Spiders in Finland

Are you planning a trip to Finland? This Nordic land has a lot to offer, which makes it a perfect vacation destination, especially if you want to have an authentic Scandinavian experience. However, you should be wary of creepy crawlers. Should you wish to find out information about Finland’s spiders, then you should read this article up to the very end. We will discuss arachnids that might be potentially dangerous to humans and other living creatures.

Spiders in Finland

Spiders in Finland Identification Chart

Common Spiders in Finland

Common House Spiders (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) European hammock spiders (Linyphia triangularis)

Biggest Spiders in Finland

Golden Silk Orb Weaver (Trichonephila clavipes) Giant Golden Orb Weaver (Nephila pilipes)

Most Venomous Spiders

Orb Weavers

  • Cucumber Green Spider – Araniella cucurbitina

Sicariidae

Brown Spider Chilean Recluse (Loxosceles laeta) - Imagine a spider called the Chilean recluse. It's known to be the most dangerous of its kind because of its strong venom. While its name hints at its home in Chile, you can also find it in places like Ecuador, Argentina, and Brazil.… Continue Reading >

Less Venomous Spiders

Orb Weavers

European Garden Spider Cross Orb Weaver (Araneus diadematus) - Did you know the Cross Orb Weaver spider comes from Europe and North America? Their legs are super cool because they can spin special round webs.… Continue Reading >

Larinioides Sclopetarius Gray Cross Spider (Larinioides sclopetarius) - Discover the world of the gray cross spider, part of the family of orb weavers. These unique spiders, although not fans of the company, often create their webs near one another.… Continue Reading >

Golden Silk Orb-Weaver Spider 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 >

Giant Wood Spider Web Giant Wood Spider (Nephila pilipes) - Meet the Nephila Pilipes! This golden orb-weaver spider calls many places home, from Asian countries like China and India to faraway Australia. It's one of the biggest orb-weaving spiders out there.… Continue Reading >

  • Four-spot Orb Weaver – Araneus quadratus
  • Walnut Orb Weaver – Nuctenea umbratical

Nursery Web Spiders

  • European Nursery Web Spider – Pisaura mirabilis

Crab Spiders

Female Goldenrod Crab Spider Goldenrod Crab (Misumena vatia) - Goldenrod Crab Spiders are super cool! They can change colors and hang out on flowers, waiting for their food. Instead of making big webs, they use silk for catching food or keeping their eggs safe.… Continue Reading >

Jumping Spiders

Zebra Spider Size Zebra (Salticus scenicus) - Discover the fascinating world of the Zebra Spider, a creature from the northern hemisphere with stripes like a zebra. These lively spiders don't spin webs to catch their dinner.… Continue Reading >

Cellar Spiders

Long Bodied Cellar Spider Long Bodied Cellar (Pholcus phalangioides) - The long-bodied cellar spiders are quite interesting! Often seen in America's dark and damp spots, they have really long legs. This is why some folks call them daddy-long-legs.… Continue Reading >

Frequently Asked Questions

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No, there are no spiders in Finland considered dangerously venomous to humans. While some larger species can bite defensively, their venom is not medically significant. A bite typically causes only minor, localized symptoms like temporary pain, redness, and swelling, similar to a mosquito bite and poses no serious threat.

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The largest native spider in Finland is the Raft Spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus). This semi-aquatic species can achieve a leg span of up to 7 centimeters. It is typically found near calm bodies of water like ponds and marshes, where it hunts insects and even small tadpoles on the water’s surface.

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It is moderately common to find spiders inside Finnish homes, especially in basements, attics, and undisturbed corners. Species like the common house spider enter seeking shelter and prey. Encounters increase during autumn as spiders look for warmer places to overwinter, but most species prefer to live outdoors.

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The Cucumber Green Spider (Araniella cucurbitina) is a small orb-weaver with a vibrant, leaf-green abdomen, often with a small red spot at the very rear. Its cephalothorax and legs are typically a lighter yellowish-brown. This spider is common in Finnish gardens and woodlands, blending in perfectly with foliage.

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If you are bitten by a spider in Finland, you should first clean the area gently with soap and water to prevent infection. Applying a cold compress can help reduce any minor pain or swelling. Symptoms are almost always mild, but if you experience a severe or unusual reaction, consult a doctor.

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Yes, several species of wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) are found throughout Finland. These are ground-dwelling hunters that do not build webs to catch prey. They are often found in grasslands, forests, and heathlands, and are recognizable by their robust build and quick movements when disturbed on the ground.

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No spider native to Finland has a bite that typically requires medical attention for a healthy adult. The venom of Finnish spiders is too weak to cause a significant reaction. The primary risk is a secondary bacterial infection if the bite area is not kept clean, not the venom itself.