sand Spider (Sicarius spp.) | 8-15 | Brown, tan, black | Flat body; six eyes; potent venom; sand-colored appearance | Arid regions, deserts |
| Trapdoor Spiders (Ummidia spp.) | 10-30 | Black, brown | Burrow-dwelling; trapdoor entrance; thick body | Soil, under rocks, gardens |
| Eastern Parson Spider (Herpyllus ecclesiasticus) | 8-15 | Black with white markings | White band across the abdomen; a quick and active predator | Forests, homes, under rocks |
Brown Spider Identification Chart
Brown spiders are common and can be found in many different environments, from indoors to natural outdoor settings. These spiders often have subtle markings that can help distinguish them from other species.
Some, like the Brown Recluse, are notable for their potential danger due to venom, while others are harmless and play a beneficial role in controlling insect populations. The various shades of brown and unique body shapes make identifying these spiders an interesting challenge.
The following brown spider identification chart provides a detailed overview of different brown spider species, highlighting their size, distinctive features, and preferred habitats.
| Family / Species | Size (mm) | Color | Distinguishing Features | Habitat |
| Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) | 6-20 | Light to dark brown | Violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax; six eyes arranged in pairs; necrotic venom | Indoors, woodpiles, basements |
| Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) | 10-35 | Brown, gray, black | Stout body; long legs; eyes in three rows; good eyesight; carries egg sac | Ground, leaf litter, grasslands |
| Grass Spiders (Agelenidae) | 10-20 | Brown, yellow-brown | Funnel-shaped webs; two long spinnerets; fast-moving; often confused with wolf spiders | Grasslands, shrubs, human dwellings |
| Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis) | 7-14 | Brown, gray | Chevron patterns on the abdomen; misidentified as a brown recluse; shows aggression | Basements, outdoors, under rocks |
| Nursery Web Spiders (Pisauridae) | 10-25 | Brown, gray | Long legs; eye arrangement similar to wolf spiders; carries egg sacs in mouth | Near water, vegetation, grasslands |
| Ground Spiders (Gnaphosidae) | 5-15 | Brown, black, gray | Flattened body; elongated spinnerets; nocturnal hunters | Leaf litter, ground, under rocks |
| Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) | 5-10 | Brown, yellow-brown | Irregular, messy webs; rounded abdomen; sometimes mistaken for widow spiders | Indoors, buildings, dark corners |
| Orb-Weaver Spiders (Araneidae) | 4-30 | Brown, yellow, orange | Build orb-shaped webs; varied body shapes and colors; often with cross markings | Gardens, forests, near lights |
| Trapdoor Spiders (Ctenizidae) | 10-40 | Brown, black | Burrowing spiders; robust body; trapdoor-like entrance to burrow | Soil, under rocks, gardens |
| Sac Spiders (Clubionidae) | 4-10 | Pale yellow to brown | Flattened body; sac-like silk retreat; no web | Leaf litter, under bark, indoors |
| False Wolf Spiders (Zoropsidae) | 5-15 | Brown, gray | Resemble wolf spiders; often nocturnal; build retreats, not webs | Under rocks, logs, ground |
| Long-Legged Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium spp.) | 5-10 | Pale yellow to brown | Lightly colored; long front legs; aggressive bites; sometimes misidentified | Indoors, under bark, vegetation |
| Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae) | 2-10 | Pale, light brown | Exceptionally long legs; tiny body; spins loose, uneven webs | Basements, cellars, dark areas |
| Lynx Spiders (Oxyopidae) | 4-25 | Green, brown | Spiny legs; usually brightly colored; keen eyesight | Vegetation, gardens, grasslands |
Wolf Spider Identification Chart
With impressive agility and sharp hunting skills, wolf spiders offer a fascinating spectacle. Unlike many other spiders, they do not build webs to catch their prey. Instead, they rely on their speed and keen eyesight to hunt.
