Spiders in Nova Scotia

The species of spiders found in Nova Scotia are not known to be particularly deadly, avoiding contact with humans. This has made studying and categorizing them very difficult. Generally, orb weavers and fishing spiders are the most common specimens seen.

Common Spiders: Cross Orb-weaver Spider, Banded Garden Spider, Common House Spider

Largest Spiders: Dark Fishing Spider, Striped Fishing Spider

Most Venomous

Orb-weaver spiders deliver bites that are as painful as a sting from a bee or a wasp.

Less Venomous

Hacklemesh Weaver Spiders

• Black Lace Weaver Spider (Amaurobius ferox)

Orb-weaver Spiders

• Cross Orb-weaver Spider (Araneus diadematus)
• Banded Garden Spider (Argiope trifasciata)

Nursery Web Spiders

• Dark Fishing Spider (Dolomedes tenebrosus)
• Striped Fishing Spider (Dolomedes scriptus)

Funnel Weaver Spiders

• Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica)

Long-jawed Orb-weaver Spiders

• Cave Orb-weaver Spider (Meta ovalis)

Comb-footed Spiders

• Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)
• Rabbit Hutch Spider (Steatoda bipunctata)