Spiders in Guatemala

One of the popular countries in Central America – Guatemala. It is bordered by Belize in the northeast and El Salvador to the southwest. It also has the great Pacific Ocean on its south part. This makes Guatemala a unique country. Location-wise, Guatemala is rich in valleys, hills, mountains, lowlands, and deserts, which makes it a perfect thriving place for various kinds of animals and insects. It includes all sorts of spider species. Get to know more about Guatemala’s rich spider species in this article.

Spiders in Guatemala Identification Chart

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Common Spiders in Guatemala

Biggest Spiders in Guatemala

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Guatemala

Silver Garden Orb Weaver Spiders (Argiope argentata)

Arrowhead Orb Weaver Spiders (Verrucosa arenata)

Pretty Orb Weaver Spiders (Eriophora nephiloides)

Biggest Spiders in Guatemala

Tiger Bromeliad Spider (Cupiennius salei)	Golden Silk Spider/Golden Orb Weaver Spiders (Trichonephila clavipes)	Pantropical Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda venatoria)
Southern House Spider (Kukulcania hibernalis)	—	—

Most Venomous Spiders

Wandering Spiders

Brazilian Wandering (Phoneutria) - The Brazilian Wandering spider is a type of spider from the Phoneutria group. Even though they're called "Brazilian," not all of them come from Brazil.… Continue Reading >

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

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 >

Sicariidae

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

Lynx Spiders

Green Lynx (Peucetia viridans) - The Green Lynx is a big, bright green spider that lives in some areas of the Americas. Sometimes people mix it up with other similar-looking spiders from Africa and India such as Peucetia.… Continue Reading >

Jumping Spiders

Emerald Jumping Spider (Paraphidippus aurantius) - Discover the emerald jumping spider, also known as Paraphidippus aurantius. Found everywhere from the United States to Panama and even the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, these spiders stand out due to their size, being notably larger than many other jumping spiders.… Continue Reading >

Gray Wall Jumping (Menemerus bivittatus) - Did you know there's a spider called the Gray wall jumper? It belongs to the Salticidae family and is found in warm tropical places in both the north and south.… Continue Reading >

Sylvan Jumping Spider – Colonus sylvanus

Orb Weavers (Araneidae)

Tropical Orb-weaver (Eriophora ravilla) - The tropical orb-weaver is a fascinating spider from the Eriophora genus, part of the Araneidae family. You'll often find it in many areas of the United States.… Continue Reading >

Western Spotted Orbweaver Spider (Neoscona oaxacensis) - Discover the world of the western spotted orb weaver spider! This fascinating creature belongs to the orb weaver spiders family and calls the Americas its home.… Continue Reading >

Arrow-shaped Micrathena (Micrathena sagittata) - The Arrow-shaped micrathena spider has a unique arrow-shaped tummy, which is why it's named that way! This spider is part of the orb-weaver family and lives mainly in the eastern United States and Central America.… Continue Reading >

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 >

Spinybacked Orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis) - Discover the spiny-backed orb-weaver, a fascinating spider from the orb-weaver family. Found mostly in the New World, these spiders are known for the unique, spine-like bumps on their back.… Continue Reading >

Mabel’s Orchard Orb Weaver Spider (Leucauge argyrobapta) - The Mabel’s Orchard Orb Weaver Spider is a kind of long-jawed orb weaver. Fun fact: Charles Darwin found this spider in Brazil in 1832. It's the first of its kind to be known among orb weavers.… Continue Reading >

Spined Micrathena (Micrathena gracilis) - The Spined Micrathena is a standout spider with its black and white body and spiky tummy. Part of the orb-weaver family, you'll mostly spot this daytime-loving spider during late summer and early autumn.… Continue Reading >

Tarantulas

Mexican Red-Rump Tarantula – Tliltocatl vagans
Guatemalan Red-Rumped Tarantula – Tliltocatl sabulosus
Guatemalan Tiger Rumped Tarantula – Davus pentaloris

Crevice Spiders (Filistatidae)

Southern House (Kukulcania hibernalis) - The Southern House Spider lives in many parts of America, from the north to the south. It's quite a big spider! Interestingly, people often confuse the male Southern House Spider with another spider called the brown recluse because they look a lot alike.… Continue Reading >

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest spider found in Guatemala?

The biggest spiders in Guatemala include the Tiger Bromeliad Spider, the Golden Silk Spider, and the Pantropical Huntsman. These species are notable for their significant leg spans and large body sizes. The Golden Silk Spider is particularly known for its impressive, strong web with a golden hue.

Are wandering spiders in Guatemala dangerous to humans?

Yes, wandering spiders found in Guatemala are considered medically significant and potentially dangerous. Their venom contains neurotoxins that can cause severe pain, inflammation, and other systemic symptoms. A bite from this type of spider requires immediate professional medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.

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

The most common spiders in Guatemala include several species of orb-weavers. Among them are the Silver Garden Orb Weaver, the Arrowhead Orb Weaver, and the Pretty Orb Weaver. These spiders are frequently spotted in gardens and forests, where they construct their distinctive, large, circular webs to catch prey.

How can you identify a Golden Silk Spider in Guatemala?

A Golden Silk Spider, or Trichonephila clavipes, is identified by its large, elongated body and its signature golden-yellow web. Females are significantly larger than males and possess noticeable tufts of hair on their legs. Their strong webs have a distinct golden sheen when viewed in direct sunlight.

Why does Guatemala have so many different spider species?

Guatemala’s rich diversity of spider species is a direct result of its varied geography and numerous ecosystems. The country’s landscape includes mountains, valleys, coastal lowlands, and deserts. This wide range of habitats provides the ideal conditions for many different types of spiders to thrive successfully.

What should you do if bitten by a Sicariidae spider in Guatemala?

If you suspect a bite from a spider in the Sicariidae family, such as a six-eyed sand spider, you must seek immediate professional medical attention. Do not attempt self-treatment. A doctor can properly assess the bite, manage symptoms, and provide care to prevent potential complications.

Is the Pantropical Huntsman spider venomous?

Yes, the Pantropical Huntsman spider is venomous, but its bite is generally not considered medically significant to humans. A bite may cause localized pain, minor swelling, and redness, comparable to a bee sting. These spiders are not aggressive and typically only bite humans when they feel threatened.

Spiders in Guatemala

Common Spiders in Guatemala

Biggest Spiders in Guatemala