These spiders are generally ground-dwellers, often found under rocks, logs, or leaf litter. They have a distinctive eye arrangement that helps in identifying them.
The following wolf spider identification chart outlines their key features, making it easier to recognize these active hunters in the wild.
| Feature | Description | Examples |
| Size | 10-35 mm in body length | Varies by species |
| Body Shape | Robust, stout body with long legs | Often compact and muscular |
| Color | Brown, gray, black, or tan, often with darker markings or stripes | Mottled or striped patterns |
| Eye Arrangement | Eight eyes in three rows: four small eyes in the bottom row, two large eyes in the middle row, and two medium-sized eyes in the top row | Key for identification |
| Hair and Texture | Covered in short, dense hair; sometimes gives a velvety appearance | Helps in sensing vibrations |
| Web Type | Does not build webs; hunts actively on the ground | Uses a retreat or hides under debris |
| Behavior | Active hunters; fast runners; females carry egg sacs and spiderlings on their backs | Predatory and aggressive |
| Habitat | Ground-dwelling; found in various habitats including forests, grasslands, and gardens | Often under rocks, logs, or leaf litter |
Common Wolf Spider Species
Wolf spiders are found in a variety of species, each with distinct features that make them recognizable. They vary in size and color, and many have specific adaptations to their environments.
Some species, like the Carolina Wolf Spider, are larger and have distinctive stripes, while others, like the Pirate Wolf Spider, are smaller and often found near water.
The following table provides details about some common wolf spider species, highlighting their unique characteristics and typical habitats.
| Species | Size (mm) | Color | Distinguishing Features | Habitat |
| Carolina Wolf Spider (Hogna carolinensis) | Up to 35 | Dark brown with a lighter stripe | Large in size; distinct stripe down the middle of the carapace | Sandy areas, grasslands |
| Rabid Wolf Spider (Rabidosa rabida) | 15-25 | Brown with cream or white stripe | Cream or white stripe down the middle of the carapace and abdomen | Grasslands, forests, near water |
| Beach Wolf Spider (Arctosa littoralis) | 10-20 | Brown to gray | Camouflaged with mottled patterns, adapted to sandy environments | Coastal areas, sandy beaches |
| Pirate Wolf Spider (Pirata spp.) | 5-10 | Dark brown or gray with light spots | Pale stripe along the center of the carapace | Near water, such as ponds and streams |
| Common Wolf Spider (Lycosidae spp.) | 10-30 | Brown, gray, black | Varied coloration; often with chevron patterns on the abdomen | Ground, leaf litter, gardens |
House Spider Identification Chart
House spiders are a common sight in many homes, often going unnoticed as they help control insect populations. These spiders vary in size and color, with some building intricate webs while others are active hunters.
They can be found in dark corners, basements, and even under furniture. Despite their sometimes intimidating appearance, most house spiders are harmless and shy.
The following house spider identification chart provides information on various species commonly found indoors, detailing their size, appearance, and preferred habitats.
