Spiders in Thailand

Thailand is a renowned tourist destination that draws millions of visitors each year. It is widely recognized for its immaculate beaches, hot, spicy street food, and enigmatic Buddhist temples. However, the nation is also home to a wide variety of strange and amazing animal life and it includes creepy crawlers like spiders. You probably won’t find any large species in populated areas such as the cities of Phuket, Bangkok, or Chiang Mai. However, encounters become far more possible if you travel to rural parts of Thailand.

Spiders in Thailand Identification Chart

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Common Spiders in Thailand

Biggest Spiders in Thailand

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Thailand

Wolf Spider	Harvestmen Spider	Abandoned-web orb-weaver (Parawixia dehaani)
Cyrtarachne spider (Cyrtarachne inaequalis)	Common Housefly Catcher (Plexippus petersi)	Banded Phintellas
Two-striped Telamonia (Telamonia dimidiate)	Black and White Spiny Spider (Gasteracantha kuhli)	Long-horned Orb Weavers

Biggest Spiders in Thailand

Black Tarantula	Huntsman Spiders	Giant Golden Orb Weaver (Nephila pilipes)
Heavy-bodied Jumping Spiders (Hyllus semicupreus)	Thai Black Tarantula	Cobalt Blue Tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus)
Giant Crab Spiders (Olios giganteus)	—	—

Most Venomous Spiders

Cobweb 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 >

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 >

Sac Spiders

Yellow Sac Spiders – Cheiracanthium punctorium

Tarantulas

Thailand Black Tarantula – Haplopelma minax

Less Venomous Spiders

Orb Weavers

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 >

Jorō (Trichonephila clavata) - The Joro spider is a big, colorful spider that originally came from places like Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. But guess what? Scientists found them in North America in 2015!… Continue Reading >

Red Weaver Ant-mimicking Spider – Myrmaplata plataleoides

Crab Spiders (Sparassidae)

Giant Crab Spiders – Olios giganteus

Huntsman Spiders

Giant Huntsman (Heteropoda maxima) - The Giant Huntsman spider has a big claim to fame: it has the longest legs among all spiders! Found in the Laos region, this spider is also super speedy. It chases its prey really fast!… Continue Reading >

Jumping spiders

Pantropical Jumping Spiders – Plexippus paykulli
Ant-mimicking Spiders – Myrmarachne formicaria
Fighting Spider – Thiania bhamoensis
Adanson’s House Jumper – Hasarius adansoni

Long Jawed Spiders (Tetragnathidae)

Pear-shaped Opadometa – Opadometa fastigata

Tarantulas

Thailand Zebra Leg Tarantula (Cyriopagopus albostriatus) - The Thailand zebra leg tarantula has unique stripes that inspired its name. This spider calls Southeast Asia its home. With 'albo' meaning white and 'striatus' indicating lines, its title perfectly captures its appearance.… Continue Reading >

Cobalt Blue Tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) - Ever heard of the cobalt blue tarantula? This bright-colored spider is part of the Theraphosidae family. Some people even have them as pets! In nature, they stay safe in their dens and only come out when they're hungry.… Continue Reading >

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common spiders found in Thailand?

The most common spiders in Thailand include Huntsman spiders, Wolf spiders, and various orb-weavers like the Golden Orb Weaver. Jumping spiders, such as the Common Housefly Catcher, are also frequently sighted. These species are widespread and have adapted to diverse environments, from rural jungles to suburban gardens.

Are spiders in Thailand’s cities like Bangkok common?

No, large spiders are not commonly found in heavily populated urban areas like Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai. While smaller, harmless house spiders may be present, significant encounters with species like tarantulas or large Huntsman spiders are far more likely in rural, forested, or less developed regions.

What is the biggest spider species in Thailand?

The biggest spider in Thailand is generally considered to be the Thai Black Tarantula (*Haplopelma minax*). This large, ground-dwelling spider is known for its impressive size and defensive behavior. Other notably large species include the Huntsman spider, known for its extensive leg span, and the Giant Golden Orb Weaver.

How venomous are the spiders in Thailand?

The venom of spiders in Thailand varies significantly, but very few are medically significant to humans. While species like the Thai Black Tarantula possess potent venom that can cause severe pain and swelling, fatal incidents are exceptionally rare. Most common spiders, like orb-weavers, are considered harmless to people.

Is the Thai Black Tarantula dangerous to humans?

Yes, the Thai Black Tarantula can be dangerous due to its potent venom and highly defensive nature. A bite is extremely painful and can cause significant localized swelling, muscle cramps, and other severe reactions. While not typically considered fatal, immediate medical attention is strongly advised after any bite.

Can you find Huntsman spiders inside houses in Thailand?

Yes, Huntsman spiders can be found inside houses in Thailand as they often hunt insects like cockroaches that are attracted to human dwellings. Despite their intimidating size and speed, they are generally shy, not aggressive, and prefer to flee. Their bite is not considered medically significant to humans.

What does a Giant Golden Orb Weaver in Thailand look like?

A Giant Golden Orb Weaver (*Nephila pilipes*) is a large spider with a long, slender black or brown body, often with yellow markings. Its long legs are typically dark with yellow bands at the joints. It is famous for spinning immense, strong webs that have a distinct golden sheen in sunlight.

Spiders in Thailand

Common Spiders in Thailand

Biggest Spiders in Thailand