Hawaii is home to over 200 species of spiders, with some of them originally being from other parts of the world.
This article will take a look at 39 species in Hawaii, and what there is to learn about each one. The spiders in Hawaii are just a few that inhabit the earth, as there are over 45,000 species to be found.
With so many spiders in the world, there are endless species you may come across. A spider is identifiable by its body shape, size, color, webbing, and behavior.
Fall is the season when you can find spiders becoming active, but they are spotted throughout the year. Let’s take a look at 39 spiders in Hawaii that you may find, and what there is to know about each of them.
In Hawaii, there are many spiders that live in other parts of the world, but also a few species that you can only find on these islands.
Table of Contents
Spiders in Hawaii
1. Gray Wall Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Menemerus bivittatus
- Other Names: Gray jumping spider
- Adult Size: 8 to 10 mm (0.31 to 0.39 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Gray Wall Jumping spiders are a species of Salticidae that lives in Hawaii but is originally native to Africa.
Gray Wall Jumping spiders are now found across the globe and are common in tropical habitats. On vertical surfaces like trees, fences, and the sides of buildings where this spider is often found.
As its name suggests gray wall jumpers are gray, with males and females looking slightly different. Males have darker colors with a dark stripe running down their abdomen.
The males’ dark stripes split into two on their cephalothorax, and run down the sides of their bodies. Females have a lighter cream-gray color, with dark stripes bordering the sides of their bodies. Small hairs cover this medium-sized species’ body and dark bands on their legs.
Gray wall-jumping spiders are active during the day and spend this period hunting for food. Like other similar species, this jumping spider uses its fast leaps to capture insects.
Animals like flies, crane flies, moths, and grasshoppers are just a few of the things they eat. Using their excellent vision and quick movements, they are able to take out small and larger insects effectively.
2. Cosmopolitan Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Ascyltus pterygodes
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 6 to 9 mm (0.23 to 0.35 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The Cosmopolitan jumping spider is a native species of Hawaii and lives in moist forest habitats. This spider has been regularly found in the Laupahoehoe region of Hawaii Island.
Wet grasslands, forests near lakes, and mountainous regions are habitats they prefer. Fall and summer are when this species is seen most, and it becomes inactive during the spring season.
Due to its large size and vibrant coloring, this spider is easily identifiable, but they are a rare species to come across. Cosmopolitan jumping spiders have dark reddish brown coloring, with iridescent green color on their head and abdomen. Small silver hairs cover this spider’s body, and they have an orange shade covering their eyes.
When this rare spider is spotted it is during the day, on plants and vegetation. Occasionally this spider makes its way indoors looking for food to eat.
Small insects they come across like flies, other spiders, and beetles are what this spider feeds on.
3. Bold Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Phidippus audax
- Other Names: Daring jumping spider
- Adult Size: 6 to 19 mm (0.23 to 0.74 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20 to $30
Bold jumping spiders are a species that lives in Hawaii but are originally native to North America. Due to its adaptability, this spider lives across a variety of habitats like woodlands, grasslands, and fields.
Bold jumping spiders are also common in urban area habitats. They spend their time on vertical surfaces like walls, trees, and fences.
The bold jumping spider has black coloring and is covered in white tufts of hair. This species has large fangs, with green iridescent coloring.
Bold jumping spiders have white spots that appear on their abdomen, but these spots can also be orange or yellow in younger specimens. The bold jumping spider looks very similar to the Regal jumping spider (Phidippus regius). Bold jumping spiders are slightly smaller than the regal jumping spider, which is also another species found in Hawaii.
Insects like worms, weevils, flies, and crickets are just a few of the animals this bug eats. They use fast leaps to catch their prey and feed on a myriad of small insects that they come across.
4. Regal Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Phidippus regius
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 6 to 18 mm ( 0.23 to 0.70 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: $30
Regal Jumping spiders are a species that was introduced to Hawaii and is native to the southeastern United States. This spider is common in tropical, and subtropical habitats.
High heat and humidity are easily tolerated by the Regal Jumping Spider. This spider is active in the day, and at night sleeps in a silk web sack.
The regal jumping spider is a medium-sized spider and is a sexually dimorphic species. Males of this species have black coloring and are covered in white tufts of hair.
They look similar to the bold jumping spider as they have green iridescent chelicera, and are slightly larger. Females look similar but have an orange abdomen and head, with brown legs. Females have orange blotches on the back of their abdomen, and small hairs on their entire body.
The regal jumping spider-like other similar species is an adept hunter and uses its fast leaps to take down its prey. They also have excellent eyesight due to their two large eyes on the front of their face, and the 6 smaller ones that circle their head like a crown.
Insects like flies, grasshoppers, and beetles are what they feed on. They have mild venom used to paralyze their prey, but this spider is harmless to humans.
