Spiders in France

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

Spiders in France Identification Chart

Common Spiders in France

Long-bodied Cellar SpiderEuropean Garden SpiderCross Spider
Orangie or Pumpkin Spider/cross orb weaver (Araneus diadematus)Walnut Orb Weaver SpidersWasp 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

Brown Recluse Image 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/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

Widow Spider Widow (Latrodectus) - Meet the Latrodectus spiders, often known as true widows! They're part of the cobweb spider family. By July 2017, there were 31 types of them, living everywhere except Antarctica.… Continue Reading >

False Black Widow Spider False Black Widow (Steatoda grossa) - The False Black Widow spider is part of the Steatoda genus and is frequently confused with the more dangerous Black Widow Spider. Known by various names, including 'cupboard spider' and 'brown house spider' in Australia, this species sometimes earns the label of a pest in certain areas.… Continue Reading >

Mediterranean Black Widow Spider Mediterranean Black Widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) - The Mediterranean black widow spider has a history that dates back to 1790 when Italian expert Pietro Rossi introduced us to it. These spiders belong to the comb-footed family.… Continue Reading >

Orb Weavers

  • Cucumber Green Spider – Araniella cucurbitina

Less Venomous Spiders

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

  • European Nursery Web Spider – Pisaura mirabilis

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 >

  • Fencepost Jumping Spider – Marpissa muscosa
  • Half-edged Wall Jumping Spider – Menemerus semilimbatus

Crab Spiders – Thomisidae

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 >

  • Pink Crab Spiders – Thomisus onustus
  • Napoleon Spider – Synema globosum

Wolf Spiders

  • Mediterranean Spiny False Wolf Spider – Zoropsis spinimana