Spiders in Maldives

It’s crucial to have a fundamental awareness of the environment you may encounter and the fauna that adorns the islands before traveling to destinations like the Maldives. This gets you ready for what you’re going to encounter, including some surprising wildlife the Maldives has to offer. It’s essential to keep in mind that spiders encountered in the Maldives are not constrained by the boundaries set by people, and as a result, their distribution may shift. If you are not so fond of spiders, then you need to be cautious as some spiders in Maldives tend to come near to people and it includes the dangerous ones such as black widows and brown huntsman spiders.

Table Of Content hide

Common Spiders in Maldives

Biggest Spiders in Maldives

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Maldives

Black Widows	Brown Huntsman Spider	Pantropical jumping spider
Lynx spiders	Signature spiders	Orb weaver spiders

Biggest Spiders in Maldives

Giant Crab Spider in the family Sparassidae

Daddy long legs (Long-Bodied Cellar Spider)

Giant Banded Huntsman Spider (Holconia immanis)

Most Venomous Spiders

Cobweb spiders

Widow (Latrodectus) - Meet the Latrodectus spiders, often known as true widows! They're part of the cobweb spider family. By July 2017, there were 31 types of them, living everywhere except Antarctica.… Continue Reading >

Crab Spider

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 >

Bark Crab Spiders – Bassaniana

Cellar Spiders

Long Bodied Cellar (Pholcus phalangioides) - The long-bodied cellar spiders are quite interesting! Often seen in America's dark and damp spots, they have really long legs.… Continue Reading >

Giant Crab Spiders/Huntsman Spiders

Brown huntsman spider/Tropical – Heteropoda venatoria

Badge or Shield Huntsman spiders – Neosparassus

Avondale (Delena cancerides) - The Avondale spider comes from the huntsman spider family. It got its name from a place called Avondale in Auckland. Some people also call it the social huntsman or flat huntsman spider.… Continue Reading >

Less Venomous Spiders

Orb-weaver spider (family Araneidae)

Starbellied Orb-weaver (Acanthepeira stellata) - The Starbellied orb-weaver is a special spider from the Araneidae family. You can often see it in places like Mexico and Canada, especially between late spring and early fall.… Continue Reading >

Gorse Orb-weaver – Agalenatea redii

Signature spider – Argiope anasuja

Family Sparassidae/Giant Crab Spiders/Huntsman Spiders

Giant Banded Huntsman Spider – Holconia immanis

Common Huntsman spiders – Isopeda, Isopedella

Jumping Spiders

Pantropical jumping spider – Plexippus paykulli

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there poisonous spiders in the Maldives?

Yes, the Maldives is home to several venomous spiders, including the Black Widow and the Brown Huntsman spider. While most local spiders are harmless to humans, these specific species possess venom that can be medically significant. It is advisable to be cautious and avoid handling any unidentified spiders.

What is the biggest spider found in the Maldives?

The Giant Crab Spider, a member of the Sparassidae family, is one of the biggest spiders found in the Maldives. This group, which also includes the Giant Banded Huntsman Spider, is known for its large size and significant leg span. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are typically reclusive.

What are the most common types of spiders in the Maldives?

The most common spiders in the Maldives include a variety of species such as the Brown Huntsman, Pantropical jumping spiders, and various orb weavers. You may also encounter Lynx spiders, Signature spiders, and Long-Bodied Cellar Spiders. This diverse arachnid population inhabits the islands’ lush vegetation and structures.

Is the Brown Huntsman spider in the Maldives dangerous?

Yes, the Brown Huntsman spider (Heteropoda venatoria) found in the Maldives is considered potentially dangerous. While not typically aggressive, it can deliver a painful, venomous bite if it feels threatened. A bite may cause localized pain, swelling, and nausea, so it is best to avoid contact.

Can you find spiders in Maldives resort rooms?

Yes, it is possible to find spiders inside resort rooms in the Maldives, as they are part of the natural tropical environment. Species like Huntsman or jumping spiders may occasionally enter accommodations. While resorts implement pest control, complete prevention is difficult on a tropical island with open-air designs.

How can you identify a Black Widow spider in the Maldives?

A Black Widow spider is identifiable by its shiny, black, bulbous body and a distinct, reddish hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of its abdomen. They are typically small, with the female’s body being about half an inch long. They build messy, irregular webs in dark, undisturbed areas.

Should you be worried about spiders when visiting the Maldives?

You should be aware, but not overly worried, about spiders in the Maldives. While venomous species like Black Widows exist, bites are uncommon and spiders generally avoid human contact. Taking simple precautions like checking shoes and bedding and not reaching into dark crevices can minimize any potential risk.

Spiders in Maldives

Common Spiders in Maldives

Biggest Spiders in Maldives