Spiders in Spain

Spain is the only country in Europe to border in African nation. It is also known for its huge number of spiders and mind you some of them are dreadful species. Although the majority of spiders species you can find in Spain are harmless or non-venomous. In fact, some of them are stunningly attractive. Hence, it is of utmost importance to learn more about the different spider species you can find in Spain.

Spiders in Spain Identification Chart

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Common Spiders in Spain

Biggest Spiders in Spain

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Spain

Cricket-bat Orb Weaver (Mangora acalypha)

Tropical Tent-web Spider (Cyrtophora citricola)

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Biggest Spiders in Spain

Mediterranean Tarantula (Loxosceles rufescens)

Mediterranean Spiny False Wolf Spider (Zoropsis spinimana)

Silver-sided Sector Spider (Zygiella x-notata)

Most Venomous Spiders

Sicariidae

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 >

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 >

Orb Weavers (Araneidae)

Cucumber Green Spider – Araniella cucurbitina

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 >

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 >

False Widow (Steatoda nobilis) - Ever heard of the False Widow spider? It's a dark-colored spider that looks a lot like the famous black widow spider. But guess what? They're actually pretty shy!… Continue Reading >

Wolf Spiders

Mediterranean Spiny False Wolf Spider – Zoropsis spinimana

Less Venomous Spiders

Orb Weavers (Araneidae)

Cross Orb Weaver (Araneus diadematus) - Did you know the Cross Orb Weaver spider comes from Europe and North America? Their legs are super cool because they can spin special round webs.… 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 >

Walnut Orbweaver – Nuctenea umbratical

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 >

Half-edged Wall Jumping Spider – Menemerus semilimbatus

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 Spiders – Synema globosum
Pink Crab Spiders – Thomisus onustus

Funnel Web Spiders

Spanish Funnel Web Spider – Macrothele calpeiana

Nursery Web Spiders (Pisauridae)

European Nursery Web Spiders – Pisaura mirabilis

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

Triangulate Cobweb (Steatoda triangulosa) - Meet the triangulate cobweb spider from the Steatoda genus! Found in places like North America, New Zealand, and Europe, this little spider has a neat triangular pattern on its back.… Continue Reading >

Wolf Spiders

Hogna radiata - The Hogna radiata is a big spider that's part of the wolf spider family. If you're looking at spiders in Italy, this one's hard to miss because of how big it is and its cool looks.… Continue Reading >

Cellar Spiders

Marbled Cellar Spider (Holocnemus pluchei) - Meet the marbled cellar spider! Many call it the "daddy-long-legs" because of its long, thin legs. These cellar spiders love to hang out in homes, especially in attics and basements, making silky webs.… Continue Reading >

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common spiders found in Spain?

The most common spiders in Spain include various harmless species like the Cricket-bat Orb Weaver (Mangora acalypha) and the Tropical Tent-web Spider (Cyrtophora citricola). You may also frequently encounter the Mediterranean Spiny False Wolf Spider (Zoropsis spinimana), which often wanders into homes, especially during cooler months.

Are there dangerous spiders in Spain?

Yes, there are some medically significant spiders in Spain, although the majority are harmless. The most notable is the Mediterranean recluse spider (Loxosceles rufescens), whose bite can cause necrotic skin lesions. While encounters are uncommon, it is important to exercise caution in dark, undisturbed areas where they hide.

What is the biggest spider in Spain?

One of the largest spiders commonly found in Spain is the Mediterranean Spiny False Wolf Spider (Zoropsis spinimana). While not a true wolf spider, its leg span can be impressive, often causing alarm when found indoors. Despite its size, its bite is not considered medically significant to humans.

How can you identify a Zoropsis spinimana spider?

You can identify a Zoropsis spinimana by its large size and robust, wolf spider-like appearance, with a distinctive dark pattern on its light brown cephalothorax. This spider is often found inside Spanish homes during autumn and winter as it seeks warmth. It is a nocturnal hunter and does not build a web.

Where are you most likely to find spiders in a Spanish home?

You are most likely to find spiders in undisturbed areas of a Spanish home such as basements, attics, closets, and behind furniture. Species like the Mediterranean recluse prefer dark, quiet corners, while false wolf spiders may wander into living areas seeking shelter, particularly during the autumn months.

What should you do if a spider bites you in Spain?

If a spider bites you in Spain, you should clean the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and try to remain calm. It is essential to seek professional medical attention, especially if you suspect it was a recluse spider or if you develop severe symptoms like intense pain or swelling.

Is the Cucumber Green Spider in Spain venomous?

No, the Cucumber Green Spider (Araniella cucurbitina) is not considered dangerous to humans. While it does possess venom to subdue prey, its bite is rare and the venom is not medically significant for people. A bite would likely result in only minor, localized irritation similar to a mosquito bite.

Spiders in Spain

Common Spiders in Spain

Biggest Spiders in Spain