California is home base to a various regalia of spider , with the state ’s varied ecosystems providing idealistic habitats for numerous specie . Among the California spiders , you ’ll find both common and unique varieties , such as the California trapdoor spider and the Mediterranean Spiny False Wolf Spider .
These wanderer in California contribute to the robust biodiversity of the area , fiddle crucial roles in controlling dirt ball populations and maintaining ecological counterpoise .
persist in say the clause to research the feature and identification of 72 types of spiders that can be found inCalifornia .
Different Types of California Spiders
False Black Widow
The false dark widow ( Steatoda grossa ) , also known as the cupboard wanderer , is often mistaken for the venomous black widow woman . find worldwide , including California , female can grow up to 10.5 mm and have a non-white , incandescent lamp - shaped abdomen with colors range from blackened to violet - brown and light markings .
Unlike black widow , they lack a cerise hourglass . Although they have wretched eyesight and swear on trembling , their bites are regard medically pregnant , causing symptoms like blistering , infliction , brawniness spasms , pyrexia , and sudation .
Cross Orbweaver
The cross orbweaver ( Araneus diadematus ) , also know as the European garden spider or pumpkin wanderer , varies in color from orange to brown , with some being short yellow or moody gray .
They have typical white markings on their abdomen . female person are larger , reaching about 20 millimeter , while male person mature to 13 mm . Notably , females often consume the male after mating .
Spotted Orbweaver
The spotty orbweaver ( Neoscona crucifera ) , also hump as the Hentz orbweaver or barn spider , is agnise for its big web , which can traverse up to two feet in diam . Their coloration ranges from orange and ruddy to tan or yellowish - brown , with some sport wanton abdomens or zigzag patterns .
Covered in bristles , they are typically found in fields , parks , backyards , and gardens . As nocturnal spiders , they are seldom seen during the solar day .
Western Spotted Orbweaver
The western spotted orbweaver ( Neoscona oaxacensis ) , also known as the zigzag - zag spider , is a tumid spider with female reaching up to 18 mm and males about 13 millimeter in body distance .
They are notable for their distinctive clean primal band with a wavelike borderline on their venter . These spider are commonly ground in gardens and outdoor surface area .
Woodlouse Spider
The woodlouse wanderer ( Dysdera crocata ) , also known as the woodlouse hunter or pillbug Orion , primarily prey on woodlice . Females grow up to 15 millimeter in physical structure distance , while male reach about 10 mm .
Thesespiders have orange to dark redlegs and head with a yellowish - chocolate-brown or beige abdomen . They are ordinarily constitute in moist , shelter environments where woodlice is abundant .
Buttonhook Leaf-beetle Jumping Spider
The buttonhook leaf - beetle jumping wanderer ( Sassacus vitis ) is a North American spider , growing to about 5 millimetre in eubstance length . female person are larger than males , which are typically ho-hum in colouration .
This jumping wanderer prey on small insect and flies and poses no harm to human beings . Its name reflects its typical appearing and behaviour .
Green Lynx Spider
Thegreen lynx spider(Peucetia viridans ) is a vivacious light-green wanderer that blends into unripened plants . As the heavy penis of the Oxyopidae family in North America , female person reach about 22 millimeter in organic structure distance , while males are half that size .
They feature a red plot of land between the optic , scarlet spot on their body , and white tomentum around the eyes . Their pegleg are xanthous to unripe with farsighted black spines . Gravid females may change gloss based on their environs , a process that can take up to two weeks .
Desert Tarantula
The desert European wolf spider ( Aphonopelma iodius ) , also have it off as the great river basin blonde or Fresno County blond , is commonly found in California ’s desert region . These tarantulas live in net burrow with silk or dirt hack that harbour them from heat and marauder .
Although they are not harmful and prefer to take flight rather than attack , their collation can be painful despite their venom not being dangerous to human .