5. Adanson’s House Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Hasarius adansoni
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 6 to 8 mm (0.23 to 0.31 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The Adanson’s house jumper is a species found across the globe and is regularly found in warmer climates. Adanson’s house jumpers live in Hawaii, but also inhabit regions like Japan, Brazil, Australia, India, and China.
This jumping spider is active in the day, and at night they build a silken retreat to rest in. 1826 is when this jumping spider was first described and is named after Jean Victor Audouin, the naturalist who first described it.
This jumping spider is a small species, with dark brown or black coloring. They have a mottled pattern covering them, and a reddish hue on their eyes like a mask. This small spider has angular legs that let it leap multiple times its body length.
Adanson’s house jumpers, being small, feed on small insects like gnats, fruit flies, and other small spiders. Larger spiders, birds, and lizards are the most common predator this species faces.
Adanson’s house jumper is a harmless species, and like other jumping spiders they make excellent pets.
6. Pantropical Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Plexippus paykulli
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 9 to 12 mm (0.35 to 0.47 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The pantropical jumping spider is a species that is common near buildings, as they are attracted to artificial lighting. This species inhabits Hawaii but is native to parts of Africa and Asia.
During the day this spider is active and spends a large majority of its life hunting. Pantropical jumping spiders make silk retreat in secluded areas like under bark, and in corners to rest at night.
The color of this species is gray, and males have darker colors when compared to females. Brown or gray markings appear on this spider’s body, and they have a dark mottled pattern on their legs.
When hunting during the day this spider is able to take out insects twice its size. They inject their prey with venom and feed on things like small flies, or mosquitos.
The color of this species helps them camouflage from their prey, and get close enough to pounce on them.
7. Striped Lynx Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Oxyopidae
- Scientific Name: Oxyopes salticus
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 4 to 7 mm (0.15 to 0.27 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The striped lynx spiders are an abundant species in Hawaii. The main island and island of Maui is where this spider can be found in the state.
Areas with high vegetation are where this spider is abundant, and they are sometimes confused for jumping spiders. Striped lynx spiders are very agile and quickly move around grassy terrains. They are called lynx spiders since they move quickly like a cat.
A medium-sized to small spider, this species has tan or cream coloring. They have long legs, with thick hairs sticking out the sides of their body.
Their abdomens are small and pointed and get extremely large when females are gravid. Pregnant females lay around 40 eggs, and defend their sacs until they hatch.
The lynx spider also hunts like a lynx and takes out its prey by ambushing it. Small spiders like jumping spiders, flies, and crickets are what this spider feeds on.
They overpower their prey and neutralize them by using venom.
8. Barn Funnel Weaver
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Agelenidae
- Scientific Name: Tegenaria domestica
- Other Names: Domestic house spider
- Adult Size: 6 to 11.5 mm (0.24 to 0.45 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 5 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Barn funnel weavers are a species spread across the United States, and also inhabit Hawaii. This spider builds its webs in crevices like on doorways, barns, under rocks and logs, and in other secluded areas.
This species builds funnel-like webs, with an area for them to retreat to. They are active mostly in the spring and summer months.
This spider comes in varying shades of brown and has a dark mottled pattern covering its body. Their legs are large, and their entire body is covered in small thin hairs.
Barn funnel weavers are able to live longer than other species of spiders since they inhabit man-made structures to survive the cold season. This spider feeds on insects like moths and crane flies.
Animals like birds, lizards, and rodents use this spider for food. It uses its funnel retreat to ambush insects but also hides from its prey.
9. Gray House Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Desidae
- Scientific Name: Badumna longinqua
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 11 to 15 mm (0.43 to 0.59 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The gray house spider is a medium-sized species found in Hawaii and other parts of the United States. They also live in other parts of the world like Mexico, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
This spider builds webs to live in secluded areas. Urban regions, forests, grasslands, and wetlands are some of the habitats they prefer. This spider builds a messy web to live in and uses it to trap its prey.
This spider is named after its gray coloring, and they also have a mottled pattern covering its body. Small hairs appear all over this spider, and their legs have reddish-brown bands on them.
In cracks and crevices of places is where they build their web, with a tubular silk retreat for the spider to go into. Gray house spiders stay in their web for long periods of time and are sometimes seen at night restoring their home with silk.
They use the silks’ vibrations to know when prey is near their home and grab them when it is near enough. Flies, beetles, and grasshoppers are just a few examples of the animals they eat.
10. Long-bodied Cellar Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Pholcidae
- Scientific Name: Pholcus phalangioides
- Other Names: Skull spider, Daddy long-leg spider
- Adult Size: 6 to 10 mm (0.23 to 3.9 inches)
- Lifespan: 0.5 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Long-bodied cellar spiders are one of the most common and abundant species of spiders that live in the United States. They live in Hawaii and are found year-round.
