Spiders in the Philippines

There aren’t many dangerous spiders present in the Philippines. The deadliest spider one can encounter is the redback, or Australian Black Widow, whose venom can cause human skin to decay. However, most spiders avoid humans and flee if discovered.

The smallest known species is the jumping spider Portia labiata at around 7-10 mm.

Spiders in Philippines

Spiders in Philippines Identification Chart

Common Spiders in the Philippines

Cane Spider Oval St. Andrew’s Cross Spider Hawaiian Garden Spider
Batik Golden Web Spider Portia labiata

Big Spider in the Philippines

Cane Spider

Smallest Spider in the Philippines

Portia labiata

Most Dangerous Spiders in the Philippines

Redback Spider Philippine Tangerine Spider

Most Venomous Spiders

Comb-footed Spiders

Male Redback Spider Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasseltii) - The Redback spider, often called the Australian black widow, comes from places in Australia. Nowadays, you can find it all over Australia and even in New Zealand.… Continue Reading >

Tarantulas

  • Philippine Tangerine Spider (Orphnaecus philippinus)

Less Venomous Spiders

Orb-weaver Spiders

Hawaiian Garden Spider Web Hawaiian Garden (Argiope appensa) - The Hawaiian garden spider comes from places like Taiwan, Hawaii, Indonesia, and New Guinea. They're part of the orb-weaver spider family, known for their beautiful webs.… Continue Reading >

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 >

  • Grass Cross Spider (Argiope catenulata)
  • Neoscona lipana
  • Brown Sailor Spider (Neoscona nautica)
  • Asian Hermit Spider (Nephilengys malabarensis)
  • Abandoned-web Orb-weaver Spider (Parawixia dehaani)
  • Double Spotted Spiny Spider (Thelacantha brevispina)
  • Batik Golden Web Spider (Trichonephila antipodiana)
  • Oval St. Andrew’s Cross Spider (Argiope aemula)

Wolf Spiders

  • Lawn Wolf Spider (Hippasa holmerae)

Long-jawed Orb-weavers

  • Pear-shaped Leucauge Spider (Leucauge fastigata)

 Hackled Orb-weavers

Jumping Spiders

Portia Labiata Size Portia Labiata - The Portia labiata spider is a really cool jumping spider that lives in many places in Asia, like Java, Malaysia, and Singapore. Jumping spiders are fun because, well, they jump!… Continue Reading >

Huntsman Spiders

Giant Cane Spider Cane (Heteropoda venatoria) - Picture a large spider called the Cane Spider. It lives in warm, tropical places and doesn't make webs. Instead, it hunts for food when the stars come out!… Continue Reading >

Cellar Spiders

  • Short-bodied Cellar Spider (Physocyclus globosus)
  • Pale Daddy-long-legs Spider (Smeringopus pallidus)

Frequently Asked Questions

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The most dangerous spider found in the Philippines is the Redback spider, also known as the Australian Black Widow. Its venom is medically significant and can cause severe reactions, including skin decay. While these spiders generally avoid human contact, they are considered the most hazardous species in the country.

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Yes, venomous tarantulas are found in the Philippines, including the native Philippine Tangerine Spider (*Orphnaecus philippinus*). While possessing venom, most tarantula bites are not considered life-threatening to humans but can be painful. For specific medical concerns about a bite, always consult a healthcare professional immediately.

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The Cane Spider is often considered one of the biggest spiders in the Philippines based on its impressive leg span. Despite its large and intimidating appearance, this spider is not dangerous to humans and typically flees when discovered. It is a common resident in various habitats across the islands.

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The smallest known spider in the Philippines is the jumping spider *Portia labiata*, which measures only around 7 to 10 millimeters in length. This tiny arachnid is recognized for its remarkable intelligence and complex hunting behaviors. Its small size makes it very difficult to spot in its natural environment.

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An Oval St. Andrew’s Cross Spider (*Argiope aemula*) is identified by the distinct, cross-shaped silk decoration, or stabilimentum, it builds in the center of its orb web. The spider itself often has a silvery abdomen with dark stripes. This feature makes its web easily recognizable in gardens and fields.

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Wolf spiders, such as the Lawn Wolf Spider (*Hippasa holmerae*), are not considered dangerous to humans in the Philippines. While they are venomous and can bite if provoked, their venom is not medically significant. These spiders are ground hunters that prefer to flee from human interaction.

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Several common orb-weaver spiders live in the Philippines, including the Batik Golden Web Spider and the Grass Cross Spider. Other prevalent species are the Brown Sailor Spider and the Double Spotted Spiny Spider. These spiders are known for building the classic, circular webs often seen in gardens.