Spiders in Nebraska

As per estimations, there are approximately 200 spider species indigenous to Nebraska, with about 20 of them being unique. Species of families like the cellar, jumping, crab, ground, and funnel weaver are sighted here. Two of the most dangerous spiders one may spot here include are the brown recluse and black widow.

In 2018, the photograph of a spider gained popularity in social media, with many calling it deadly, and spider from hell. James Kalisch from the University of Nebraska dismissed this news as a hoax and identified it as the woodlouse spider. He even mentioned that it might appear dangerous, but would not harm humans.

Spiders in Nebraska Identification Chart

Common Spiders in Nebraska

Common House (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) Black Widow (Latrodectus Hesperus)
Spiders of the wolf (Lycosidae) family.

Largest Spiders in Nebraska

Banded Garden(Argiope trifasciata) Yellow Garden (Argiope aurantia) Spiders of the Wolf (Lycosidae) family

Highly Venomous Spiders

Sicariidae

Brown Recluse Image 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 Spider 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

Cobweb (Theridiidae)

Triangulate Cobweb Spider 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 >

Steatoda borealis Steatoda borealis - Guess what? There's a spider called Steatoda borealis, and it's part of the comb-footed spider family. Some people call it a 'false widow spider' because of how it looks. But it's not the same as the real widow spiders.… Continue Reading >

Wolf (Lycosidae)

South Carolina Wolf Spider Carolina Wolf (Hogna carolinensis) - The Carolina Wolf Spider, native to America, is just one of the many wolf spider species globally. Known for being quick hunters, they prefer the chase over waiting on webs. You'll often spot these speedy spiders during midsummer nights, particularly around June.… Continue Reading >

Orb-weaver (Araneidae)

Marble Orb-Weaver Marbled Orb-weaver (Araneus marmoreus) - The marbled orb-weaver is a spider with a special design on its body. It has patterns on its abdomen that look like marble, which is how it got its name.… Continue Reading >

Yellow Garden Spider Images Yellow Garden (Argiope aurantia) - Imagine a spider with bright yellow and black colors, weaving an amazing web in the garden. That's the Yellow Garden Spider for you! They're super peaceful and really good at making fancy webs.… Continue Reading >

Banded Garden Spider 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 >

Spotted Orb Weaver Spider Spotted Orb Weaver (Neoscona crucifera) - The spotted orb weaver is a tiny spider that lives in places like Florida, Maine, Arizona, and Minnesota. Part of the orb weavers family, they usually roam at night.… Continue Reading >

Furrow Spider Size Furrow (Larinioides cornutus) - Did you know there's a spider called the Furrow spider? It belongs to the orb-weaver family. You can find them in places like North Africa, Europe, parts of Asia, and even in North and South America!… Continue Reading >

Spined Micrathena Spider Web Spined Micrathena (Micrathena gracilis) - The Spined Micrathena is a standout spider with its black and white body and spiky tummy. Part of the orb-weaver family, you'll mostly spot this daytime-loving spider during late summer and early autumn.… Continue Reading >

  • Lined Orb-weaver (Mangora gibberosa)

Nursery Web (Pisauridae)

Dark Fishing Dark Fishing (Dolomedes tenebrosus) - The Dark Fishing Spider is a special spider from the Pisauridae family. It looks a lot like the striped fishing spider. Here's something wild: after these spiders mate, the male often becomes a meal for the female!… Continue Reading >

Ground (Gnaphosidae)

Eastern Parson Spider Parson (Herpyllus ecclesiasticus) - The eastern parson spider is a special kind of spider from the USA and Canada. It's part of the Gnaphosidae family. Instead of making webs to catch food, this spider likes to chase down its meals!… Continue Reading >

Prowling (Miturgidae)

Northern Yellow Sac Spider Northern Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium mildei) - Discover the fascinating world of the northern yellow sac spider, part of the cheiracanthiidae family. With a shared name across its genus, this spider stands out for unique reasons.… Continue Reading >

Crab (Thomisidae)

White Banded Crab Spider White Banded Crab (Misumenoides formosipes) - Did you know there are spiders called White banded crab spiders? They're part of a big family named Thomisidae. These spiders live in the United States and Canada.… Continue Reading >

Female Goldenrod Crab Spider 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 >

Woodlouse Hunter (Dysderidae)

Woodlouse Spider Size 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 >

Frequently Asked Questions

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The two most dangerous spiders in Nebraska are the brown recluse and the black widow. Both species possess medically significant venom that can cause severe reactions in humans. A bite from either of these spiders is a serious health concern and requires immediate professional medical attention for proper treatment.

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Nebraska is home to approximately 200 different spider species, with around 20 of them being unique to the state. Common families frequently sighted include cellar spiders, jumping spiders, crab spiders, and funnel weavers. This diversity contributes to the state’s ecosystem by controlling insect populations in various habitats.

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The woodlouse spider is not considered harmful to humans in Nebraska, despite its intimidating appearance. While it can bite if provoked, its venom is not medically significant and typically causes only minor, localized irritation. It was once part of a social media hoax incorrectly labeling it as deadly.

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The largest spiders commonly found in Nebraska include the Banded Garden spider (Argiope trifasciata) and the Yellow Garden spider (Argiope aurantia). Additionally, some species within the Wolf spider (Lycosidae) family can also reach a considerable size. These spiders are visually impressive but are generally not aggressive towards people.

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Wolf spiders in Nebraska are venomous, but their venom is not medically significant to humans. A bite from a wolf spider is rare and typically occurs only when it is provoked or trapped. The resulting symptoms are usually mild, comparable to a bee sting with localized pain and swelling.

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The common house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) is frequently found inside homes throughout Nebraska. Other species like cellar spiders are also common indoor residents. While most house spiders are harmless, it’s important to be able to distinguish them from the more dangerous brown recluse, which can also infest structures.

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The two most highly venomous spider families in Nebraska are Sicariidae and Theridiidae. The Sicariidae family includes the brown recluse spider, known for its cytotoxic venom. The Theridiidae family includes the black widow spider, which possesses potent neurotoxic venom. Bites from these families require professional medical evaluation.