This spider builds loose, messy webs to live in, and it is not rare to see multiple cellar spiders living in a communal web. On the sides of houses, in corners, and other similar areas are where this spider builds its web so it won’t be disturbed.
Long-bodied cellar spiders like other species are called daddy long legs by some due to their long and thin legs. Their bodies are small and long when compared to the size of their legs. This spider is very thin and has a small rounded abdomen.
The loose web of this spider is what helps catch the prey of the long-bodied cellar spider. They feed on things like flies, mosquitoes, and crane flies.
This spider will shake its web if it feels something fall into it, further entrapment of its prey. It wraps up the prey that falls into this spider’s web with its long fast legs, giving them a safe victim to inject with its venom.
The long-bodied cellar spider is harmless to humans and is a common spider people keep around to let them feed on the pest insects that are near their home.
11. Giant Daddy Long-leg spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Pholcidae
- Scientific Name: Artema atlanta
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 8 to 11 mm (0.31 to 0.43 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 3 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The giant daddy long-leg spider is the largest member of the Pholcidae family, which has over 1,800 different species classified as a member. This species lives in loose messy webs, sometimes with other members of its family.
They are easily recognizable by the size of their legs, which are much larger than the rest of their body. Their web is dome-like, and they sit with their body facing the ground.
While giant daddy long legs live in Hawaii they can also be found in North America and other regions across the globe. Vietnam, Brazil, India, and England are other places this species has been seen.
While they look similar to other cellar spiders they are larger than any other species. They have a cream coloring and a small rounded abdomen. Dark bands appear on this species’ long legs near their joints.
Giant daddy long legs feed on insects that get caught in their messy webs. Moist habitats are preferred by this spider, but they are able to tolerate most climates.
This species competes for web space in the wild with other species that make similar webs like black widows, and long-bodied cellar spiders.
12. Pale Daddy Long Legs Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Pholcidae
- Scientific Name: Smeringopus pallidus
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 5 to 7 mm (0.19 to 0.27 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The Pale daddy long legs spider is one of the few species of Pholcidae that live in Hawaii. They live in webs that they build, which are usually made in dark secluded areas.
In houses, gardens, and woodlands are a few places they are found, living for most of the year. The cobweb’s pale daddy long-leg spiders build are messy, and built with loosely spun silk.
This species is named after its pale cream coloring, but they are also covered in light gray markings. Dark bands appear on their legs, which are long and thin. Their cephalothorax is round, and their abdomen is an elongated oval shape.
Pale daddy longlegs feeds on insects that get trapped in their web and wrap up their prey with silk to neutralize them. They inject them with venom and begin to feed after wrapping up their food.
If something gets close to its web this spider vibrates to scare off predators or trap potential prey in its silk.
13. Red House Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Nesticodes rufipes
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 5 to 8.4 mm (0.2 to 0.32 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The red house spider is a small spider that lives in homes, and other similar places that are cool and dark. They build cobwebs in secluded places to reside in, with a messy tangled design.
Red house spiders get their name for their red, or orange coloring, and since they are regularly found in homes. The abdomen of this species is dark reddish brown, while their spindly legs are orange.
They have small hairs that cover their body, which help sense the world around them by using vibrations. This species has a painful bite, but it is not deadly to humans.
Redness, swelling, and pain are the symptoms that may appear if bitten by this species. The venom of this spider is more useful at killing small prey that gets trapped in their web.
Flies, beetles, and other small insects are what the red house spider feeds on.
14. American House Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Parasteatoda tepidariorum
- Other Names: Common House Spider
- Adult Size: 3 to 5 mm (0.11 to 0.19 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The American house spider has a large range that spreads all around the globe and is a spider you can find in Hawaii.
Like its name suggests this spider inhabits homes but also lives in other man-made structures as well such as sheds, barns, garages, and on things like furniture. Since this spider lives in man-made structures they are able to survive round in any season.
The American house spider is a small species, with females being larger than males. This spider has a round abdomen and thin spindly legs. American house spiders have tan coloring, with a white and dark colored mottled pattern on them.
Flies, ants, moths, mosquitoes, and roaches are a few of the animals this spider eats. They feed on insects that also live in homes like them.
American house spiders are a member of the Theridiidae family just like the black widow, but they are not dangerous. Bites from this species are only harmful to the small insects these spiders feed on, unless allergic to the venom.
15. Triangulate Cobweb Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Steatoda triangulosa
- Other Names: Triangulate bud spider
- Adult Size: 3 to 6 mm (0.1 to 0.23 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 3 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The triangulate cobweb spider lives in Hawaii and is a spider that is often found in homes. They live in webs that are built in dark and secluded areas.
This spider inhabits homes, basements, garages, warehouses, and other man-made structures. They are found year-round and build messy cobwebs to live in.
