Spiders in Idaho

Idaho has 12 unique spider species of which the brown recluse and the black widow are considered the most dangerous. The hobo that was detected here for the first time during the 1960s commonly thrives throughout the country, though its level of toxicity to humans remains a topic of debate.

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Common Spiders in Idaho

Largest Spider in Idaho

Highly Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Idaho

Hobo (Eratigena agrestis)

Cat-faced (Araneus gemmoides)

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Largest Spider in Idaho

Hobo (Eratigena agrestis)

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Highly Venomous Spiders

Sicariidae

Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa) - The brown recluse spider is a special spider found mostly in the central and southern parts of the U.S. It's part of a small group of spiders in North America known for having strong venom, along with the Chilean recluse and black widow.… Continue Reading >

Cobweb (Theridiidae)

Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus) - Have you ever heard about the Western Black Widow spider? It's a special spider found mostly in the western areas of North America. They are closely related to the northern black widow.… Continue Reading >

Less Venomous Spiders

Orb-weaver (Araneidae)

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 >

Western Spotted Orbweaver Spider (Neoscona oaxacensis) - Discover the world of the western spotted orb weaver spider! This fascinating creature belongs to the orb weaver spiders family and calls the Americas its home.… Continue Reading >

Cat-Faced (Araneus gemmoides) - The cat-faced spider, known to some as the jewel spider, thrives during the nighttime. Part of the orb-weaver family, these spiders create spiral webs shaped like wheels.… Continue Reading >

Jumping (Salticidae)

Bold Jumping (Phidippus audax) - Bold jumping spiders are super cool members of the Salticidae spider family. They get attention for their amazing jumps and colorful looks. Instead of using webs to catch food, they like to sneak up on bugs and jump on them!… Continue Reading >

Platycryptus californicus

Cobweb (Theridiidae)

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 >

Prowling (Miturgidae)

Long-legged Sac (Cheiracanthuim mildei)

Funnel Weaver (Agelenidae)

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 >

Hobo (Eratigena agrestis) - The Hobo spider is different from the Australian funnel-web, even though they both belong to the funnel-web spider group. With various scientific names like Philoica agrestis and Tegenaria rhaetica, these spiders can be found in Europe, Central Asia, and North America.… Continue Reading >

Ground (Gnaphosidae)

Sergiolus montanus

Wolf (Lycosidae)

Trochosa ruricola

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most venomous spiders in Idaho?

The most venomous spiders in Idaho are the black widow and the brown recluse. The black widow belongs to the Theridiidae family, while the brown recluse is part of the Sicariidae family. Both possess medically significant venom, and a bite from either requires prompt medical evaluation and professional care.

Is the hobo spider in Idaho dangerous?

The danger of the hobo spider (Eratigena agrestis) in Idaho remains a topic of scientific debate. While historically considered to have a necrotic bite, more recent research has questioned its level of toxicity to humans. Due to this uncertainty, it is best to exercise caution and avoid handling them.

What is the largest spider found in Idaho?

The largest spider commonly identified in Idaho is the hobo spider (Eratigena agrestis). This species is a type of funnel-web spider notable for its significant leg span and robust body size. They are frequently found throughout the state in various habitats, including homes, sheds, and woodpiles.

Are brown recluse spiders common in Idaho?

Yes, brown recluse spiders are found in Idaho, but they are not as common as in other regions of the United States. They are considered one of the state’s most dangerous species due to their venom. Proper identification is crucial, as many other harmless brown spiders are often misidentified.

What are the most common types of spiders in Idaho?

The most common spiders in Idaho include the hobo spider (Eratigena agrestis) and the cat-faced spider (Araneus gemmoides). Other frequently encountered types belong to the orb-weaver (Araneidae), jumping spider (Salticidae), and cobweb spider (Theridiidae) families, which are widespread across the state’s diverse environments.

Can you find jumping spiders in Idaho?

Yes, jumping spiders from the Salticidae family are common in Idaho. One specific species noted in the state is Platycryptus californicus. These spiders are known for their excellent vision and distinct jumping movements used for hunting. They are generally considered harmless to humans and are not medically significant.

Are orb-weaver spiders native to Idaho?

Yes, several species of orb-weaver spiders from the family Araneidae are native to Idaho. The cat-faced spider (Araneus gemmoides) is a prominent local example. These spiders are easily recognized by their large, circular, wheel-shaped webs, which they often build in gardens, fields, and on building exteriors.

Spiders in Idaho

Common Spiders in Idaho

Largest Spider in Idaho