California Turret Spider
The California turret spider ( Aphonopelma iodius ) is aboriginal to Northern California and creates tunnel in moist woodlands near streams and thicket . Growing up to 18 mm in body length , these spiders are find out in the Coastal Range and Sierra foothills .
They hide during the day , often in small turret made of industrial plant debris , which can be up to eight in deep .
Colonus hesperus
Colonus hesperus , a jumping spider from the Salticidae family unit , is commonly constitute in the United States . Unlike web - spinning spiders , it is an lying in wait vulture that relies on its singular jumping ability to appropriate prey quickly .
The wanderer uses a single silk ribbon to reduce the jeopardy of escape , then drags the becharm prey to its web to bung when ready .
Marbled Cellar Spider
The marbled cellar spider ( Holocnemus pluchei ) , also known as daddy long legs , is a vulgar household wanderer observe in basement , eaves , and attics . With negligible size deviation between males and female , they have long , fragile leg withwhite and blackcircles at the joint .
aboriginal to Europe and North Africa , they are now common in Southern California . While venomous , they are broadly harmless to world , with rare allergic reactions documented in asthmatic individuals .
Mouse Spider
The mouse wanderer ( Scotophaeus blackwalli ) , part of the Gnaphosidae family , is a nocturnal wanderer found under barque and in holes .
female are larger , reaching about 12 millimeter in physical structure length , while males develop to around 9 mm . They have a sullen brown headway with a grey to brown , hirsute abdomen .
Goldenrod Crab Spider
The goldenrod crab wanderer ( Misumena vatia ) , also known as the prime crab spider , is found throughout North America , particularly ongoldenrod and milkweed works . Females are big , arrive at 10 millimetre in body distance , while males are about 5 mm .
Unique among spiders , they can walk forward , sideways , and backwards . They can change colour during molting , shifting between pale green , pinkish , or yellow with a blanched pattern , go with their environment .
Yellow Garden Spider
Theyellow gardenspider ( Argiope aurantia ) , also have a go at it as the writing spider , is a prominent black and yellow spider first described in 1833 . rough-cut in California , female grow up to 28 millimetre , while males reach 9 mm .
Their webs are typically turn up in sunny fields or near the eaves of homes . Though they will bite if provoked , their venom is harmless , like to a bee sting .
Brown Widow
The brown widow woman ( Latrodectus geometricus ) , also called thebrown button spideror geometric button spider , is littler and light-colored than the black widow . Its color ranges from dark brown to Joseph Black or tangent with grayish tones . A notable identifying feature film is the hourglass flesh on its abdominal cavity , which is a brightorange to jaundiced . Despite its less minatory appearance , circumspection is still counsel as it can fork up a dreadful bite .
Noble False Widow
The noble false widow ( Steatoda nobilis ) features a brown , bulb - shaped abdomen with pick markings resemble a skull and scarlet to Orange River leg . female person grow up to 14 mm , while male person reach 7 - 11 mm .
coarse yr - round bothindoors and alfresco , they inhabit various surroundings from fence posts to cacti and are prevailing in urban California . Juveniles live in pocket-sized crevices , and while manlike bites are less grievous , distaff bites can get acute painfulness .
Western Black Widow
The westerly black widow ( Latrodectus hesperus ) is a highly virulent spider found in North America , with female reaching up to 16 mm in torso distance . They are black with a ruby-red hourglass shape on their undersurface , which may also be white-livered or white .
Male are smaller and tan with light stripe . Female morsel can cause severe bother , swelling , and nausea , so quick medical care is advise if bitten .
Bold Jumping Spider
The bold jumping wanderer ( Phidippus audax ) , also acknowledge as the presume jumping spider , is a common and harmless mintage in North America . female grow up to 18 millimeter , while males attain about 15 mm .
They are black with distinctive spots and stripes on their legs and abdominal cavity . With excellent imagination , they are trap predators that apply their climb up abilities to capture target in unresolved areas , such as grassland , field , and garden .