Triangulate cobweb spiders look very similar to other species of the same family, as they have large round abdomens and spindly legs. This spider has reddish-brown coloring and cream blotches on their abdomen. Their legs are cream-colored with dark bands on them.
Small insects like ants, beetles, pillbugs, flies, and other spiders are what this species eats. This species is harmless to humans, but if handled the barbed hairs on their body can irritate the skin.
Even though they are harmless to humans this spider is able to prey on other dangerous spiders like the brown recluse.
16. False Black Widow
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Steatoda grossa
- Other Names: brown house spider, cupboard spider
- Adult Size: 10 to 14 mm (0.39 to 0.55 inches)
- Lifespan: 2 to 6 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
False widows are a spider that gets their name since they are sometimes confused with a species of Latrodectus. While found in Hawaii, the false widow spider also has a range in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Homes and other man-made structures are common areas where this spider is found. Like the black widow, this species builds messy webs to live in.
False widows have the body shape of a black widow but have dark brown coloring. They have cream markings that appear on their body and are covered in small hairs. Females and males of this species look similar, but the female’s false widow abdomen is slightly larger.
The bite from this spider is not deadly but may cause mild symptoms like pain, or swelling. False widows feed on insects like pill bugs, pincher bugs, and other crawling insects.
This spider uses its web to trap its prey and injects its food with venom to neutralize them.
17. Southern Black Widow
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Latrodectus mactans
- Other Names: Shoe-button spider
- Adult Size: 8 to 13 mm (0.3 to 0.5 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 3 years
- Average Price Range: $20
The southern black widow is the most dangerous spider in Hawaii due to its powerful neurotoxic venom. The venom from the black widow is around 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake, but such a small amount of venom is administered with bites so deaths are rare.
Southern black widows are a common species in the warm months of Hawaii and live in messy cobwebs. They build their webs in secluded areas like in a flower pot, under outdoor furniture, and suspended on the sides of houses.
Southern black widows are sexually dimorphic, with females being much larger than males. Black widows get their name since females sometimes eat their mate, but this is also seen in other spider species. Black widows are black and have a red hourglass on the underside of their abdomen.
The night is when the southern black widow is active, and during the day this spider hides in an area nearby its web. Insects like flies, other spiders, and moths are just a few of the things they eat. Along with its powerful venom, this spider wraps its prey up with its strong silk.
18. Brown Widow Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Latrodectus geometricus
- Other Names: Brown button spider
- Adult Size: 8 to 14 mm ( 0.3 to 0.5 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 3 years
- Average Price Range: $20
The brown widow is a species of Latrodectus that lives in Hawaii. This species has a similar appearance to other widow spiders but has brown coloring.
The hourglass marking found on widow spiders is present in this species, but it is slightly smaller in size. Brown widows have a mottled pattern that appears on their abdomen, and dark bands on their legs.
Brown widows live in messy webs and are active mostly in the warm parts of the year. They are nocturnal and make their webs in things like pots, under furniture, in corners, on water spouts, and around fences.
While the brown widow is related to the black widow, its venom is weaker, and bites occur much less often. Brown widows feed on insects that get caught in their web.
Their eyesight is poor, and they rely mostly on vibrations to sense things near them.
19. Goldenrod Crab Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Thomisidae
- Scientific Name: Misumena vatia
- Other Names: Flower crab spider
- Adult Size: 5 to 10 mm (0.20 to 0.39 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Goldenrod crab spiders are a widespread species native to North America and are a spider that lives in Hawaii. Meadows, gardens, fields, and other habitats with lots of flowering plants are where this spider lives.
Females of this species take shelter on a flower and sit on it using it as a home. Male goldenrod crab spiders spend their time wandering for a mate.
The goldenrod crab spider has yellow or white coloring, and they are able to change to better camouflage on the flower that they choose.
Male goldenrod crab spiders are much smaller than females and are able to sit on top of females’ large rounded abdomens. Crab spiders are named after their appearance and crab-like legs.
Using their strong front legs, goldenrod crab spiders feed on things like bees, flies, and butterflies, since they regularly visit flowers. Goldenrod crab spiders overpower their prey and kill them by biting them.
20. Ground Crab Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Thomisidae
- Scientific Name: Xysticus sphericus
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 3 to 9 mm ( 0.11 to 0.35 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Ground crab spiders are terrestrial spider that lives in Hawaii, common in forest and grassland habitats.
They are an abundant species across North America, and also live in places like Europe, and South America. Ground crab spiders spend their time moving around natural litter like logs, rocks, and leaf litter.
The ground crab spider gets its name from its crab-like appearance, as its legs are positioned out to its side. This spider has gray, and cream coloring, with a mottled pattern on them to help camouflage into its habitat. The body of this spider is flat, some may confuse them for a tick.
