In the world, there are thousands of spider species to be discovered and hundreds that live in Maryland. Spiders are abundant, and one of the most widespread arachnids.
With a variety of spider species in the world, you can find many different types of sizes, colors, and traits that they present. In Maryland, spiders are everywhere, and in this article, you will find some of the most common species to come across.
Most spiders can bite, but it is very rare for a bite from one to be deadly. Spiders are very beneficial to the environment, as they have a special place in the circle of life.
Insects are what spiders primarily feed on, and they are one of the greatest animals at helping control the population of pest insects like mosquitoes and flies.
In Maryland and other states, spiders are very important and are also very interesting animals to learn about. Here are some of Maryland’s most common spider species, and interesting things to know about each one.
Table of Contents
- Spiders in Maryland
- Spinybacked Orbweaver
- Missing Sector Orbweaver
- Arabesque Orbweaver
- Lined Orbweaver
- Hentz Orbweaver
- Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver
- Arrow-Shaped Orbweaver
- Orchard Orbweaver
- Furrow Spider
- Shamrock Spider
- Tan Jumping Spider
- Bold Jumping Spider
- Dimorphic Jumping Spider
- Magnolia Green Jumper
- Black and Yellow Garden Spider
- Red Spotted Ant Mimic Spider
- Long Palped Ant Mimic Sac Spider
- Northern Yellow Sac Spider
- Flower Crab Spider
- Ground Crab Spider
- Deadly Ground Crab Spider
- Running Crab Spider
- Dark Fishing Spider
- Woodlouse Spider
- Candy Striped Spider
- Bowl and Doily Spider
- Eastern Parson Spider
- Southern Black Widow
- Northern Black Widow
- Rabid Wolf Spider
- American House Spider
- Long-Bodied Cellar Spider
- American Nursery Web Spider
- Spitting Spider
- Rabbit Hutch Spider
- False Black Widow Spider
- Triangulate Cobweb Spider
- Brown Recluse
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Spiders in Maryland
1. Spinybacked Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Gasteracantha cancriformis
- Other Names: crab-like orbweaver
- Adult Size: 2 to 9 mm (0.07 to 0.35 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The spiny orb weaver is a spider that lives throughout the United States. This species lives in Maryland, and other states like California, Texas, and more.
Spiny orbweavers create a web in the areas they live in, in a large circular pattern shape. Vegetation and insects are preferable in the areas they make their web.
Spiny orb-weavers are not as large as other orb-weaver spiders and are equipped with large spikes on their body.
Six spines come out of this species’ body, and they are also very colorful. This spider is medium-sized and comes in colors like black, white, red, orange, and yellow.
From Fall to winter this species is most active, and usually makes its web near man-made structures. They feed on insects and wait for them to get caught in their web.
The spines on this species’ body help it blend into the environment better and avoid predators. The bite from this species is harmless, and they are more beneficial in helping control the insect population.
2. Missing Sector Orb Weaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Zygiella x-notata
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 15 mm (0.59 inches)
- Lifespan: 5 to 7 months
- Average Price Range: n/a
The missing sector orb weaver is a small orb-weaving species with populations spread across the world. This spider can be found in the United States, in the southeastern, or western states.
They also have populations in South America, Asia, and Africa. Missing sector orb weavers live in areas that are less populated with humans and build their webs near vegetation.
Missing sector orb weavers have a silver-colored abdomen, with black and white markings covering it. Females of this species are larger than males and have gray banded legs. Males showcase fewer patterns and have a smaller cream-colored abdomen.
Warmer climates are preferred by this species, and they are active for most of the year, except for colder periods. This species gets its name from the type of web it builds, which has a missing sector in the middle.
Small and flying insects are what this species eats, and they eat the bugs that get caught in its web. The bite from this spider is venomous, but not harmful to humans.
3. Arabesque Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Tetragnathidae
- 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
Living throughout North America, the arabesque orbweaver is a common species to come across. This spider has a tendency to build its web next to human structures but also lives in areas with high vegetation.
Fields, gardens, woodlands, the side of houses, and barns are some of the places this spider may create its home. Arabesque orbweavers are one of the most common orbweavers in the world, as they have a large range and can be found on all continents.
This spider is small and covered in large, small hairs. Arabesque orbweavers come in a variety of colors like gray, brown, red, and green.
Black, tan, or other types of markings are present on their backs. Females are larger than males, and also have a larger, rounder abdomen. These spiders only create small webs and try to remain hidden.