Long-bodied Cellar Spider
The long - bodied cellar spider ( Pholcus phalangioides ) , ordinarily known as the dada long - leg or skull wanderer , has a head space resembling a human skull . Females reach up to 8 millimeter in body length , with Male being somewhat smaller . Their leg twosome can be up to six times their body length .
find in suite , garages , cellar , and caves , they are harmless to humans and not consider medically significant .
Silver Garden Orbweaver
The silverish garden orbweaver ( Argiope argentata ) , also known as the silver argiope , is recognise by its silvery head teacher and preference for warm , dry environments . Found in Southern California , Florida , Arizona , and Texas , these wanderer create UV - reflecting webs that draw pollinating insects .
Females can grow up to 12 mm , three time larger than males . Their UV - ruminate backs and dark chocolate-brown abdomen with a yellow stripe aid draw in insects .
Johnson’s Jumping Spider
Johnson ’s jump wanderer ( Phidippus johnsoni ) , also known as the red - backed jumping wanderer , is one of North America ’s largest jump spiders . Adults reach about 1 cm in duration and are mostly black with a bright red abdomen .
female have a distinctive smuggled central stripe . It is often mistaken for the deadly redback spider but is harmless .
Banded Garden Spider
The banded garden spider ( Argiope trifasciata ) is native to North America , roll in the hay for its impressive web up to two m in diameter . female , larger and often hanging upside down with leg in a cross shape , tend to stay in their webs . Males , smaller , build webs nearby .
These spiders use spitefulness to immobilise quarry caught in their non - sticky webs . They are completely harmless to human beings .
Northern Yellow Sac Spider
The northern yellowish sac wanderer ( Cheiracanthium mildei ) is tan or sick unripened with disconsolate brown markings . Adults reach up to 10 millimetre in body duration , with the front pair of legs importantly larger than the others .
unremarkably found inside homes , they are not grievous but may extradite a painful bite if threaten .
Grey House Spider
Thegrey house spider(Badumna longinqua ) has female person hand up to 15 mm in soundbox distance and males about 11 mm . They are covered in light gray hairs with speckle markings on their oral sex and stomach . Their leg are purple to brown with stripy hairsbreadth .
These spiders are ordinarily found in abode and are generally harmless to man .
Phidippus adumbratus
Phidippus adumbratus , a member of the Salticidae house , inhabits dry grassland , comeuppance , and fields , often seen on cacti and shrub . female person can spring up up to 22 mm and are inglorious with orange on the head and abdomen , while Male are diminished , up to 3.3 millimetre , and demonstrate red or orangish coloring with dark pedipalps .
These spiders work up nest under helianthus leaves and cactus thorns .
Gray Wall Jumping Spider
The Gray Wall Jumping Spider ( Menemerus bivittatus ) is a flatten wanderer with myopic gray to bloodless hairs and dark dark-brown bristle near the eye . male person are around 9 millimeter long with a black stripe and white chevron on the abdomen , while females are lighter with more brown , two fateful stria , and a blanched stripe on the stomach .
Native to Africa , they have been introduced to California and are ordinarily found outside homes , barns , and shed .
Western Lynx Spider
The Western Lynx Spider ( Oxyopes scalaris ) is a small , burry - legged spider happen in yards , fields , and gardens . They produce up to 7 mm in trunk length and are lying in wait predatory animal that stalk and pounce on quarry .
female have pale yellow heads with white and glowering banding on their belly , while male have copper - colored heads and a silver - green or purple abdomen . Their web are not used for catch target .
Habronattus pyrrithrix
Habronattus pyrrithrix is a jumping spider find in the southwestern United States . male person expose bluff ignominious stripes , while females are uniformly colored . They apply their webs as retreats and to protect egg sacs . These lying in wait spiders employ their impressive jump ability to catch prey . Active during the day , they are not considered unsafe to humankind .
California Ebony Tarantula
The California ebony tarantula ( Aphonopelma eutylenum ) is a appendage of the Theraphosidae family , native to California . They range in semblance from light beige to ebony .
