Spiders in Costa Rica

When traveling through this region of South America, it is advisable to keep a lookout for spiders even if many of them will avoid people. Along with having golden dunes and coffee, Costa Rica is also known for having some of the most hazardous spider species in the world. Before visiting South America, it is a good idea to become familiar with these eight-legged animals so you will know what could wait for you when exploring this beautiful piece of heaven on earth.

Spiders in Costa Rica Identification Chart

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Common Spiders in Costa Rica

Biggest Spiders in Costa Rica

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Costa Rica

Costa Rican Blue Front Tarantula	Daddy Long Legs	Green Lynx Spider
Arrowhead Orb Weaver	Sylvan Jumping Spider	Tiger Bromeliad Spider
Spined Micrathena	Pretty Orbweaver	Tropical Orbweaver
Golden Jumping Spider	—	—

Biggest Spiders in Costa Rica

Goliath Birdeating Tarantulas	Golden silk orb weavers	Brazilian Wandering Spiders (Phoneutria boliviensis)
Honduran Curly-Haired Tarantula	Pantropical Huntsman Spiders (Heteropoda venatoria)	Spotted-Leg Bromeliad Spiders also known as Wandering Banana Spiders

Most Venomous Spiders

Sicariidae

Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa) - The brown recluse spider is a special spider found mostly in the central and southern parts of the U.S. It's part of a small group of spiders in North America known for having strong venom, along with the Chilean recluse and black widow.… Continue Reading >

Cobweb Spiders

Southern Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans) - Did you know there's a spider called the southern black widow? It's mostly found in North America. It has family members like the western black widow and northern black widow, and they look a bit alike.… Continue Reading >

Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus) - The Brown Widow Spider is a cool spider that belongs to the cobweb spiders family. Some people know more about its cousin, the Black Widow, but the Brown Widow has its own interesting story.… Continue Reading >

Wandering Spiders

Phoneutria boliviensis - Imagine a spider called Phoneutria boliviensis that lives only in Central and South America. This spider is part of the wandering spiders family. They have some cool habits and features!… Continue Reading >

Crab Spiders

Six-eyed Sand (Hexophthalma hahni) - The six-eyed sand spider is an interesting creature! Even though it's a bit shy, it has one of the most powerful bites among spiders. With its special look, it blends right into desert sands.… Continue Reading >

Tarantulas (Theraphosidae)

Panama Blonde Tarantula – Psalmopoeus pulcher
Costa Rican Redleg Tarantula – Megaphobema mesomelas

Less Venomous Spiders

Orb Weavers

Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Nephila) - Have you ever seen a spider's web that shines like gold? Meet the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver! With 23 different types living around the world, they're known for their special golden webs.… Continue Reading >

Tarantulas (Theraphosidae)

Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula (Aphonopelma seemanni) - Zebra tarantulas are fascinating spiders known for their striking black and white stripes near their leg joints, which resemble zebra patterns.… Continue Reading >

Costa Rican Bluefront Tarantula (Aphonopelma burica) - The Costa Rican bluefront tarantula is a fascinating spider with bright blue mouthparts, giving it its unique name. Native to the vibrant landscapes of Costa Rica, this spider is part of the large tarantula family.… Continue Reading >

Tiger Rump Tarantulas/SunTiger Tarantulas – Cyclosternum pentalore
Costa Rican Tiger Rump – Cyclosternum fasciatum

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most venomous spider found in Costa Rica?

The most venomous spider in Costa Rica is the Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria boliviensis). Its neurotoxic venom is potent and can be dangerous to humans, requiring immediate medical attention if a bite occurs. This species is known for its defensive posture when threatened and is found in jungle environments.

How big can a Golden Silk Orb Weaver get in Costa Rica?

A female Golden Silk Orb Weaver in Costa Rica can become quite large, with a leg span reaching up to five inches (12.7 cm). The males are significantly smaller. These spiders are known for creating massive, strong webs with a characteristic golden sheen that are easily spotted in forested areas.

Are tarantulas in Costa Rica dangerous to people?

Most tarantulas in Costa Rica, like the Honduran Curly-Haired Tarantula, are not considered dangerous to people. Their primary defense is flicking urticating hairs, which cause irritation, rather than biting. A bite is rare and typically has an effect similar to a bee sting for most individuals.

What does a Pantropical Huntsman Spider in Costa Rica look like?

The Pantropical Huntsman Spider has a large, flattened body, typically brown or grey, with a leg span that can reach up to five inches. Its legs are long and splay outwards in a crab-like fashion, allowing it to move quickly and fit into narrow crevices in homes and vegetation.

Where are you most likely to find a Green Lynx Spider?

You are most likely to find a Green Lynx Spider in Costa Rican gardens, on low-lying plants, and among flowers. This bright green spider is an ambush predator that relies on camouflage to hunt insects. It does not build a web for capturing prey but actively stalks its victims.

Can a Goliath Birdeating Tarantula actually eat birds?

A Goliath Birdeating Tarantula can eat small birds, but it is a rare occurrence. Its diet primarily consists of large insects, worms, and small terrestrial vertebrates like frogs, lizards, and rodents. Its name is derived from an early account of one observed eating a hummingbird, not its typical behavior.

Why is the Spined Micrathena spider easy to identify?

The Spined Micrathena is easy to identify due to its distinctively shaped, hard abdomen which features prominent, sharp spines. This unique, crab-like appearance, often combined with bright coloration, makes it stand out from other orb-weaving spiders commonly found in Costa Rica’s forests and gardens.

Spiders in Costa Rica

Common Spiders in Costa Rica

Biggest Spiders in Costa Rica