Small insects are what this spider preys on. Birds are one of the main predators this species faces in the wild, but being so small they are also eaten by larger insects and spiders.
4. Lined Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneae
- Scientific Name: Mangora gibberosa
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 5 to 6 mm (0.2 to 0.25 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Lined orb weavers are a common spider in Maryland and other parts of the United States. This spider is often found near vegetation and creates a circular, orbed web.
This spider makes the inner circle of its web with thick silk, making a white ring in the center of its web. The thickened silk in the center of its web makes it easier for animals to see and not destroy it, and also makes it more resilient when it rains.
White, tan, and light green are the colors this species is seen in. Lined orb weavers have line markings running down their abdomen that can help distinguish them from other orb-weaver species. Females are larger than males and have longer legs.
Lined orb weaves feed on small insects that find their way into the spider’s web. Venom is helpful in neutralizing small prey, but its bite is almost harmless to humans.
Orbweavers are a cautious species, with birds being their main predator.
5. Hentz Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Tetragnathidae
- Scientific Name: Neoscona crucifera
- Other Names: Spotted orb weaver
- Adult Size: 5 to 20 mm (0.19 to 0.78 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Hentz orbweavers are a widespread species that inhabits the eastern United States. This species is most active from Summer to Fall and lives in wooded habitats.
They make their home near vegetation and are a common spider to see in gardens, parks, and other urban areas. Hentz orb weavers only have their web up at night, but as bugs become scarce they hunt all day.
Mating occurs in the fall, and a female Hentz orb weaver can lay as many as 1,000 eggs.
Tan and orangish colors are what the Hentz orb-weaver appears in. This spider has large abdomens with a spotted pattern on them.
Their legs are covered in thick hair, and also some black bands on them. This spider looks similar to the bark on the tree and has markings and coloring to help them better camouflage into trees.
Insects are what this spider eats, and they make new webs daily to try and catch many bugs. This spider is very helpful in maintaining the variety of insects from having too high a population.
6. Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Tetragnathidae
- Scientific Name: Araneus cingulatus
- Other Names: Red-spotted orbweaver
- Adult Size: 5 mm ( 0.19 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The red-femured spotted orb weavers are a small species with a range in the eastern United States. Maryland, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and New York are some of the states this species lives in.
Red-femured spotted orb weavers create large circular webs similar to other orb weavers. Females create large webs and make new ones daily. When mating occurs males hang around a female’s web, and wait to breed.
Red-femured spotted orb weavers are beloved for their vibrant coloring. This species has black coloring on its back, and legs.
They are covered in small hairs and get their name from the bright red that appears on their legs. Spots also appear on this species’ abdomen, and the red legs can help distinguish them from other species.
This spider is very common to find near homes, and around other man-made structures.
Insects are what this species eats, using mild venom to subdue its prey. The bite from this spider is harmless, and like other orb weaver spiders, they are hesitant to bite humans.
7. Arrow-Shaped Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Arneidae
- Scientific Name: Micrathena sagittata
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 5 to 9 mm (0.20 to 0.35 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Living in the eastern United States, and other parts of Central America, the arrow-shaped orb-weaver is a spider that may shock you with its arrow-shaped abdomen.
Vegetation is present where this species lives, and they are commonly found near homes, gardens, backyards, and woodland-type habitats. This species will build a vertical web to try and catch prey.
Arrow-shaped orb weavers are easily recognized by their body shape. Black spikes protrude from this species’ body, making it look like the shape of an arrow.
This species has a yellow body, reddish or black legs, and head. The spikes this species has helped ward off predators, and better hide in its web.
This spider survives on the variety of insects that it may find in its web. Their webbing is made in a zig-zag pattern that is useful in attracting pollinating insects.
The zig-zag pattern looks similar to a flower and helps the spider bring in more prey. This spider is harmless, and its bite only causes mild effects.
8. 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 orb weaver is a species that you can find in Maryland, and also other eastern states in America. This species is very common in the eastern U.S and lives in meadows, gardens, and woodlands habitats.
Vegetation is preferred by this species, and they create a new web daily to catch insects. The spring is when this species first starts appearing, and they stay active until breeding occurs in summer.
Orchard orb weavers are brightly colored with green, black, and orange patterns on them. This spider has long legs and an elongated abdomen.
The top of their body has a silver color with other markings. Males have longer legs, and females have larger abdomens.
Orbweavers like this species do not pose harmful venom, and a bite is harmless to humans.