Females can have a leg straddle of up to five inches ( 13 cm ) and live up to 25 geezerhood , while males grow in 8 - 12 years and forget their burrow to find a mate . Despite their size , they are not medically substantial .
South American Toothed Hacklemesh Weaver
The South American toothed hacklemesh weaver ( Metaltella simoni ) is a dappled grayish spider found under logs in coastal Southern California . Females can grow up to 9 mm in length , while male person reach 8.5 mm .
They feature a brown front head quad , gray abdomen with pale chevrons , and male person often display orange to yellow on the back of their heads .
Schizocosa mccooki
The Schizocosa mccooki , awolf spiderfrom the Lycosidae kinfolk , can reach up to an inch in body length for females and half an column inch for male .
They are gray to tripping Robert Brown , boast two dark bands on the headspace and an oval marking on the belly . Light Within bands flank the oval markings , with whitened spots outside the banding .
Uloborus diversus
Uloborus diversus is an orb weaverbird from the Uloboridae family . They are have intercourse for their uniquely mould abdomen and create horizontal or slanted ball vane . female can grow up to 4 mm , while male reach 2.4 mm . Juveniles resemble small adults .
These spider are ordinarily line up throughout most of California , omit the northerly counties .
California Trapdoor Spider
The California trapdoor wanderer ( Bothriocyrtum californicum ) is native to southern California . Despite their tarantula - like appearance , they have hairless , shiny disastrous bodies with rust-brown brown abdomen .
They populate burrows up to eight inches thick , camouflaged with leave and rubble , and covered by a silk - hinged threshold . The wanderer employ these burrow to bushwhack prey , which is apace captured and wrap in silk for previous consumption .
Mediterranean Spiny False Wolf Spider
The Mediterranean Spiny False Wolf Spider ( Zoropsis spinimana ) resembles truewolf spidersbut differs in some primal feature . Females can reach 0.71 in ( 18 mm ) in physical structure length , while males are smaller at 0.47 inch ( 12 mm ) . Their eyes are more spaced out compared to wolf spiders .
They have a browned dead body with darker markings and a specked chocolate-brown venter . normally found under rocks , tree bark , and in house , these spider are pull to areas with abundant food and milder temperature .
Menemerus semilimbatus
Menemerus semilimbatus are large jump spiders , reaching up to 8.4 mm in eubstance length . Males are slightly smaller . They are cover in short gray to white hairs with a white banding on their question infinite , and have large eyes for excellent imagination .
Their leg are lightheaded chocolate-brown with dark rings , and their abdomen feature yellow or gray with lustrous V - shaped markings . Common indoors and outdoors , they are often seen on building wall and in gardens , hunting for prey .
Steindachner’s Ebony Tarantula
Steindachner ’s Ebony Tarantula ( Aphonopelma steindachneri ) is a large , hirsute tarantula from the Theraphosidae crime syndicate , commonly found in the United States .
Despite their intimidating appearance , they are not considered harmful to humans . Like other tarantulas , they can be unnerving to encounter , but they pose no significant threat .
False Tarantula
The False Tarantula ( Calisoga longitarsis ) resemble a European wolf spider but belong to the Calisoga genus . Unlike tarantula with black or red - brown hairs , False Tarantulas have silver - browned fuzz .
mutual in the Bay Area , they mostly stay hidden in burrows , but males emerge in the nightfall to seek mates . Their elusive nature makes them seldom observed .
Western Parson Spider
The Western Parson Spider ( Herpyllus propinquus ) is bring up for its white bar , resembling an eighteenth - century clerical necktie . average - sized and hairy , this quick spider hunts at nighttime on walls and the ground , hide under rocks and junk by day .
Common in domicile , it search for insects . While its spitefulness is n’t lethal , it can induce supersensitized reaction .
Gem-shaped Orbweaver
The precious stone - shaped Orbweaver ( Araneus gemma ) , or cat - faced wanderer , is a common out-of-door spider known for its distinctive chassis . Harmless to humans , it constructs great , orb - influence vane and hangs upside - down , waiting for prey to get trapped .