Ground crab spiders feed on insects that get near them, and grab them with their strong front legs. They hunt by waiting and ambushing unsuspecting prey that passes.
Animals like the lizards, birds and other larger spiders that live in Hawaii are what prey on this species.
21. Hawaiian Garden Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Argiope appensa
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 19 to 63.5 mm (0.75 to 2.5 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The Hawaiian Garden spider is a large species of Orb-weaver that lives in vegetated areas.
This spider builds large circular webs to live in, and they thrive in the region’s tropical habitats. Summer and fall are the months this spider is seen most often.
A zig-zag pattern made of silk is sometimes seen running down the center of this spider’s web, which is called a stabilimenta and is said to let birds avoid crashing into their web. Active during the day, it is common for this spider to be seen sitting in the center of its web, with its body positioned in an X pattern.
Females are the only ones who create these large circular webs, while males spend their time looking for a mate. Males are sometimes seen sitting in the same web as the female they are mating with and are small with brown coloring.
Female Hawaiin garden spiders are large and have yellow abdomens. Their abdomens have a pentagon shape, and a black mottled pattern on them.
Their heads are silver, and their legs are long with black and yellow bands on them. Moths, butterflies, dragonflies, and other flying insects that get caught in this species’ web are what the Hawaiian garden spider eats.
22. Banded Garden Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Argiope trifasciata
- Other Names: Banded orb-weaving spider, Kauai Spooky Face Spider
- Adult Size: 15 to 25 mm (0.59 to 0.98 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Found in Hawaii, the Banded garden spider is just one of the many orb-weaver species that inhabit the area.
The warm and humid environment Hawaii provides is the perfect environment for the variety of orb weaver species that live in the state. The Banded garden spider lives in highly vegetated areas, and females build large circular webs to live in.
This spider is named after the dark bands that cover its body. Females of this species are much larger than males.
Black, yellow, and white coloring appears in a banded pattern on this spider, and they have a silver head. The legs of this species are black and yellow, and when sitting in its web during the day they create an X shape with its head facing the ground.
Flying insects like butterflies, bees, and flies are what this spider eats. They build their webs in areas with high insect traffic and use their venom to neutralize their prey.
23. Furrow Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Larinioides cornutus
- Other Names: Furrow orb weaver
- Adult Size: 10 to 12 mm (0.39 to 0.47 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Furrow orbweavers are a species named after the furrow pattern that appears on the back of their abdomen. Areas with plenty of vegetation near water are where this species lives.
Furrow orbweavers build circle-shaped webs to live in. Their webs are attached to man-made structures like bridges, or porches. Artificial lighting is usually present in the place this spider builds its web since it attracts insects.
Male and female furrow spiders look similar, but females have large abdomens. This spider has tan coloring, with a dark brown head. They have spindly legs, with dark tan bands that appear on them.
Insects like flies, mosquitoes, and other flying bugs are what these spiders feed on. When something falls into their web they ambush it and use their venom to take out their prey.
Furrow spiders are nocturnal, and hide in a secluded retreat during the day.
24. Spiny-backed Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Gasteracantha cancriformis
- Other Names: Crab-like orb weaver
- Adult Size: 2 to 9 mm (0.07 to 0.35 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Spiny orb weavers are named after their spiny appearance.
This spider is a small species that live in highly vegetated tropical areas like Hawaii. Females of this species create circular webs to live in, while males are rarely seen, and spend their time looking for a mate.
Spiny-backed orb weavers have oval-shaped abdomens, with spikes protruding from their bodies. This spider can appear in white, yellow, orange, red, or gray coloring, and they have dimple holes on its abdomen.
Active during the day, this spider builds its webs to catch insects. Small flying insects like flies, gnats, and mosquitoes are what this spider eats most.
The spines on the spider’s back make them look less appealing to eat to predators like birds or lizards.
25. Triangle Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Verrucosa arenata
- Other Names: Arrowhead spider
- Adult Size: 9.5 mm (0.37inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The triangle orb weaver gets its name from its triangle-shaped abdomen. This species is common across North America, but also inhabits the islands of Hawaii.
Yards, parks, gardens, woodlands, and grasslands are some of the places this spider is found. They are active mostly in the months of summer and fall and prefer humid areas.
Also called the arrowhead spider, this species also has a triangle-shaped marking on its pointed abdomen. Red, yellow, tan, or black or colors this species appears in. Males’ triangle orb weavers are smaller in size than females and lack a triangle-shaped abdomen.
Daytime is when the triangle orbweaver becomes active, and this spider repairs its webs. The web of this species is useful for catching small insects like flies to feed on. When something falls into their web they ambush their prey and use their venom to neutralize them.
26. Trashline Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Cyclosa turbinata
- Other Names: Humped Trashline Orbweaver
- Adult Size: 3.17 to 6.35 mm (0.12 to 0.25 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The line of trash that runs down the center of this species’ web is what gives this species its name. This spider puts debris like insect bodies, leaves, and other plant material in its web.