This species only has a lifespan of a year or less, which is why females are able to produce hundreds of eggs when mating. Orchard orb weavers are abundant in their range and face many predators like wasps, birds, and other spiders.
9. 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 orb weavers live in Maryland and are often near human structures. Porches, gutters, backyards, and gardens are where this spider may be spotted.
Moist areas are where this species prefers to live. Under areas like decks, bridges, or stairs is where you may see their web. Near homes are where you are most likely to find that species, but they also live in wooded areas.
Furrow spiders are a small, robust species, with females only being slightly larger than males. Tan, black, yellow, gray, and reddish is the colors they come in.
Their legs are tan, with dark bands on them. The abdomen of this spider is large, and smooth, with dark markings. Small hairs cover their body, and they have dull coloring.
As a nocturnal species, the furrow spider takes shelter in a secluded area during the day. At night they can be seen sitting in their web, waiting for an insect to get caught in its trap.
10. Shamrock Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Araneus trifolium
- Other Names: Shamrock orbweaver
- Adult Size: 19 mm (0.74 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Shamrock spiders are a species in North America and are a member of the orb-weaver family. They live in humid areas, with lots of vegetation.
This species is common in gardens, woodlands, and parks, and also makes its home near man-made structures. Low-lying vegetation like grass, bushes, and flowers are used to support their web.
Varying in color, the shamrock spider may be white, red, purple, yellow, or tan. The abdomen of each spider varies, and they may have white or other dark markings on them.
The shamrock spider’s abdomen is round, and its legs are lightly colored, with dark bands running down them. This spider is sometimes called the pumpkin spider because of their large round body, and possible orange shade.
Small insects are what this spider feeds on, eating the ones they find in their web. Shamrock spiders have small thick hairs covering their body to help detect the vibrations of something falling into their trap.
In late summer is when this spider is most active and can be seen sitting in its web.
11. Tan Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Platycryptus undatus
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 8.5 to 13 mm (0.33 to 0.51 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20 to $30
Tan jumping spiders are a common species in Maryland, and the Eastern United States. Climbing on walls, trees, and other vertical surfaces is where this spider is usually found.
They are active during the day and are known for their keen eyesight, and tactical mind. The eyesight of jumping spiders is better than most spiders, and males do dances to visually please the female spider and mate.
Tan jumping spiders come in varying shades of brown, and they have slim bodies. Small hairs cover their body and fangs.
Their legs are strong, and let them jump around 6.3 inches far. Two large front eyes are located on the front of their face, and the rest of their eyes wrap around their head.
The location of jumping spider eyes gives them a near 360-degree vision.
During the day the tan jumping spider roams and looks for small insects to feed on. Their hunting is like a cat, as they stalk, and circle their prey.
Tan jumping spiders are a common species and are used as food by the endemic bird, reptile, mammal, and large insect species.
12. 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 widespread species across the United States. Jumping spiders live in a variety of habitats, and are very adaptable species.
They are active during the day and use their jumps to navigate the world. Fields and grasslands are habitats this species lives in, but man-made structures like fences and houses are also areas they live near.
The bold jumping spider is almost entirely black and is covered in small white hairs. Small white dots cover their abdomen, and their fangs have metallic green coloring. The legs of this spider are long and have more hair when compared with other jumping spiders.
Bold jumping spiders hunt during the day and feed on a variety of pest insects. This spider is useful in controlling the population of insects like flies, weevils, and budworms.
They pounce on their prey like jungle cats and use their keen vision to track down prey.
13. Dimorphic Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Maevia inclemens
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 4.75 to 8 mm (0.187 to 0.31 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20 to $30
Dimorphic Jumping spiders inhabit eastern North America and are a common species. Urban areas with plenty of moisture and vegetation are where this spider prefers to live.
This spider comes in two variations but is the same spider. Their two appearances may confuse some and believe they are two different species.
Male spiders of this species have two appearances, all black, or grayish tan. The black spiders have tufts of hair on their heads and pale legs.
The other version of the spider has a tan-orange abdomen, with gray on the rest of its body. Female dimorphic jumping spiders are larger than males. They have a pale look with a white face and red markings on their back.
Like other jumping spiders this species is docile and has a curious nature. They are active during the day and hunt for small insects or other arachnids.
Their bite is not harmful to humans, and only dangerous to the small things they hunt.
14. Magnolia Green Jumper
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Lyssomanes viridis
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 5 to 8 mm (0.19 to 0.31 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
One of the most memorable species found in eastern North America is the Magnolia green jumper. This species has a translucent green look as if it glows in the dark.