| Family / Species | Size (mm) | Color | Distinguishing Features | Habitat |
| Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) | 5-10 | Brown, yellow-brown | Irregular, messy webs; rounded abdomen | Indoors, buildings, dark corners |
| Cellar Spider (Pholcidae) | 2-10 | Pale, light brown | Extremely long legs; small body; loose, irregular webs | Basements, cellars, dark areas |
| Black House Spider (Badumna insignis) | 10-18 | Dark brown to black | Dark, velvety appearance; builds messy, tangled webs | Indoors, garden sheds, under furniture |
| Money Spider (Linyphiidae) | 1-5 | Various | Tiny; often found in low vegetation; associated with good luck | Indoors, gardens, leaf litter |
| House Spider (Tegenaria domestica) | 8-12 | Brown, gray | Large, fast-moving; builds funnel-shaped webs | Indoors, corners, basements |
| False Widow Spider (Steatoda spp.) | 6-10 | Shiny black | Often confused with true widows; lacks red hourglass; may have white markings | Indoors, gardens, under rocks |
| American House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) | 5-10 | Brown, yellow-brown | Builds irregular, messy webs; rounded abdomen | Indoors, dark corners, buildings |
| House Orb-Weaver (Araneidae spp.) | 4-12 | Brown, yellow | Builds circular, orb-shaped webs; varied body shapes | Indoors, near lights, corners |
| Spitting Spider (Scytodidae) | 3-6 | Pale, yellow | Dome-shaped cephalothorax; unique spitting attack | Indoors, under furniture, corners |
| Funnel-Weaver Spider (Agelenidae) | 5-20 | Brown, gray | Funnel-shaped webs; two long spinnerets; fast-moving | Indoors, basements, gardens |
| Sac Spider (Clubionidae) | 4-10 | Pale yellow to brown | Flattened body; sac-like silk retreat; no web | Indoors, leaf litter, under bark |
| Cupboard Spider (Steatoda grossa) | 5-10 | Dark brown, black | Much like the false widow, it weaves uneven webs | Indoors, cupboards, dark corners |
| Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium inclusum) | 5-10 | Yellowish to brown | Lightly colored; long front legs; aggressive bite | Indoors, gardens, under bark |
| Crab Spider (Thomisidae) | 2-10 | White, yellow, brown | Crab-like appearance; front legs longer; can change color | Indoor plants, corners, under bark |
| Green Lynx Spider (Peucetia longipalpis) | 5-10 | Green, brown | Bright green; spiny legs; agile hunter | Indoor plants, gardens |
Jumping Spider Identification Chart
Jumping spiders are known for their excellent vision and agility, making them fascinating to watch. These spiders don’t rely on webs to catch their prey; instead, they use their quick movements and keen eyesight to hunt.
With vibrant colors and distinct patterns, they are easily identifiable. Their curious disposition and unusual appearance have made them a favorite among spider collectors.
The following jumping spider identification chart provides details on various species, highlighting their size, color, distinguishing features, and habitats.
| Family / Species | Size (mm) | Color | Distinguishing Features | Habitat |
| Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax) | 8-15 | Black with white spots | Large front eyes; distinctive white or iridescent spots on abdomen | Gardens, homes, vegetation |
| Common Jumping Spider (Salticus scenicus) | 4-10 | Brown and white | Stripes on the abdomen; large, forward-facing eyes | Walls, floors, indoors |
| Royal Jumping Spider (Phidippus regius) | 8-13 | Black with vibrant colors | Bright red or green markings; iridescent body | Gardens, trees, vegetation |
| Saddleback Jumping Spider (Marpissa muscosa) | 5-10 | Brown with pale markings | Saddle-like shape on the abdomen; distinct pale bands | Trees, shrubs, gardens |
| White Band Jumping Spider (Salticus latreillei) | 5-8 | Brown with white bands | White bands or patches on a brown body; large eyes | Indoor plants, homes |
| Peacock Spider (Maratus spp.) | 5-8 | Bright colors, patterns | Vibrant, iridescent patterns on the abdomen; males have elaborate displays | Australia, vegetation |
| Zebra Jumping Spider (Salticus zebraneus) | 4-8 | Black and white stripes | Zebra-like stripes on the body; small size | Indoors, gardens, ground |
| Golden Jumping Spider (Trite planiceps) | 6-10 | Gold, yellow | Shiny, golden body; large, forward-facing eyes | Gardens, under rocks |
| Daring Jumping Spider (Phidippus clarus) | 6-11 | Black with red markings | Red or orange markings on a black body; distinctive eye arrangement | Gardens, vegetation |
| Jewel Jumping Spider (Salticus pallidus) | 4-8 | Pale, with iridescent sheen | Pale body with a glossy, iridescent sheen | Indoors, vegetation, ground |
| Golden-Rumped Jumping Spider (Maratus jactatus) | 6-9 | Dark body with golden rump | Golden coloration on the rear part of the abdomen; vibrant patterns | Australia, vegetation |
| Hersilia Spider (Hersilia spp.) | 10-20 | Brown, gray | Long, slender body; distinctive long legs; often mistaken for jumping spiders | Forests, gardens, trees |
| Phidippus mystacinus | 7-12 | Black, white markings | White or pale markings around the eyes; compact and robust build | Gardens, homes, shrubs |
| Dendryphantinae Spiders | 5-10 | Varied | Diverse colors and patterns; often with intricate markings | Various, often in vegetation |
American Spider Identification Chart
American spiders come in a wide variety of species, each with its own distinct appearance and behavior. From the well-known Black Widow and Brown Recluse to the colorful Jumping Spiders, these spiders can be found in many habitats, including gardens, basements, and woodpiles.