The debris in this spider’s web makes it hard to distinguish the trash from the spider itself. Grasslands, meadows, parks, gardens, and other similar vegetated areas are where this spider lives.
Trashline orb weavers are a small species and have tan coloring. They have cream and dark mottled patterns covering them.
The trashline that is found in this spider’s web is unique among orb weavers and looks similar to bird droppings to potential predators that feed on this spider. Birds, lizards, and rodents are what may prey on this species in the wild.
Trashline orb weavers like other similar species feed on small insects like flies that get trapped in their web.
27. Western Spotted Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Neoscona oaxacensis
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 9 to 17 mm (0.35 to 0.66)
- Lifespan: 1 to 3 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
In Hawaii, the Western spotted orbweaver is just one of the many orb-weaving species that live in that region, but they also inhabit North America and Central America.
This spider is active in the warm months of summer and builds an orb-shaped web to live in. Vegetated places like gardens, forests, and grasslands are where this species can be found.
Western spotted orb weavers have bulbous abdomens and spindly legs. The color of this spider ranges from tan to gray, and they have a cream thick stripe that runs down their abdomen. Cream spots and a mottled pattern also appear on this species.
Insects like moths, mosquitoes, and other nocturnal bugs are what are eaten by this spider. They use their web to catch their prey and inject them with venom. Birds and wasps are what primarily feed on this orbweaver.
28. Arabesque Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Neoscona arabesca
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 5 to 7 mm (0.19 to 0.27 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The Arabesque orbweaver is a species named after the swirling arabesque pattern that appears on this spider’s back. They are common in the United States in the summer and fall months, and also live on the Hawaii islands.
Females of this species create circular webs to live in. Males wander for a mate and are not seen as often.
This spider has a tan, gray, yellow, and orangish coloring, with a bulbous abdomen. They have thick hairs covering their body, and their coloring helps them camouflage into their habitat.
This spider is active at night, and during the day hides in a retreat nearby its web. Insects like flies, mosquitoes, and moths are what they feed on.
29. Orchard Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Tetragnathidae
- Scientific Name: Leucauge venusta
- Other Names: Orchard spider
- Adult Size: 3.5 to 7.5 mm (0.13 to 0.29 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20
The orchard orbweaver is a common spider in the eastern United States but is also a species that lives in Hawaii.
Areas with ample vegetation and warm temperatures are where this species lives, and they come out in the summer and fall months. Orchard orbweavers build large webs to live in, supported by the vegetation around them.
Green, silver, yellow, red, and orange are the colors that appear on this spider. They have an elongated abdomen and long spindly legs. The main color of this spider is green, and males are the smaller of the sexes.
Areas with high insect traffic are where this spider is found, and they feed on the ones that get caught in their web. They are harmless to humans but have mild venom that they use on their prey.
30. Pantropical Huntsman Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Sparassidae
- Scientific Name: Heteropoda venatoria
- Other Names: Huntsman spider, Cane Spider
- Adult Size: 22 to 28 mm (0.86 to 1.1 inches)
- Lifespan: 2.5 years
- Average Price Range: $40
Pantropical huntsman spiders are the largest spider that you can find in Hawaii and are originally from Asia.
This species lives in tropical habitats, in areas with lots of vegetation. They are active at night, and their flat body gives them the ability to squeeze their way into homes.
Pantropical huntsman spiders have a leg span of up to 5 inches and have tan coloring. Their legs are their longest feature, and much larger when compared to their smaller bodies. Dark markings appear on this species, with bands appearing on their legs.
Huntsman spiders are aggressive hunters and use their size and speed to take down a myriad of prey. Other spiders, small frogs, and insects are a few of the things they eat.
This spider has large fangs, but its venom is harmless to humans. Even around people, this spider is docile and rarely bites.
31. Mediterranean Recluse
- Experience Level: Advanced
- Family: Sicariidae
- Scientific Name: Loxosceles rufescens
- Other Names: Mediterranean Fiddle-Back Spider
- Adult Size: 7 to 7.5 mm (0.27 to 0.29 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 3 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The Mediterranean recluse is a species native to the Mediterranean area of Asia but also lives in Hawaii. This spider-like brown recluse is feared due to the potent necrotic venom it possesses.
Dry and warm areas are where this spider prefers to live, and they are active at night. During the day this spider hides under debris like woodpiles or cardboard.
The Mediterranean recluse like the brown recluse is identifiable by the violin-shaped marking that appears on its cephalothorax, but this marking is much fainter.
This spider has tan coloring and no other markings that appear on it. Males and females of this species look similar, but females are bigger while males have longer legs.
