Spiders in Uruguay

Uruguay is one of the countries in the world with various climate zones. It is also packed with beautiful beaches, rainforests, and terrain. As a country situated in South America, it is not surprising to know that Uruguay has differ kinds of wildlife and it includes different species of spiders. If you are planning to visit Uruguay anytime soon, you have to be aware of the possible spider species that you might encounter, especially if you have fear of spiders. Below we tackle Uruguay’s rich spider species from the most common to the most dangerous ones.

Spiders in Uruguay Identification Chart

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Common Spiders in Uruguay

Biggest Spiders in Uruguay

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Uruguay

Silver Garden Orb Weaver Spider (Argiope argentata)

Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)

Long-bodied Cellar Spider (Pholcus phalangioides)

Biggest Spiders in Uruguay

Golden Silk Orb Weaver Spider (Trichonephila clavipes)

Southern House Spider (Kukulcania hibernalis)

Silver-sided Sector Spider (Zygiella x-notata)

Most Venomous Spiders

Sicariidae Spiders

Chilean Recluse (Loxosceles laeta) - Imagine a spider called the Chilean recluse. It's known to be the most dangerous of its kind because of its strong venom. While its name hints at its home in Chile, you can also find it in places like Ecuador, Argentina, and Brazil.… Continue Reading >

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

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 >

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 >

Wandering Spiders

Brazilian Wandering (Phoneutria) - The Brazilian Wandering spider is a type of spider from the Phoneutria group. Even though they're called "Brazilian," not all of them come from Brazil.… Continue Reading >

Less Venomous Spiders

Orb Weavers

Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Nephila) - Have you ever seen a spider's web that shines like gold? Meet the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver! With 23 different types living around the world, they're known for their special golden webs.… Continue Reading >

Banded Garden (Argiope trifasciata) - The banded garden spider is a common spider with two types: Argiope trifasciata deserticola and Argiope trifasciata kauaiensis. They prefer warm places and usually aren't around in cold winters because they don't like the chill.… Continue Reading >

Spinybacked Orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis) - Discover the spiny-backed orb-weaver, a fascinating spider from the orb-weaver family. Found mostly in the New World, these spiders are known for the unique, spine-like bumps on their back.… Continue Reading >

Jumping Spiders

Gray Wall Jumping (Menemerus bivittatus) - Did you know there's a spider called the Gray wall jumper? It belongs to the Salticidae family and is found in warm tropical places in both the north and south.… Continue Reading >

Lyssomanes - Jumping spiders are super interesting! Among them, there's a group called Lyssomanes with an impressive 90 different kinds. You can find them in Central and South America and even in the southern parts of the USA.… Continue Reading >

Adanson’s House Jumper – Hasarius adansoni

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

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 >

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 >

Spitting Spiders

Chilean Tiger Spider – Scytodes globula

Lynx Spiders

Striped Lynx Spider – Oxyopes salticus

Crevice Spiders

Southern House (Kukulcania hibernalis) - The Southern House Spider lives in many parts of America, from the north to the south. It's quite a big spider! Interestingly, people often confuse the male Southern House Spider with another spider called the brown recluse because they look a lot alike.… Continue Reading >

Wolf Spiders

Light-bellied Wolf Spider – Schizocosa malitiosa
Red Chelicerate Wolf Spider – Lycosa erythrognatha

Tarantulas

Uruguay Black Beauty Tarantula (Grammostola quirogai) - Picture a stunning spider called the Uruguay black beauty tarantula. This cool creature comes straight from South America and many people love having them as pets!… Continue Reading >

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common spiders found inside homes in Uruguay?

The most common spiders found inside Uruguayan homes are the Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) and the Long-bodied Cellar Spider (Pholcus phalangioides). These species adapt well to human dwellings, often building webs in undisturbed corners, basements, and attics to capture insects and other small prey.

Are there medically significant venomous spiders in Uruguay?

Yes, Uruguay is home to medically significant venomous spiders, including species from the Sicariidae family and certain Wandering Spiders. While encounters are not frequent, a bite from one of these spiders can cause serious health complications and requires immediate medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.

What is the largest spider species found in Uruguay?

The largest spider species commonly found in Uruguay is the Golden Silk Orb Weaver (Trichonephila clavipes). This spider is notable for its impressive leg span and the large, strong, golden-colored webs it constructs. Despite its size, it is not considered dangerous to humans and is relatively docile.

How can you identify a Silver Garden Orb Weaver in Uruguay?

You can identify a Silver Garden Orb Weaver (Argiope argentata) by its striking silvery-white carapace and abdomen, which features black and yellow markings. A key feature is its large, circular web that often includes a distinctive zigzag-shaped pattern, known as a stabilimentum, located in the center.

Are Wandering Spiders in Uruguay dangerous to humans?

Yes, Wandering Spiders found in Uruguay are considered dangerous to humans due to their potent neurotoxic venom. They can be aggressive when they feel threatened and may bite defensively. A bite from a Wandering Spider is a medical emergency that necessitates immediate professional medical care.

What kind of web does a Cobweb Spider in Uruguay build?

A Cobweb Spider in Uruguay, belonging to the Theridiidae family, builds a messy, irregular, three-dimensional web often called a tangle-web or cobweb. Unlike the organized orb webs of other spiders, these structures lack a clear pattern and are designed to ensnare crawling and flying insects from multiple angles.

Is the Southern House Spider found in Uruguay harmful?

No, the Southern House Spider (Kukulcania hibernalis) found in Uruguay is not considered harmful to humans. Although its large size can be alarming, its venom is not medically significant. This species is typically shy and reclusive, preferring to hide in dark crevices and will flee rather than bite.

Spiders in Uruguay

Common Spiders in Uruguay

Biggest Spiders in Uruguay