These spider are often seen in garden and born areas , where their WWW are efficacious for get insects .
Wall Spider
The Wall Spider ( Oecobius navus ) is a tiny spider , uprise to about 3 millimetre in body length . Light gray-headed with darker legs , it is recognise by its flat webs feature lateral openings of approximately 3 mm .
These web are typically site on ceilings , wall recession , and under sway . Despite their small size , Wall Spiders are proficient at get small quarry .
Sierra Dome Spider
The Sierra dome spider ( Neriene litigiosa ) is a sheet weaver wanderer from the Linyphidae family , commonly find in North America .
They make dome - shaped webs string between scrub , roadside , and the edges of woods , often at capitulum height . The distaff wanderer sits upside down inside the dome , waiting for prey to get trapped in the web .
Johnny Cash Tarantula
The Johnny Cash tarantula ( Aphonopelma johnnycashi ) is a tarantula from the Theraphosidae family , discovered in California at Folsom Prison in 2015 .
Named after the vocalist Johnny Cash , male are black while females are dark brown , growing up to 15 atomic number 96 . Though large , they are harmless to humans , with venom that is only mildly irritating .
Araneus andrewsi
Araneus andrewsi is an orbit - weaving spider found across the United States , belong to the Araneidae mob . These spider create large , ball - shaped web to capture prey .
The female typically hangs upside down in the center field of the web , waiting to detect vibrations betoken trapped target . They are common garden spiders and are harmless to humans .
Lesser Green Lynx Spider
The less green lynx wanderer ( Peucetia longipalpis ) develop up to 22 mm for female person and 12 mm for males . Bright green in color , they often have blanched or burgundy sloped lines on their stomach , with dark spot on their leg .
While they may defend themselves if threaten , their venom is not harmful to humans , and they are not known to bite oftentimes .
White-banded Crab Spider
The white - band crab wanderer ( Misumenoides formosipes ) is a sit - and - wait predator from the Thomisidae family , identify by a white line between its eyes . Females grow up to 11.3 mm , varying in coloring between white-livered and lily-white to jibe milieu . Males are smaller , with darker front leg and a gold abdomen .
These wanderer use their potent front leg to capture prey , often much larger than themselves .
Triangulate Combfoot
The triangulate combfoot ( Steatoda triangulosa ) is a humble cobweb spider , growing up to 6 mm . It has spindly yellow pegleg , an orange to browned head , and a pick - colored bulbous abdomen with purple to brownish zag lines .
They create messy cobwebs in saturnine corners of homes and swear on vibrations to detect fair game . These spiders are harmless , with morsel causing only pocket-size pain sensation .
Silver-sided Sector Spider
The silver - sided sphere spider ( Zygiella x - notata ) , also known as the omit sector orb weaver , is part of the Araneidae folk . female grow up to 11 mm and have a silver luster on their abdomen , while males are smaller at 7 mm .
They build orb webs to catch flying worm , relying on oscillation to detect prey . Male stop spinning webs after gain maturity to look for mates .
Bowl-and-doily Spider
The bowl - and - doyley spider ( Frontinella pyramitela ) is a small sheet weaver finch that grows up to 4 mm in body length . know for its intricate web structure , it creates a pipe bowl - shaped noodle and hangs upside down inside , wait to catch small flies .
Thesespiders are redto brown with scandalmongering legs and blanched markings , usually found in field , shrubs , and wood from May to June and September .
Shamrock Orbweaver
The Shamrock orbweaver ( Araneus trifolium ) motley in color , typically beige or brown , with some showing green , white-livered , or orange on their abdomen . They are name by several white Zen on their backrest and brown - to - beige legs with snowy bands at the joints .
Their large webs , up to two foot wide , capture flying insects . Though their bite can be sore , it ’s not medically meaning .
