The variety of spiders and other creepy crawlies in Panama is astounding. It is not surprising though because Panama is strategically located in the central part of America making it a biodiverse region. It is rich in natural parks where you can find enormous wildlife. Even the most seasoned wildlife lovers might be impressed by the vast variety of spiders in Panama. Some of the most amazing and massive varieties of arachnids can be found in abundance in the country’s tropical rainforests. One spider species in Panama that is widely recognized is the tarantula. In fact, some people keep them as pets, after all, tarantulas are regarded as gentle giants. However, you also need to be wary as there are dangerous species such as the notorious black widow. Keep your distance if you come across one in the jungles because some are harmful to humans due to biting and other things.
Spiders in Panama Identification Chart
Common Spiders in Panama
Pretty Orb Weaver (Eriophora nephiloides) | Spot-legged Bromeliad Spider (Cupiennius getazi) | — |
Biggest Spiders in Panama
Red-thighed Bromeliad Spider (Cupiennius coccineus) | Female Pantropical Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda venatoria) | Amazon Thorn Spider (Micrathena schreibersi) |
Most Venomous Spiders
Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)
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 >
Tarantula
- Panama Blonde Tarantula – Psalmopoeus pulcher
Sicariidae
Less Venomous Spiders
Tarantula
- Panama Red Rump Tarantula – Sericopelma rubronitens
- Costa Rican Orange Mouth Tarantula – Psalmopoeus reduncus
Jumping Spiders
- Sylvan Jumping Spider – Colonus sylvanus
Lynx (Oxyopidae)
Orb-weaver (Araneidae)
Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)