Magnolia green jumpers live in warm climates, preferably with Magnolia Trees. They also live in other places with high, or low lying vegetation. Spring to fall is when this species is most active, with mating and egg-laying occurring in this time period.
Magnolia green jumpers are small in size and have bright green coloring. They have orange near their face, and black dots covering their back. This coloring helps them blend into the leafy habitat they live in.
Aphids, ants, and other small insects are what the Magnolia green jumper eats. They ambush their prey like a cat and eat whatever they come across.
Most of the insects they hunt are plant-eating, so they are good for gardens.
15. Black and Yellow Garden Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Argiope aurantia
- Other Names: Yellow garden spider
- Adult Size: 5 to 28 mm ( 0.2 to 1.1 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $8
In Maryland and other parts of the United States, the black and yellow garden spider is a species known for its large webs. This species is most active during fall and will sit in its web waiting for insects to land in it.
The black and yellow garden spider webs are large and circular, with some being up to 2 feet large. In the center of their web is a zig-zag pattern running down its center in thick silk.
Black and yellow garden spiders have an egg-like abdomen and long legs that form an x when sitting in their web. Their heads are white, and their body has black, white, and yellow markings covering them. Females are larger than males by 4 times their size.
Small insects caught in its large web are what this species eats. At dawn, this spider eats the old web and rebuilds it to prepare it for the day. This spider is not venomous to humans and vibrates if it feels threatened to ward off any predators.
16. 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 is a species found all over the United States and Canada. It is named after its behavior that mimics ants to gain others’ trust.
In woods, parks, deserts, urban areas, and grasslands are where this spider lives. They do not make webs and sit in them, but actively explore.
This spider is medium-sized and has a dark black coloring. The back of this spider’s abdomen has an orangish hue that gives it the appearance of a velvet ant.
To mimic an ant, this spider walks with its two front legs forward and moves slowly. This motion is enough to fool some ants and get them close enough for its meal.
17. Long Palped Ant Mimic Sac Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Corinnidae
- Scientific Name: Castianeira longipalpa
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 3 to 13 mm (0.11 to 0.51 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The long palped ant mimic spiders that live in grassy habitats. They mimic ants and use this ability to sneak up and feed on ants.
This spider also tends to live near anthills, or areas with a high population of them.
Long palped ant mimic sac spiders are all black and have light markings on them. On their back and head is a white pattern, and on their legs are dark brown bands.
This spider lifts its two front legs and walks like an ant to mimic it. Their legs mimic ant antennae, and when walking this spider mimics ants’ movement.
Long palped ant mimic spiders and eat small insects and the eggs they lay. Spring to winter is when this species is active.
They hunt at night, and during the day they hide in a silky retreat.
18. Northern Yellow Sac Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Cheiracanthiidae
- Scientific Name: Cheiracanthium mildei
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 6.35 mm (0.25 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Northern yellow sac spiders do not live in webs but make silk sacs to hide in during the day. These sacs can be made in leaves, under rocks, on walls, logs, or any other area that is secluded.
In woodlands, grasslands, or sometimes urban areas is where this spider is found.
Yellow or greenish are the colors this species comes in. They have long legs and an ovalish abdomen.
Their fangs are dark compared to their pale body. The beige-yellow coloring of this spider is why some confuse them for the brown recluse.
Yellow sac spiders bite people often and have mild symptoms that come with their bite.
Active at night, their time is spent searching for insects to feed on. This species is more aggressive than other spider species, but will usually only bite if provoked.
19. Flower Crab Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Misumena
- Scientific Name: Misumena vatia
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 10 to 16 mm (0.39 to 0.62 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Flower crab spiders are a small species found across America. They live in flowers and use their coloring to blend into the petals of the plant.
This spider is white, or yellow to match the flowers they sit on. They are active most in Autumn, during the day or night.
Females are lighter in color, and also larger. Males have dark colors, and can sometimes be red, or a different shade.
This spider is able to change its color, but only very slowly to match its current environment.
Flower crab spiders eat small insects like butterflies, bees, gnats, and occasionally smaller flowers. This species uses venom to kill its prey, which only has a middle effect on humans.
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
Like their name suggests, the ground crab spider is a terrestrial species.
During the day they hide under debris like logs, rocks, and leaves. A common species, their coloring makes them hard among the matching debris.
This species has legs that resemble a crab’s, and extend out of its body. Their body is a ground tan color, and they have a minimal pattern.