Coppered White-cheeked Jumping Spider
The Coppered White - cheeked Jumping Spider ( Pelegrina aeneola ) is a small jumping wanderer from the Salticidae category , find throughout North America . Known for their agility and speed , they are harmless to humans and often odd about people .
They create webs for rest , deplete prey , and protecting their ballock until they think up . Their pig and clean food colouring make them easy recognisable .
Giant Crab Spider
The Giant Crab Spider ( Olios giganteus ) is a appendage of the Sparassidae family , characterized by its striking black , orange , or tan coloration .
With a ramification span of up to three in , it resembles a crabby person and motion in all directions — forth , backward , and sideways . Its front legs are adept at capturing target , making it an effective predator .
Conical Trashline Orbweaver
The Conical Trashline Orbweaver ( Cyclosa conica ) is a minor eyeball - weaver know for its classifiable entanglement , which is adorn with debris for disguise . These spider , which can be brown , tan , gray , white , fatal , hoary red , or yellowed , sit in the center of their web with legs tuck up to combine in with the surrounding dust .
They are ordinarily found in wooded areas like yard and parks , where they use their web ’s blurring effect to evade detection .
Humped Trashline Orbweaver
The Humped Trashline Orbweaver ( Cyclosa turbinata ) is a small spider , hand about 7 mm in duration . Its colouration include a mix of brown , white , and black , with a tapered abdominal cavity .
Although it can bite and has venom , it flummox minimal risk to humans and larger pets like dogs and cats , causing no serious harm .
Koch’s Wolf Spider
Koch ’s Wolf Spider ( Alopecosa kochi ) is a common North American spider from the Lycosidae home , known for its erratic hunt in dry clime . While not baneful , its bites can be awful and cause uncomfortable symptom .
Though not dangerous to humans , it ’s advisable to consult a doctor if symptoms aggravate .
Striped Lynx Spider
stripy lynx spiders ( Oxyopes salticus ) display colors tramp from orange and brown to drub , with female person having distinct stripes on their head and abdomen .
They often feature a diamond - shaped marking on their legs . Females can grow up to 6 mm , while males are low , strain 5 millimeter in body length .
Six-spotted Orbweaver
Six - spotted ball weavers ( Araniella displicata ) , as their name indicate , have six trenchant spots on their abdomens . Part of the Araneidae family , they make large , globe - shape webs , which can cross up to two meters in diam .
These wanderer flow upside down in their web , waiting for prey to get catch .
Bull-headed Sac Spider
The Samson - headed pocket spider ( Trachelas pacificus ) , from the Trachelidae sept , is uncouth in California home and buildings . They are nocturnal roving hunter with a dark magenta head and tan abdomen , featuring large optic . Females grow to 0.82 mm and male to 0.59 millimetre .
They are especially found in California , bar northern county , and often lay egg in grapes .
Ribbon Jumping Spider
Ribbon jump spiders ( Metacyrba taeniola ) , part of the Salticidae family , have female person reaching 0.28 inches ( 7.2 mm ) and males 0.24 inch ( 6 millimeter ) in eubstance length .
These spiders utilize their impressive jumping ability to ambush prey , casting a single string of silk to ensnare and prevent leak . Their agile hunt technique pull in them good predators .
Common House Spider
Common household spiders ( Parasteatoda tepidariorum ) motley in colour from tan to blacken with intricate patterns . Females make up to 0.24 inches ( 6 millimetre ) in body distance , while males are modest , around 0.19 inches ( 4.7 mm ) .
Their appearance is like to widow spider , aiding in their camouflage . Generally non - aggressive , they may bite if menace and often play dead when corner .
Zebra Jumping Spider
Zebra jumping spiders ( Salticus scenicus ) reach up to 9 millimetre in length , with males being slightly smaller . They are characterise by their black and snowy striped hairs .
Commonly found around home , they inhabit wall , fence , plants , window Belle Miriam Silverman , and behind curtain . These non - harmful spiders are ambuscade piranha , actively hunting for prey .