While some craft complex webs, others opt for actively hunting their prey. This diversity makes American spiders fascinating to study and observe.
The following American spider identification chart provides an overview of various species, highlighting their size, color, and unique features.
| Family / Species | Size (mm) | Color | Distinguishing Features | Habitat |
| Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans) | 8-13 | Black with red hourglass | Glossy black body with a red hourglass shape on the underside | Gardens, basements, woodpiles |
| Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) | 6-20 | Light to dark brown | Violin-shaped marking on cephalothorax; six eyes in pairs | Indoors, woodpiles, basements |
| American House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) | 5-10 | Brown, yellow-brown | Irregular, messy webs; rounded abdomen | Indoors, dark corners, buildings |
| Wolf Spider (Lycosidae spp.) | 10-35 | Brown, gray, black | Stout body; long legs; eyes in three rows | Ground, leaf litter, gardens |
| Garden Spider (Araneidae spp.) | 10-25 | Brown, yellow, orange | Builds large, orb-shaped webs; varies in color and markings | Gardens, shrubs, near lights |
| Orb-Weaver Spider (Araneidae spp.) | 4-30 | Various (brown, yellow, orange) | Builds circular webs; varied body shapes and colors | Gardens, forests, near lights |
| Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis) | 7-14 | Brown, gray | Chevrons on abdomen; mistaken for brown recluse | Basements, outdoors, under rocks |
| Crab Spider (Thomisidae spp.) | 2-10 | White, yellow, brown | Crab-like appearance; front legs longer; can change color | Indoor plants, gardens, under bark |
| Jumping Spider (Salticidae spp.) | 4-15 | Various (black, brown, vibrant colors) | Large front eyes; distinctive jumping behavior | Indoors, gardens, vegetation |
| Sac Spider (Clubionidae spp.) | 4-10 | Pale yellow to brown | Flattened body; sac-like silk retreat; no web | Indoors, leaf litter, under bark |
| Funnel-Weaver Spider (Agelenidae spp.) | 5-20 | Brown, gray | Funnel-shaped webs; two long spinnerets; fast-moving | Indoors, basements, gardens |
| Daddy Long-Legs (Phalangium opilio) | 5-15 | Pale, light brown | Extremely long legs; small body; often mistaken for spiders | Indoors, gardens, under rocks |
| Cellar Spider (Pholcidae spp.) | 2-10 | Pale, light brown | Extremely long legs; small body; loose, irregular webs | Basements, cellars, dark areas |
| Peacock Spider (Maratus spp.) | 5-8 | Bright colors, patterns | Vibrant, iridescent patterns on the abdomen; males have elaborate displays | Australia (rare in the US) |
| Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax) | 8-15 | Black with white spots | Large front eyes; distinctive white or iridescent spots on abdomen | Gardens, homes, vegetation |
| Fishing Spider (Dolomedes spp.) | 15-25 | Brown, gray | Large size; often found near water; can walk on water | Near water (ponds, streams) |
| Wolf Spider (Hogna carolinensis) | 10-35 | Dark brown with lighter stripe | Notably large, with a stripe marking the middle of its carapace | Sandy areas, grasslands |
| Lynx Spider (Oxyopidae spp.) | 4-25 | Green, brown | Spiny legs; usually brightly colored; keen eyesight | Vegetation, gardens, grasslands |
British Spider Identification Chart
The British Isles are home to a diverse range of spider species, each with unique traits that make them interesting to observe. From the large, web-building House Spider to the colorful Garden Spider, these arachnids can be found in various habitats, including homes, gardens, and forests.
