Spiders in Sri Lanka

Are you curious about the different spider species you can find in Sri Lanka? If yes, then you have to read this article up to the end. This article uncovers the different spider species you can find in Sri Lanka and whether their bite is venomous or not. One thing is for sure – there are a number of creepy crawlers in Sri Lanka from the harmless to the most dangerous and highly venomous.

Spiders in Sri Lanka

Spiders in Sri Lanka Identification Chart

Common Spiders in Sri Lanka

Red tent spider (Cyrtophora unicolor) Grass Cross Spider (Argiope catenulate) Asian Hermit Spider (Nephilengys malabarensis)
Double spotted spiny spider (Thelacantha brevispina) Abandoned-web Orb-weaver (Parawixia dehaani)

Biggest Spiders in Sri Lanka

Giant Golden Orb Weaver Spider (Nephila pilipes) Rameshwaram ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica)

Most Venomous Spiders

Tarantulas

Poecilotheria Subfusca Ivory Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria subfusca) - Meet the ivory ornamental tarantula! This unique spider loves to climb trees in Sri Lanka. With a quick pounce, they catch their food. Join us to discover cool facts about this amazing tree-loving spider!… Continue Reading >

Poecilotheria Hanumavilasumica Rameshwaram Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica) - The Rameshwaram ornamental tarantula is a special spider from India and Sri Lanka. It's named after Rameshwaram, a place in India where people first found it.… Continue Reading >

Poecilotheria Smithi Yellow-backed Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria smithi) - The yellow-backed ornamental tarantula is a special spider from Sri Lanka. Many people like them as pets because they're calm and gentle. But, in the wild, their numbers are getting lower.… Continue Reading >

Fringed Ornamental Tarantula Fringed Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria ornata) - The fringed ornamental tarantula is a special spider from Sri Lanka. A smart scientist named Reginald Innes Pocock talked about this spider for the first time in 1899.… Continue Reading >

Poecilotheria Fasciata Sri Lanka Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria fasciata) - The Sri Lanka ornamental tarantula is a special kind of spider that lives in certain parts of Sri Lanka. This post is packed with interesting facts about this unique tarantula family member.… Continue Reading >

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

  • Black Pearl Spider – Chikunia nigra

Less Venomous Spiders

Orb Weavers

Giant Wood Spider Web Giant Wood Spider (Nephila pilipes) - Meet the Nephila Pilipes! This golden orb-weaver spider calls many places home, from Asian countries like China and India to faraway Australia. It's one of the biggest orb-weaving spiders out there.… Continue Reading >

  • Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider – Herennia multipuncta
  • Oval St. Andrew’s Cross Spider – Argiope aemula
  • Decorative Silver Orb Spider – Leucauge decorate

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

Image of Red House Spider Red House (Nesticodes rufipes) - Have you ever spotted a red spider in your home? It might be the red house spider! They're often found chilling in cool spots or near doorframes.… Continue Reading >

Tarantulas

Poecilotheria rajaei Poecilotheria rajaei - Step into the world of Poecilotheria rajaei ! This special tarantula was discovered in 2009 and calls Sri Lanka its home. We've gathered some interesting facts about this rare spider for you to explore.… Continue Reading >

Frequently Asked Questions

icon

Some of the most common spiders in Sri Lanka include the Red tent spider, Grass Cross Spider, and the Asian Hermit Spider. These species are frequently encountered in various habitats, from gardens to forests. Others like the Double spotted spiny spider are also prevalent across the island’s diverse ecosystems.

icon

The Giant Golden Orb Weaver (Nephila pilipes) is one of the biggest spiders in Sri Lanka. Known for its impressive size and large, strong, golden-hued webs, this species can have a leg span reaching up to 20 centimeters. It is a visually striking arachnid found in forests.

icon

Yes, tarantulas in Sri Lanka, such as the Rameshwaram ornamental tarantula, are venomous. While their venom is potent for subduing prey, a bite to a human is typically not life-threatening. However, it can cause significant pain, swelling, and muscle cramping, so seeking medical advice is recommended.

icon

A Red tent spider (Cyrtophora unicolor) is best identified by its unique, three-dimensional web that resembles a tent rather than a flat orb. The web is non-sticky and complex. The spider itself often has a reddish-brown, globular abdomen and is typically found residing within its intricate web structure.

icon

The Asian Hermit Spider (Nephilengys malabarensis) has a distinct appearance with a long, cylindrical abdomen that is often silvery-white or yellowish with dark markings. Its legs are typically dark and banded. This species builds a messy, tubular retreat connected to a partial orb web, often in sheltered locations.

icon

The Giant Golden Orb Weaver is not considered dangerously venomous to humans. While it possesses venom to paralyze its prey, a bite to a person is rare and usually results in only localized pain, redness, and minor swelling. Its venom is not medically significant for an average healthy adult.

icon

The Double spotted spiny spider (Thelacantha brevispina) is typically found in gardens, shrubbery, and low-lying vegetation. It builds a small orb web close to the ground. This spider is easily recognizable by its hard, shell-like abdomen featuring two prominent spines, making it distinct among other orb-weavers.