Have you been to Georgia? If not, then you are missing out. It’s a quaint country strategically located on the borders of Asia and Europe. It is situated in the mountainous Caucasus region, which explains why it has a remarkable amount of biodiversity. It is home to different kinds of animals such as deer, tur, lynx, and some creepy crawlers. If you want to know more about the different spider species that you might encounter in Georgia, then keep on reading below.
Common Spiders in Georgia
| Common Eastern Ray Spider (Theridiosoma gemmosum) |
Ant Comb-Footed Spider (Asagena phalerata) |
Scarce Candy-striped Spider (Enoplognatha latimana) |
| Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) |
Common House Combfoot (Theridion melanurum) |
Banded Comb-Footed Spider (Anelosimus vittatus) |
| Gnaphosa bicolor |
Cyclosa sierrae |
Gnaphosa saurica |
Biggest Spiders in Georgia
| Silver-sided Sector Spider (Zygiella x-notata) |
Cave Spider (Meta bourneti) |
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Most Venomous Spiders
Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)
Less Venomous Spiders
Orb Weavers
- Walnut Orb weaver spider – Nuctenea umbratica
Sac Spiders
- European Sac Spider – Clubiona pallidula
Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)
- Candy-striped – Enoplognatha ovata
- White-spotted False Widow – Steatoda albomaculata
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common spiders found inside Georgia homes belong to the comb-footed spider family. Species like the Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) and the Common House Combfoot (Theridion melanurum) are frequently seen. They build their signature tangled webs in corners, basements, and other undisturbed areas.
Yes, Georgia is home to venomous spiders, including members of the Cobweb Spider family (Theridiidae). While most spider bites are harmless, a bite from a medically significant species can cause a severe reaction. If you are bitten by a spider you cannot identify, seek professional medical evaluation.
The
biggest spiders you can find in Georgia include the Silver-sided Sector Spider (Zygiella x-notata) and the Cave Spider (Meta bourneti). These species are noticeably larger than common
house spiders and are typically found in outdoor environments, caves, or sheltered structures where they build large, impressive webs.
Orb Weaver spiders in Georgia are most easily identified by their large, circular, wheel-shaped webs. The spiders themselves often have prominent, rounded abdomens and can be quite colorful. They are typically found outdoors in gardens, forests, and on the exterior of buildings, especially during late summer and fall.
Cave Spiders (Meta bourneti) in Georgia are primarily found in dark, damp, and cool environments like caves, cellars, mines, and wells. These spiders thrive in high-humidity locations with stable temperatures, constructing their large orb webs near the entrances of these structures to catch insects.
A Silver-sided Sector Spider (Zygiella x-notata) is recognized by the distinct silvery or grey markings on its abdomen. Its most identifiable feature is its web, which is a classic orb-web shape but with a single, open sector. A signal line runs through this gap, connecting the hub to the spider’s retreat.
The Ant Comb-Footed Spider (Asagena phalerata) is not considered dangerous to humans. This small spider specializes in hunting ants and possesses venom that is effective on its prey but is not medically significant for people. Bites are extremely rare and would likely cause only minor, localized irritation.