Insects like silverfish, roaches, and other spiders are what this species feeds on. They use their venom to take out their prey, but they may also bite humans if provoked.
Redness, swelling, lesions, and the death of skin tissue are some symptoms of this spider bite. Being a recluse spider its venom is much stronger than most other spiders.
32. Hawaiian Happyface Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Theridion grallator
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 5 mm (0.20 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The Hawaiian happy face spider lives in the vegetated forests of Hawaii and is named after the happy face pattern that appears on its abdomen.
This spider is a small species with long legs. They have pale yellow or green translucent coloring, with red and black markings on their back.
Under leaves, and other foliage is where this spider lives. They are primarily active at night, and feed on small insects they come across.
Wet areas with slippery vegetation are where this spider prefers to live. Caterpillars, other spiders, and invasive frogs in Hawaii are the main predators that threaten these Hawaiian happy-faced spiders on the islands.
33. Kaua’i Cave Wolf Spider (Adelocosa anops)
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Lycosidae
- Scientific Name: Adelocosa anops
- Other Names: Blind Spider
- Adult Size: 20 mm (0.8 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The Hawaiian islands are one of the few places that house the Kaua’i Cave wolf spider. This species is also called the blind spider, although wolf spiders are known for their good eyesight this species has none.
Caves are where this species lives, and they need plenty of moisture in their environment. Being a rare species, this spider is not seen often and is also considered endangered.
Cave wolf spiders are medium-sized spiders and are identifiable by their lack of eyes. This spider lives in places that are inaccessible to humans, so it is not seen often.
Tan, brown, or orange are the colors of this spider, and they have pale hairs covering them. Similar to other wolf spider species this spider will carry its spiderlings on its back when they hatch.
When breeding they are only able to lay around 15 to 30 eggs, unlike the hundreds that other wolf spiders can lay.
While blind this wolf spider hunts using vibrations and chemical signals it is able to sense. They feed on small animals in caves like other spiders and roaches.
The lack of habitats suitable for this species and other spiders is the Kaua’i cave wolf spiders’ biggest threat.
34. Nihoa Trapdoor Spider
- Experience Level: Advanced
- Family: Barychelidae
- Scientific Name: Nihoa mahina
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 15 to 21 mm (0.59 to 0.83 inches)
- Lifespan: 5 to 20 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The Nihoa trapdoor spider is native to Nihoa Hawaii and is a secretive species. This spider spends its life in its burrow that it digs with its jaws.
The burrows of this spider are lined with silk and covered with a lid door. The homes of these spiders are made near rocky areas which help hide them.
Nihoa trapdoor spiders are a robust species, with dark brown to black coloring. This spider has large fangs and long legs. Males and females look similar, but females are bigger than males with larger abdomens.
The night is when this spider is active, and they wait at the edge of their burrow to grab food. Prey like roaches, other insects, and arthropods are ambushed by this spider when they get near its burrow and fed on it.
Rarely seen since they do not leave their burrow often, Nihoa trapdoor spider males are sometimes seen looking for a mate wandering.
35. Woodlouse Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Dysderidae
- Scientific Name: Dysdera crocata
- Other Names: Woodlouse hunter, sowbug killer
- Adult Size: 9 to 3 mm (0.35 to 0.59 inches)
- Lifespan: 2 to 5 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Woodlouse spiders are widespread spiders, found in Hawaii, and other regions of the United States. This spider lives in moist dark places and feeds on woodlouse.
They live in areas where woodlice are likely to be in backyards and moist forest floors. This spider is active at night, and during the day hides in a silk rotation. They sometimes find their way into homes looking for shelter or food.
The head and legs of this spider are red, while its round abdomen is tan. The fangs on the woodlouse spider are large as they are used for piercing the exoskeleton of animals like woodlice. Bites from this species are mildly painful due to their large fangs, but their venom is weak.
Other animals like roaches, centipedes, and other spiders are other things this species eats. Predators of the woodlouse spider include other spiders and rodents.
36. Red-spotted Ant-mimic Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Corinnidae
- Scientific Name: Castianeira descripta
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 13 mm (0.51 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The red-spotted ant mimic spider gets its name since it copies the look of an ant. This spider moves very slowly like an ant, and also lifts its two front legs to make it look as if they have an antenna.
Looking like an ant helps this spider get close to them so it can prey on them. This spider is a mimic of large ants like the carpenter or velvet ant.
The red-spotted ant-mimic spider is jet black and has a red marking on its back similar to that of a red-back spider. They have large legs and a rounded abdomen. While it has the same coloring as the black widow, this spider is not dangerous to humans.
Ants are what this species preys on often, but they also eat other smaller insects and spiders. The venom of this species is used to take down its prey, and they are ambush hunters.
