Spiders in Greece

While Europe is typically a safe continent, there are certain dangerous creatures to be aware of in Greece. Spiders, a creature many people are afraid of, are not that scary at all. Although the truth remains that some types of spiders are highly venomous and their bite can cause intense pain and inflammation. It’s fortunate that in Greece, most of the spiders are harmless, they will not bite humans, in fact, they tend to shy away once they see people. However, knowing how to recognize and spot spiders in Greece is still useful.

Spiders in Greece Identification Chart

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Common Spiders in Greece

Biggest Spiders in Greece

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Greece

Cross Spider	European Garden Spider	Wasp Spiders
Tropical tent web spider (Cyrtophora citricola)	Lady Bird Spider	Gorse-Orb Weaver (Agalenatea redii)
Zoropsis or False Wolf Spider	—	—

Biggest Spiders in Greece

Radiated Wolf Spider (Hogna radiata)

Stone Huntsman Spider (genus Eusparassus)

Walckenaer’s Huntsman Spider (Eusparassus walckenaeri)

Most Venomous Spiders

Cobweb Spiders

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 >

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 >

Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasseltii) - The Redback spider, often called the Australian black widow, comes from places in Australia. Nowadays, you can find it all over Australia and even in New Zealand.… Continue Reading >

Less Venomous Spiders

Huntsman Spiders (Sparassidae Family)

Stone Huntsman Spider – genus Eusparassus

Crab Spiders (Thomisidae)

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 >

Napoleon Spiders – Synema globosum

Pink Crab Spiders – Thomisus onustus

Jumping Spiders

Half-edged Wall Jumping Spider – Menemerus semilimbatus

Orb Weavers

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 >

Lobed Argiope (Argiope lobata) - Discover the Argiope lobata, a fascinating orb weaver spider that makes its home across three continents. Here, you'll find intriguing facts and details about this widespread spider.… Continue Reading >

Walnut Orb Weavers/Evening Spiders – Nuctenea umbratical

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

Triangulate Cobweb (Steatoda triangulosa) - Meet the triangulate cobweb spider from the Steatoda genus! Found in places like North America, New Zealand, and Europe, this little spider has a neat triangular pattern on its back.… Continue Reading >

Cellar Spiders

Marbled Cellar Spider (Holocnemus pluchei) - Meet the marbled cellar spider! Many call it the "daddy-long-legs" because of its long, thin legs. These cellar spiders love to hang out in homes, especially in attics and basements, making silky webs.… Continue Reading >

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any dangerous spiders in Greece?

Yes, some venomous spiders exist in Greece, but most species are harmless to people. While certain cobweb spiders can deliver a painful bite causing inflammation, fatal encounters are exceptionally rare. The majority of Greek spiders are shy and actively avoid human contact, posing a very low overall risk.

What is the most venomous type of spider in Greece?

The most venomous spiders in Greece are generally considered to be from the cobweb spider family. Although their bites are not typically life-threatening, they can be medically significant, causing notable pain and localized reactions. Professional medical advice is recommended if a bite from a suspected venomous spider occurs.

What is the biggest spider found in Greece?

The biggest spiders in Greece include the Radiated Wolf Spider (Hogna radiata) and Huntsman spiders from the Eusparassus genus. These spiders are notable for their large size and impressive leg spans. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are not considered dangerous to humans and are generally reclusive.

What are the most common spiders you can find in Greece?

Some of the most common spiders in Greece include the European Garden Spider, also known as the Cross Spider, and the distinctively colored Wasp Spider. You may also frequently encounter the Tropical Tent-Web Spider. These spiders are often found in gardens and vegetated areas throughout the country.

Do spiders in Greece commonly bite people?

No, spiders in Greece do not commonly bite people and are generally not aggressive. Most local species are timid and will try to escape when they sense human presence. A bite is a defensive last resort, typically only happening if the spider is accidentally trapped or pressed against the skin.

How venomous are Huntsman spiders in Greece?

Huntsman spiders found in Greece, such as the Stone Huntsman, are considered to have low-toxicity venom that is not medically significant to humans. A bite from one is uncommon and would typically result in only minor, localized effects like mild pain or slight swelling, posing no serious danger.

Is the False Wolf Spider found in Greece?

Yes, the Zoropsis spider, often called the False Wolf Spider, is found in Greece. It is frequently mistaken for a true wolf spider because of its similar size and coloration. While its appearance can be startling, its venom is not considered dangerous to humans, causing only minor localized reactions.

Spiders in Greece

Common Spiders in Greece

Biggest Spiders in Greece