Spiders in Nevada

Nevada’s arid areas and long stretches of mountainous terrain make it a suitable habitat for many venomous and non-venomous spiders. They are mostly distributed throughout, though most of them are found in northern Nevada. Most of them native to this state render no harm to humans, a few of them existing here are potentially dangerous. The hobo spider was commonly found in Nevada’s Las Vegas, though at present, its numbers here have depleted. The camel spider, not a spider, though, but a part of the Arachnida class thrives in the desert areas of Nevada.

The harmful spiders indigenous to the state include the desert tarantula, wolf, and the western black widow.

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Common Spiders in Nevada

Largest Spider in Nevada

Highly Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Nevada

Brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa)

Desert Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)

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Largest Spider in Nevada

Desert Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)

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Highly Venomous Spiders

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 >

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 >

Sicariidae

Desert Recluse (Loxosceles deserta) - Did you know there's a spider called the desert recluse? It's brown and is part of the Sicariidae family. People sometimes mix it up with another spider called the brown recluse, but they're different and don't live super close to each other.… Continue Reading >

Wolf (Lycosidae)

Hogna antelucana - The Hogna antelucana is a special kind of wolf spider found in the USA. People first noticed this spider in Austin, Texas. Like other wolf spiders, it has some cool looks and interesting ways of doing things.… Continue Reading >

Less Venomous Spiders

Tarantula (Theraphosidae)

Arizona Blond Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) - The Arizona blond tarantula is a special spider found mainly in Arizona's deserts and some places in Mexico. They live longer than many other tarantulas and are super calm.… Continue Reading >

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 >

Woodlouse Hunter (Dysderidae)

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 >

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
Metacyrba taeniola

Huntsman (Sparassidae)

Giant Crab (Olios giganteus)

Spitting (Scytodidae)

Scytodes lugubris

Funnel Weaver (Agelenidae)

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 >

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most venomous spiders found in Nevada?

The most medically significant venomous spiders in Nevada are the Western Black Widow and members of the recluse family. While other species like the wolf spider and desert tarantula are also venomous, their bites are generally not considered dangerous to humans and result in only minor, localized symptoms.

What is the largest spider that lives in Nevada?

The largest spider in Nevada is the Desert Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes). Known for its substantial size and hairy body, this species is a common sight in the state’s arid regions. Despite its intimidating appearance, its venom is mild and it is not considered aggressive toward humans unless provoked.

Are brown recluse spiders common in Nevada?

Brown recluse spiders are not common in Nevada, and confirmed sightings are rare. While the state is home to other spiders in the Sicariidae family, the specific Loxosceles reclusa species is not established. Misidentification is frequent, so it’s important to have a professional confirm any suspected sighting.

Where are spiders most commonly found in Nevada?

Spiders are widely distributed throughout Nevada’s arid and mountainous landscapes, with a higher concentration found in the northern parts of the state. They often seek shelter from the heat in dark, undisturbed places such as rock crevices, woodpiles, sheds, basements, and cluttered areas both indoors and outdoors.

How dangerous are the wolf spiders in Nevada?

Wolf spiders in Nevada are not considered dangerous to humans. While they are venomous and can deliver a painful bite if provoked, their venom typically only causes minor, localized effects like pain, swelling, and itching. They are not aggressive and will retreat rather than attack unless directly threatened.

Are camel spiders in Nevada actually spiders?

Camel spiders, found in Nevada’s deserts, are not true spiders but belong to a different order called Solifugae. Although they are arachnids, they lack venom glands and do not produce silk like spiders do. They are known for being exceptionally fast but pose no venomous threat to humans.

What should you do if a Western Black Widow bites you in Nevada?

A bite from a Western Black Widow requires immediate medical attention. While waiting for professional help, you should clean the bite area with soap and water, apply a cool compress to reduce swelling, and keep the affected limb elevated. Do not attempt to treat the bite at home.

Spiders in Nevada

Common Spiders in Nevada

Largest Spider in Nevada