Spiders in Namibia

Namibia takes pride in its beautiful desert, but the climate can be unforgiving. People and other living creatures easily adapted to the climate, but it does not necessarily mean you can be lax when living in the Namib Desert’s beauty. One thing you should keep in mind is that there are all sorts of living creatures and some of them can be potentially dangerous if not handled well. Yes, it includes the creepy spiders. Get to know more about the amazing spider species Namibia has to offer by reading this article up to the very end.

Spiders in Namibia Identification Chart

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Common Spiders in Namibia

Biggest Spiders in Namibia

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Namibia

Common Garden Orb Web Spider also known as Garden Orb Spider and Black and Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope australis)

Tropical Tent-web Spider (Cyrtophora citricola)

Bark Spiders (Genus Caerostris)

Biggest Spiders in Namibia

Southern Baboon Spiders (Harpactirinae)

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Most Venomous Spiders

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 >

Black Button or Black Widow Spiders – Latrodectus indistinctus

Sicariidae

Six-eyed Sand (Hexophthalma hahni) - The six-eyed sand spider is an interesting creature! Even though it's a bit shy, it has one of the most powerful bites among spiders. With its special look, it blends right into desert sands.… Continue Reading >

Less Venomous Spiders

Orb Weavers (Araneidae)

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 >

Banded-legged Golden Orb-web Spider – Trichonephila senegalensis

Funnel Weaver Spiders

Labyrinth Spider – Agelena labyrinthica

Huntsman Spiders (Sparassidae Family)

Cartwheel (Carparachne aureoflava) - Imagine a spider that does cartwheels! That's right, there's a spider called the Cartwheel, and it's found in the deserts of southern Africa. Instead of just running away, this tiny spider rolls super fast in the sand when it's scared.… Continue Reading >

White Lady (Leucorchestris arenicola) - The white lady spider is a member of the huntsman family and lives in Namibian deserts. They have a pretty creamy color and are sometimes called the dancing white lady because of their tap-dancing moves.… Continue Reading >

Tarantulas

Southern Baboon Spiders – Harpactirinae

Wolf Spiders

Namibian Wolf Spider – Pardosa namibensis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most venomous spiders in Namibia?

The most venomous spiders in Namibia include the Black Button Spider (Latrodectus indistinctus) and species from the Sicariidae family. The Black Button, a relative of the black widow, possesses potent neurotoxic venom. A bite from these spiders is considered medically significant and requires immediate professional medical attention.

Are there black widow spiders in Namibia?

Yes, a close relative of the black widow, the Black Button Spider (Latrodectus indistinctus), is found in Namibia. It belongs to the same genus and is considered one of the country’s most venomous spiders. Its venom is neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system, making its bite potentially dangerous.

What is the biggest spider found in Namibia?

The biggest spiders in Namibia are the Southern Baboon Spiders, which are a type of tarantula from the Harpactirinae subfamily. These large, hairy arachnids are notable for their impressive size. While their bite can be painful, they are not considered medically significant for humans unless an allergic reaction occurs.

How can you identify a Garden Orb Web Spider in Namibia?

A Common Garden Orb Web Spider (Argiope australis) in Namibia is typically identified by its striking black and yellow body markings. Another key feature is its large, circular, and intricate orb-shaped web, which is often found in gardens and open, sunny areas between plants or other structures.

What kind of web does a Tropical Tent-web Spider build?

The Tropical Tent-web Spider (Cyrtophora citricola) builds a distinctive, three-dimensional web that resembles a messy tent or dome rather than a flat orb. This complex, non-sticky web is often built in colonies and includes a tangled network of lines above and below the main horizontal sheet.

Are Orb Weaver spiders in Namibia dangerous to humans?

No, Orb Weaver spiders (family Araneidae) found in Namibia are not considered dangerous to humans. While they are venomous and can bite in defense if provoked, their venom is generally mild. A bite typically results in only minor, localized symptoms like slight pain, redness, or minimal swelling.

What are Bark Spiders in Namibia known for?

Bark Spiders (genus Caerostris) in Namibia are primarily known for their exceptional camouflage. Their bodies have colors and textures that allow them to blend in perfectly with tree bark, making them very difficult to spot during the day. This adaptation helps them avoid predators while they rest.

Spiders in Namibia

Common Spiders in Namibia

Biggest Spiders in Namibia

Most Venomous Spiders