From fall to spring is when this spider is active. Young ground crab spiders that hatch in the fall will over the winter until next spring.
Ground crab spiders feed on small insects but are also prey for birds, lizards, and other larger animals.
21. Deadly Ground Crab Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Thomisidae
- Scientific Name:
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 5 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Deadly crab spiders live throughout North America.
They hunt actively and do not spin webs. Small insects are what this species feeds on, and they become active at night when insects are most present. On the forests, soil is where the deadly crab spider lives.
Small in size, the deadly crab spider has an orangish hue to it. Their legs are curved and crab-like, and small orange bumps cover their body. Females are much larger than males and have a round abdomen.
Deadly crab spiders have great coloring to help them camouflage on the fall forest floor. This species is harmless and is only deadly to the small insects it hunts.
Plant-eating insects are the majority of bugs this spider eats, making them beneficial for gardens and farms.
22. Running Crab Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Philodromidae
- Scientific Name: Philodromus spp.
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 38 mm (1.5 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Running crab spiders are small species that live in vegetation. Trees, bushes, and flowers are some of the plants where they are found.
Active in the spring and summer, they have a texture to help them blend into plants.
The running crab spider is brown, with a mottled pattern. They are small, with small hairs covering them. Brown bands run down their legs, and they have tiny black eyes.
Their brown coloring helps them blend into the trunks of trees or the dead leaves on the ground.
Small insects are what this spider eats, actively hunting for its food. Running crab spiders do not use silk to spin webs like orb weavers, but to catch and hold down insects.
23. Dark Fishing Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Pisauridae
- Scientific Name: Dolomedes tenebrosus
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 6.8 to 25.4 mm (0.27 to 1 inch)
- Lifespan: 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Dark fishing spiders live near freshwater habitats and woodland-type areas. Fishing spiders are nocturnal and hide under natural debris like rocks and logs during the day.
This species is medium to large in size and has a similar appearance to a wolf spider. They are tan and covered in small hair.
Their hairs trap air around them so they can submerge themselves underwater. Fishing spiders have long legs, and brown and black markings cover their body.
Fishing spiders feed on animals they find in the water like small fish, tadpoles, and small insects. Water is helpful in hiding, and not being seen when approaching prey.
Able to swim, dive, and quickly travel on land, fishing spiders are deadly predators to tiny animals and insects. Their bite is painful, but the venom they deliver is not harmful to humans.
24. 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
The woodlouse spider has a range across the world, but in the United States it is mostly found in the eastern part of the country. In the day this species hides under debris, and creates a silken covered hiding spot.
Woodlouse spiders are medium in size and have a reddish color. They have tan ovalish abdomens and orange legs.
This spider feeds primarily on woodlouse and hunts for them at night. Other small insects are sometimes preyed on by the woodlouse spider, but woodlouse is what is looked for.
Not a venomous species, the bite from the woodlouse spider may hurt due to their enlarged fangs.
25. Candy Striped Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Enoplognatha ovata
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 3.5 to 7 mm (0.13 to 2.7 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Candy-striped spiders live in Maryland and are native spiders in North America. They live on low-lying vegetation like flowers, and camouflage into the plants.
Active mostly in the day, they sit and wait in the heads of flowers.
Small in size, the candy-striped spider varies in color. The colors this spider comes in vary to help them blend in the variety of plant life they live in. Red, green, or white are their possible colors, with a red stripe pattern on their back.
The candy-striped spider sits on flowers and feeds on the pollinators that visit them. When going to pollinate a plant, this spider waits for an unsuspecting insect to web them up, and feed on them.
Insects like bees or their pollinators are what this spider feeds on most.
26. Bowl and Doily Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Linyphiidae
- Scientific Name: Frontinella pyramitela
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 4 mm (0.16 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The bowl and doily spider is a small species native to the United States and Canada. This spider lives in a variety of habitats.
They build their web in vegetation, creating a bowl-like web. Their web has two layers to help them catch prey.
Bowl and doily spiders are a small species, with males being a bit smaller than females. Their head and legs are reddish-brown.
This species has white on the sides of its abdomen, and tan dark brown on the top.
Small hairs cover this species’ body to help them grip and sense the world. The web of this spider is used to catch insects, and they will pull them into the bowl part to feed on them.
Male and female spiders may sometimes live together. Their venom helps kill and neutralize small insects but is harmless to humans.
27. Eastern Parson 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 lives in Maryland and is found across North America. This spider lives in a variety of habitats like woodlands, urban areas, grasslands, and parks.