37. Yellow Sac Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Clubionidae
- Scientific Name: Cheiracanthium mildei
- Other Names: Long-legged Sac Spider
- Adult Size: 5 to 10 mm (0.19 to 0.39 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Yellow sac spiders live across North America but are also a spider that you can find in Hawaii. This species is nocturnal, and during the day rests in a silk sac.
Yellow sac spiders live in areas with natural debris like rocks, logs, and litter for them to hide under. They also are known for making their way into homes, and even hiding under things like laundry piles.
Yellow sac spiders have yellow, cream, or beige coloring. They have round abdomens, and large legs to help them traverse different areas. Yellow Sac spiders have large fangs that give a painful bite, and venom that is slightly necrotic.
The venom of this species is mildly toxic to humans and kills the insects that it hunts. Yellow sac spiders feed on other spiders, roaches, insect larvae, and even their own young.
The smell of gasoline attracts this species, so they are sometimes seen near cars and fuel tanks.
38. Eastern Parsons Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Gnaphosidae
- Scientific Name: Herpyllus ecclesiasticus
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 5 to 12.7 mm (0.2 to 0.5 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The eastern parson spider is a species that can be found in Hawaii but is also common in the eastern United States.
This species is nocturnal, and during the day hides in a silk retreat it makes. Eastern parson spiders become inactive in the cold but can be seen for most of the year.
This species is medium-sized, with black coloring. They have white markings on their head and abdomen, with large spinnerets at the end of their body. They are covered in small hairs and have large legs that help them traverse their habitat.
Insects are what this species eats, and they spend their time wandering at night looking for food. On some occasions, this spider sometimes makes its way into homes and can be found on walls.
They ambush and kill prey they come across. This species is harmless, and its venom is only deadly to the small insects they feed on.
39. Spitting Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Scytodidae
- Scientific Name: Scytodes thoracica
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 6 to 18 mm (0.25 to 0.75 inches)
- Lifespan: 1.5 to 4 years
- Average Price Range: $30
Spitting spiders are a spider that lives across the globe, and is found in Hawaii. This spider is nocturnal, and during this period spends its time looking for a few.
What makes this spider unique is it has the ability to spit liquid venom and silk to wrap up its prey. This spider spits its substance at a quick speed of 28 meters per second.
Tan in color, this species also has dark brown markings that cover its body. Their legs are long and thin, with dark bands on them.
The two front legs of this spider are longer than the rest of their legs and are used to assist in aiming their spit. While most spiders have eight eyes, the spitting spider has six grouped in pairs of two on its face.
Spitting spiders feed on other spiders, flies, mosquitoes, and other insects they come across. While this species is a deadly hunter of the night, they are harmless to humans.
FAQ
How Many Spiders Species Live in Hawaii?
There are around 205 species of spiders that live in Hawaii, many of which are invasive. In Hawaii, around 37% of species that live on the islands have made their way from other regions of the world.
New species are being discovered as the year’s pass, with some also losing their populations. Hawaii is also filled with spiders native to the tropical islands, and are not found anywhere else in the world, as well as other common species.
What Is The Most Dangerous Spider in Hawaii?
The southern black widow is the most dangerous spider in Hawaii, and its venom is more potent than any other species. While almost all species of spiders have, bites from most of them are harmless.
A spider’s bite is usually similar, to or less dangerous than that of a bee sting, unless allergic to these animals’ venom. The Southern black widow is Hawaii’s most dangerous spider, due to its powerful neurotoxic venom.
Its venom is around 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake, but bites are less severe since black widows administer less venom. Latrodectism is the illness caused by the venom of the black widow and causes symptoms such as cramping, nausea, vomiting, sweating, pain, redness, swelling, and tremors.
Bites for everyone are different, and medical treatment and anti-venom make it so deaths are rare from this spider.
What Spider In Hawaii is the Largest?
The Pantropical huntsman spider is the largest spider in Hawaii. This species is a member of the Sparassidae family or the Huntsman spider family.
Pantropical huntsman spiders can grow up to 2.2 to 2.8 cm in body size (0.86 to 0.94 inches) and have a leg span capable of being up to 12.7cm large (5 inches).
Wrapping up
Hawaii has over 200 spiders, and each of them is important in keeping a balanced ecosystem within the state’s tropical habitats. Spiders play an important role in controlling the population of pests insects.
Most species whether using webs or actively hunting mainly feed on insects, and are essential in keeping some bugs from overpopulating. Spiders are also used as a food source by animals like birds, lizards, and rodents.
Having spiders around the house is a way to naturally reduce the pests and insects that are near. Even with the benefits spiders provide fear is a common feeling people get when spotting one of these eight-legged creatures.
The fear of spiders is often misplaced since while most have venom, only a select few are dangerous to humans. Learning different species is useful for knowing which ones are dangerous, but it also gives you a chance to learn the many interesting things there are to know about spiders.
Spiders in the closest states