Spiders in London

Out of the approximately 650 spider species found in the UK, nearly half are from London. None are too dangerous, regardless of their reputation. Though people are bitten at times, British spiders are not normally strong enough to deliver a proper bite. Their venom is also weaker than most biting insects.

Spiders in London Identification Chart

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Common Spiders in London

Biggest Spiders in London

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in London

Common Garden Spider

Long Bodied Cellar Spider

Common Wolf Spider

Biggest Spiders in London

Giant House Spider

Long Bodied Cellar Spider

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Most Venomous Spiders

While the venom of any of these spiders is not considered deadly to humans, the woodlouse spider can deliver a powerful bite that stings.

Less Venomous Spiders

Woodlouse Hunters

Woodlouse (Dysdera crocata) - Guess what? There's a spider called the woodlouse spider because it loves eating woodlice! It comes from places near the Mediterranean Sea.… Continue Reading >

Long Jawed Spiders

Thickjaw Spider (Pachygnatha degeeri)

Orb Weaver Spiders

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 >

Wasp (Argiope Bruennichi) - The wasp spider is a unique member of the orb-weaver family. Originally from northern and Central Europe, you can also find them in parts of Asia and North Africa.… Continue Reading >

Cucumber Spider (Araniella cucurbitina)

Cellar Spiders

Long Bodied Cellar (Pholcus phalangioides) - The long-bodied cellar spiders are quite interesting! Often seen in America's dark and damp spots, they have really long legs. This is why some folks call them daddy-long-legs.… Continue Reading >

Crab Spiders

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 >

Common Crab Spider (Xysticus cristatus)

Funnel Weaver Spiders

Barn Funnel Weaver (Tegenaria domestica) - Discover the Barn Funnel Weaving Spider, a spider known by various names worldwide, like the Domestic House Spider in Europe and the Common House Spider in the Pacific Northwest.… Continue Reading >

Giant House (Eratigena atrica) - Discover fascinating details about the Giant house spiders! Part of the Eratigena genus, these spiders may have a large appearance, but they're actually quite harmless.… Continue Reading >

Mesh Web Weaver Spiders

Diving Bell (Argyroneta aquatica) - The Diving Bell Spider is super unique! Imagine a spider that spends most of its life underwater, whether it's resting, hunting, or even laying eggs. The only time it comes up is to get some fresh air.… Continue Reading >

Nursery Web Spiders

Raft Spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus)
Nursery-web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis)

Wolf Spiders

Spotted Wolf Spider (Pardosa amentata)
Common Wolf Spider (Pardosa pullata)

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 >

Frequently Asked Questions

Are spiders in London dangerous to humans?

No, spiders found in London are not considered dangerous to humans. While a few species are capable of biting, their fangs are generally not strong enough to pierce skin effectively. Their venom is also significantly weaker than that of common biting insects, posing no serious medical threat.

What is the biggest spider you can find in London?

The Giant House Spider is typically the biggest spider you can find in London by leg span. This species is known for its large size and rapid movement, often appearing indoors during late summer and autumn. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is harmless and prefers to avoid human contact.

Which spider in London has the most painful bite?

The Woodlouse Spider is known to deliver the most painful bite among common London spiders. While its venom is not medically significant to humans, it possesses large, powerful fangs designed to pierce the hard shells of its prey. A defensive bite can cause a sharp, stinging sensation.

How many species of spiders live in London?

London is home to nearly half of all spider species found in the United Kingdom. With approximately 650 spider species identified across the UK, this means around 325 different types can be found within the Greater London area, inhabiting its diverse parks, gardens, and urban structures.

What are the most common spiders found in London homes?

The Long-Bodied Cellar Spider and the Giant House Spider are two of the most common spiders found in London homes. Cellar spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed corners, while Giant House Spiders are often seen in autumn as they search for mates. Both species are harmless to people.

Can a common garden spider in London harm you?

No, the common garden spider, a type of orb-weaver, cannot seriously harm you. This spider is not aggressive towards humans and bites are extremely rare. If a bite were to occur, it would likely result in only minor, localized irritation that disappears quickly without any medical intervention.

Are wolf spiders in London poisonous?

Yes, wolf spiders in London are venomous, but their venom is not dangerous to humans. Like almost all spiders, they use venom to subdue their prey. A defensive bite on a person is uncommon and would typically only cause mild, localized symptoms like slight swelling or itching.

Spiders in London

Common Spiders in London

Biggest Spiders in London

Most Venomous Spiders