France is home to numerous spider species. Many of these spiders have an important role in maintaining ecological balance. Although they are not often hazardous to humans, many people are afraid of them because of their appearance, especially if they have a phobia of spiders. While it’s true that some spiders are dangerous and venomous, the majority of them are harmless. Don’t be concerned. These are unlikely to be found in many of the destinations you visit in France. It’s a good idea to be aware of them so you will know what to expect when visiting France. Keep in mind that France is the home to the largest spider in Europe.
Spiders in France Identification Chart
Common Spiders in France
Long-bodied Cellar Spider | European Garden Spider | Cross Spider |
Orangie or Pumpkin Spider/cross orb weaver (Araneus diadematus) | Walnut Orb Weaver Spiders | Wasp Spiders |
Cricket-bat Orb Weaver (Mangora acalypha) | Tropical Tent-web Spider (Cyrtophora citricola) | Lobed Argiope (Argiope lobata) |
Marbled Cellar Spider (Holocnemus pluchei) | Triangle Crab Spider (Ebrechtella tricuspidata) | Four-spot Orbweaver (Araneus quadratus) |
Triangulate Combfoot (Steatoda triangulosa) | — | — |
Biggest Spiders in France
Tarantula Wolf Spider (Lycosa tarantula) | Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica) | Radiated Wolf Spider (Hogna radiata) |
Silver-sided Sector Spider (Zygiella x-notata) | Mediterranean Spiny False Wolf Spider | — |
Most Venomous Spiders
Sicariidae
Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)
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Orb Weavers
- Cucumber Green Spider – Araniella cucurbitina
Less Venomous Spiders
Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)
- European Nursery Web Spider – Pisaura mirabilis
Jumping Spiders
- Fencepost Jumping Spider – Marpissa muscosa
- Half-edged Wall Jumping Spider – Menemerus semilimbatus
Crab Spiders – Thomisidae
- Pink Crab Spiders – Thomisus onustus
- Napoleon Spider – Synema globosum
Wolf Spiders
- Mediterranean Spiny False Wolf Spider – Zoropsis spinimana