Some species, like the False Widow, have a distinctive appearance that can be easily recognized.
The following British spider identification chart highlights the common species found in the UK, detailing their size, color, and typical habitats.
| Family / Species | Size (mm) | Color | Distinguishing Features | Habitat |
| House Spider (Tegenaria domestica) | 8-12 | Brown, gray | Large, fast-moving; builds funnel-shaped webs | Indoors, corners, basements |
| Garden Spider (Araneidae spp.) | 10-20 | Brown, yellow, orange | Builds large, orb-shaped webs; various color patterns | Gardens, vegetation |
| Money Spider (Linyphiidae spp.) | 1-5 | Various | Very small; often found in low vegetation; associated with good luck | Gardens, leaf litter |
| Daddy Long-Legs (Phalangium opilio) | 5-15 | Pale, light brown | Often misidentified as spiders due to their long legs and tiny bodies | Indoors, gardens, under rocks |
| Wolf Spider (Pardosa spp.) | 5-15 | Brown, gray, black | Stout body; long legs; eyes in three rows | Gardens, under rocks, leaf litter |
| Crab Spider (Thomisidae spp.) | 2-10 | White, yellow, brown | Crab-like appearance; front legs longer; can change color | Plants, gardens, under bark |
| Orb-Weaver Spider (Araneidae spp.) | 5-20 | Various (brown, yellow, orange) | Builds circular webs; varied body shapes and colors | Gardens, forests, near lights |
| Lynx Spider (Oxyopidae spp.) | 4-10 | Green, brown | Spiny legs; usually brightly colored; keen eyesight | Vegetation, gardens |
| Cellar Spider (Pholcidae spp.) | 2-10 | Pale, light brown | Their very long legs and tiny body often lead to confusion with spiders | Cellars, basements, dark corners |
| Funnel-Weaver Spider (Agelenidae spp.) | 5-20 | Brown, gray | Funnel-shaped webs; two long spinnerets; fast-moving | Gardens, basements, under rocks |
| False Widow Spider (Steatoda nobilis) | 6-10 | Dark brown to black | Featuring a shiny appearance and white markings, they bear a likeness to the true widow spider | Indoors, gardens, under rocks |
| Green Huntsman Spider (Micrommata virescens) | 8-12 | Bright green | Green color; long legs; aggressive hunting behavior | Gardens, leaf litter, vegetation |
| Peacock Spider (Maratus spp.) | 5-8 | Bright colors, patterns | Vibrant, iridescent patterns; males have elaborate displays | Australia (rare in the UK) |
| Zebra Spider (Salticus scenicus) | 4-10 | Black and white stripes | Zebra-like stripes on the body; small size | Walls, floors, indoors |
| Harvestman (Opiliones spp.) | 5-15 | Pale to dark brown | Characterized by a single body segment and extremely long legs, they are not actual spiders | Gardens, leaf litter, under bark |
Also read: Insects Egg identification Chart
Conclusion
Spiders, with their diverse shapes and behaviors, are a vital part of nature’s balance. They help keep insect numbers in check and can be quite fascinating once you get to know them. Instead of feeling uneasy the next time you see one, you might find yourself appreciating its unique role and the beauty in its design.
Whether you’re identifying a spider or simply observing it, each encounter is a chance to learn something new. Remember, every spider has a story and a purpose in the natural world.