Spiders in Italy

Italy is without a doubt a beauty waiting to be discovered by you. There are obvious tourist attractions but there are also hidden treasures. It is also the home of natural landscapes such as breathtaking mountain views, brown bears, lynxes, and gray wolves. However, you also need to be wary of creepy crawlies such as different species of spiders. Yes, it has a large number of spiders, but the good news is that most of these spiders are non-venomous. If there are three particular spiders you should avoid when visiting Italy, it is the Mediterranean Black Widow, Yellow Sac Spider, and Mediterranean Recluse Spider.

Spiders in Italy Identification Chart

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Common Spiders in Italy

Biggest Spiders in Italy

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Italy

Tarantula Wolf Spiders	Trapdoor Spider	Wasp Spider
Cross Orbweaver (Araneus diadematus)	Long-bodied Cellar Spider (Pholcus phalangioides)	Pink Crab Spiders (Thomisus onustus)
Wasp Spider (Argiope bruennichi)	Cricket-bat Orbweaver (Mangora acalypha)	Tropical Tent-web Spider (Cyrtophora citricola)
Lobed Argiope (Argiope lobata)	Marbled Cellar Spider (Holocnemus pluchei)	Triangle Crab Spider (Ebrechtella tricuspidate)
Fen Raft Spider (Dolomedes plantarius)	Triangulate Combfoot (Steatoda triangulosa)	—

Biggest Spiders in Italy

Radiated Wolf Spider (Hogna radiata)

Mediterranean Spiny False Wolf Spider (Zoropsis spinimana)

Silver-sided Sector Spider (Zygiella x-notata)

Most Venomous Spiders

Sac Spiders

Black-Footed Yellow Sac (Cheiracanthium inclusum) - Meet the yellow sac spider! It's a spider that originally came from the Americas. Over time, it's been a part of different spider families, and now it's in the Eutichuridae family.… Continue Reading >

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 >

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

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 >

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 >

Orb Weavers (Araneids)

Cucumber Green Spider – Araniella cucurbitina

Less Venomous Spiders

Jumping Spiders

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

Orb Weavers (Araneids)

Walnut Orb Weaver – Nuctenea umbratical

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 Spider – Synema globosum

Nursery Web Spiders (Pisauridae)

European Nursery Web Spiders – Pisaura mirabilis

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any venomous spiders in Italy to be aware of?

Yes, Italy is home to a few medically significant venomous spiders. The three main species to avoid are the Mediterranean Black Widow, the Mediterranean Recluse Spider, and the Yellow Sac Spider. While bites from these spiders are uncommon, their venom can cause significant health issues requiring medical attention.

What is the most dangerous spider found in Italy?

The Mediterranean Black Widow (*Latrodectus tredecimguttatus*) is considered the most dangerous spider in Italy. Its neurotoxic venom can cause a condition called latrodectism, characterized by severe pain and muscle cramps. While fatalities are exceedingly rare, a bite from this spider necessitates immediate medical evaluation and treatment.

How can you identify a Mediterranean Recluse Spider?

A Mediterranean Recluse Spider (*Loxosceles rufescens*) is typically identified by its uniform yellowish-brown color and a darker, violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax. It is a small spider, usually under 10mm in body length, and notably has six eyes arranged in three pairs, unlike the typical eight.

What are the largest spiders commonly found in Italy?

The Radiated Wolf Spider (*Hogna radiata*) is one of the largest spiders you can find in Italy. With a leg span that can reach up to 7 centimeters, its size can be intimidating. Despite its appearance, its bite is not considered medically significant for humans, causing only minor local pain.

Is the Wasp Spider in Italy harmful to humans?

No, the Wasp Spider (*Argiope bruennichi*) is not considered harmful to humans. Its striking yellow and black markings are a defense mechanism to deter predators, not an indication of danger. A bite is rare and its venom is weak, typically resulting in nothing more than minor, localized irritation.

What common spiders might I find inside a house in Italy?

The Long-bodied Cellar Spider (*Pholcus phalangioides*) and the Triangulate Combfoot (*Steatoda triangulosa*) are commonly found inside Italian homes. These spiders are completely harmless to people and are often found in corners, basements, and undisturbed areas where they help control populations of other insects and pests.

What should I do if I get bitten by a spider in Italy?

If bitten by a spider in Italy, you should first clean the bite area with soap and water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. For most harmless bites, this is sufficient. However, if you suspect a venomous spider or experience severe symptoms, seek professional medical attention immediately.

Spiders in Italy

Common Spiders in Italy

Biggest Spiders in Italy