Spiders in Singapore

There are hundred spider species in Singapore. There are venomous ones, but they are rarely found in urban areas. If you want to see these creatures, you can search them in forested places. Although, it is not a guarantee that you can’t find them near people. Therefore, it is important to know the type of spiders that you might come across when visiting Singapore. In this article, we will discuss some of the common spider species in Singapore as well as the biggest, dangerous, most venomous, and less venomous ones.

Spiders in Singapore

Spiders in Singapore Identification Chart

Common Spiders in Singapore

Cane Spider / Domestic Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda venatoria) Grass orb web spider (Liprocea fusiformis) Common Garden Spider
Tube Trapdoor Spiders

Biggest Spiders in Singapore

Brazilian Black Tarantula (Grammostola pulchra) Singapore Blue Tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) Javan Yellow-kneed Tarantula (Selenocosmiaja vanensis)

Most Venomous Spiders

Cheiracanthiidae

Yellow Sac Spider Size 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 >

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

Widow Spider 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 >

Sicariidae

Brown Recluse Image Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa) - The brown recluse spider is a special spider found mostly in the central and southern parts of the U.S. It's part of a small group of spiders in North America known for having strong venom, along with the Chilean recluse and black widow.… Continue Reading >

Tarantulas (Family Theraphosidae)

  • Singapore Blue Tarantula – Omothymus violaceopes

Less Venomous spiders

Pisauridae

Orb Weavers

  • Kidney Garden SpiderAraneus mitificus
  • Oval St. Andrew’s Cross Spider – Argiope aemula

Cellar Spiders

  • Pale Daddy-long-legs Spider – Smeringopus pallidus

Frequently Asked Questions

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The most common spider found inside Singapore homes is the Domestic Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda venatoria). While other species like orb-weavers are prevalent in gardens, the Huntsman is frequently encountered indoors. They are large but generally harmless to humans, preferring to flee rather than confront people.

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Yes, Singapore is home to several medically significant venomous spiders, including species from the Cheiracanthiidae and Theridiidae families. However, these spiders are not aggressive and are rarely found in urban areas. Encounters that result in severe bites are highly uncommon for the general public.

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The Singapore Blue Tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) is one of the largest native spiders in Singapore. This arboreal tarantula can reach an impressive leg span of over 20 centimeters. It is a protected species that primarily resides within the country’s forested nature reserves, away from urban development.

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You can identify a Huntsman spider (Heteropoda venatoria) by its large, flattened body, long legs that splay outwards, and brownish-grey coloration. They are known for their fast, crab-like movements. Unlike many spiders, they do not build webs to catch prey, instead actively hunting for insects.

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Yes, tarantulas are native to Singapore, with the most notable species being the Singapore Blue Tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes). These large, arboreal spiders are an important part of the local ecosystem but are typically confined to forested areas and are not found in urban or residential settings.

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If bitten by a spider in Singapore, you should first clean the area gently with soap and water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. While most bites are harmless, it is important to seek professional medical attention if you experience severe pain, muscle cramps, or other systemic symptoms.

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You are most likely to find spiders in Singapore’s forested areas, parks, and nature reserves where insect life is abundant. Common garden spiders and orb-weavers are found in green spaces, while species like the Huntsman spider can occasionally be found inside homes seeking shelter or prey.