Spiders in Israel

Israel is one of the most visited places in the world and many people visit it for a wide array of reasons; one of these reasons are to experience its diverse wildlife. The country’s mixed tropical and temperate zones make it a perfect place for all sorts of living creatures including the Syrian Brown Bear, Arabian Ostrich, and some of the most notorious spider species like the Mediterranean Recluse Spider and Mediterranean False Black Widow. Get to know more about different spider species in Israel.

Spiders in Israel Identification Chart

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Common Spiders in Israel

Biggest Spiders in Israel

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Israel

Bordered Orb Weaver Spider (Neoscona adianta)

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Biggest Spiders in Israel

Middle East Black Tarantula (Chaetopelma olivaceum) also called Black Furry, Black Tarantula, and Middle East Gold

Walckenaer’s Huntsman (Eusparassus walckenaeri)

Sand-dwelling Huntsman Spider / Israeli Huntsman Spider (Cerbalus aravaensis)

Most Venomous Spiders

Cobweb Spiders (Theridiidae)

Steatoda paykulliana - Meet the Steatoda paykulliana spider! It belongs to the comb-footed spiders family. Fun fact: it was named after a famous explorer from Sweden, Gustaf von Paykull.… 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 >

White-spotted False Widow – Steatoda albomaculata

Sicariidae

Mediterranean Recluse (Loxosceles rufescens) - Guess where the Mediterranean recluse spider comes from? That's right, the Mediterranean areas! Even though it started there, now you can find this spider all over the world.… Continue Reading >

Less Venomous Spiders

Jumping Spiders

Pantropical Jumping Spider – Plexippus paykulli
Red-bellied Jumping Spider – Philaeus chrysops
Adanson’s House Jumper – Hasarius adansoni

Crab Spiders

Napoleon Spider – Synema globosum
Giant Crab Spiders – Olios giganteus

Huntsman Spiders (Sparassidae Family)

Sand-dwelling Huntsman Spider / Israeli Huntsman Spider – Cerbalus aravaensis

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 >

Banded Garden (Argiope trifasciata) - The banded garden spider is a common spider with two types: Argiope trifasciata deserticola and Argiope trifasciata kauaiensis. They prefer warm places and usually aren't around in cold winters because they don't like the chill.… 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 >

Nursery Web Spiders (Pisauridae)

European Nursery Web Spiders – Pisaura mirabilis

Tarantulas

Middle East Black Tarantula – Chaetopelma olivaceum

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most venomous spiders in Israel?

The most venomous spiders in Israel include the Mediterranean Recluse Spider and species from the cobweb spider family, like the Mediterranean False Black Widow. While a bite is rare, their venom can be medically significant. If a bite from one of these spiders is suspected, seek immediate professional medical attention.

Are there tarantulas in Israel?

Yes, tarantulas are native to Israel, with the Middle East Black Tarantula (Chaetopelma olivaceum) being a prominent species. This large, dark spider is found in the region but is not considered dangerous to humans. Its bite typically results in only localized pain and swelling, without severe medical complications.

What is the biggest spider in Israel?

The biggest spider in Israel is the Sand-dwelling Huntsman Spider (Cerbalus aravaensis), found in the southern Arava dunes. With a leg span reaching up to 14 centimeters (5.5 inches), it is one of the largest spiders in the Middle East. It is a nocturnal hunter that builds underground dens.

How can you identify a Mediterranean Recluse Spider?

A Mediterranean Recluse Spider is typically identified by its uniform yellowish-brown color, six eyes arranged in pairs, and a darker violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax. These spiders are shy and non-aggressive, preferring dark, undisturbed locations. A confirmed identification should be left to an expert due to look-alike species.

Are jumping spiders in Israel dangerous?

No, jumping spiders found in Israel, such as the Pantropical Jumping Spider or Adanson’s House Jumper, are not dangerous to humans. Their venom is not medically significant and they are not aggressive. These small, agile spiders are beneficial as they prey on common household insects and other pests.

What kind of spider is the Walckenaer’s Huntsman?

Walckenaer’s Huntsman (Eusparassus walckenaeri) is a large, fast-moving spider found in Israel. It is characterized by its flattened body and long legs, which are held in a crab-like fashion. Despite its intimidating size, its venom is not considered harmful to humans, and it primarily preys on insects.

Do crab spiders in Israel bite humans?

Crab spiders in Israel, such as the Napoleon Spider, rarely bite humans and are not considered a threat. They are ambush predators that typically wait on flowers for prey. A bite would only occur if one was accidentally pressed against the skin, and the effects would be minor and localized.

Spiders in Israel

Common Spiders in Israel

Biggest Spiders in Israel