Being nocturnal they are only active at night. During the day you may find this species hiding under debris like rocks, logs, or leaves.
The eastern parson spider is black and has a white stripe pattern on its back. They have tan legs and are covered in small hairs. This species is small and can fit into the smallest of cracks.
At night this species actively hunts and looks for tiny insects to feed on. It will ambush its prey and has venom that helps neutralize its enemies.
The bite from this species is usually harmless but can cause a painful reaction to some.
28. 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
Southern black widows live in the southeastern United States.
They live in secluded areas and will hide under debris like woodpiles. Man-made structures are areas this species makes its home.
Southern black widows are seen most in summer and fall. These nocturnal spiders are tucked away during the day and sit in its web waiting for food at night.
The female southern black widow is known for the red hourglass on its abdomen.
Southern black widows have a complete hourglass and a glossy black look. The females are larger than the males, and sometimes eat their partner after mating.
This spider waits for small insects to get caught in its web, and uses its dangerous venom to neutralize its prey. Southern black widows have a bite that may cause an extreme response to some.
A bite from this spider is usually not deadly, but medical attention may be needed for this spider’s bite. The symptoms for each vary, and bites are generally mild.
29. Northern Black Widow
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Latrodectus variolus
- Scientific Name: Latrodectus variolus
- Other Names: Northern Widow
- Adult Size: 12.7 to 15.24 mm (0.5 to 0.6 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 3 years
- Average Price Range: $20
Northern black widows inhabit the United States and live throughout the eastern part of the country. Northern black widows prefer areas with high debris like logs, trash, and other things that create a dark, secluded area. Black widows are active at night and will hide during the day.
This spider is all black and has a glossy look to it. Northern black widows are known for the bright red hourglass shape on the bottom of their abdomen.
Unlike the southern black widow, this spider has a break in the red pattern on its belly.
At night the northern black widow will hang in its web, and wait for an insect to fall into its web. This species has one of the strongest webs in its range and can trap a variety of insects.
Symptoms like nausea, itching, swelling, and troubling breathing can occur if bitten by this spider. If bitten, medical attention is needed, but the northern black widow has a death rate of around 1%.
30. Rabid Wolf Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Lycosidae
- Scientific Name: Rabidosa rabida
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 13 to 21 mm (0.511 to 0.82 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 4 years
- Average Price Range: $40.00
Rabid wolf spiders live in the Eastern United States and are a terrestrial species. This spider lives in wooded areas and is active during the day.
In summer and fall, this species may be spotted wandering with babies attached to its abdomen. Rabid wolf spiders watch their young and eggs until they are able to fend for themselves.
This wolf spider is medium to large in size. They have tan coloring, with a dark broad stripe running down their body. They also have black markings on their abdomen and are covered in small hairs.
The rabid wolf spider is an active hunter and takes down the insects they come across. The wolf in their name comes from the way they take down their prey.
This spider is not deadly to humans, but its venom can possibly harm small animals.
31. 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 is a species that lives all across the U.S, but also all over the world.
This species lives in cobwebs and will make its home in man-made structures. Barns, houses, garages, warehouses, and other buildings are where this species will live.
The American house spider is small and has a tan, orangish color. Their abdomen is round and has dark spots.
Their legs have dark bands going around them, and their body is also covered in tiny hairs. The tiny hairs on their body help them navigate their web and feel small vibrations.
Insects like flies, roaches, ants, fleas, and other insects common in man-made structures are what this spider eats. American house spiders spin their cobwebs in the evening.
Great at pest control, they sit and wait for anything to get caught in the trap.
32. 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 3 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
All throughout the U.S, the long-bodied cellar spider is an abundant species. This species is active all year and lives near human structures.
Damp dark locations are where this species makes its web. They are able to survive in human structures and feed on the insects in buildings.
This species is called daddy longlegs by some because their legs are the largest feature of them. Their long legs help them travel across their web more easily and put less pressure on the places they walk. Long-bodied cellar spiders have a tan coloring, and a small, ovalish body.
These species eat the small insects that are near their web and trap them in a silk cocoon. They also leave their webs and feed on other spiders or their eggs.
This spider can live up to 3 years and is helpful in hunting unwanted insects in buildings.
33. American Nursery Web Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Pisauridae
- Scientific Name: Pisaurina Mira
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 15 mm (0.59 inches)
- Lifespan: 2 years
- Average Price Range: $10
Living all throughout the U.S, the American nursery web spider is a common species. This spider does not make webs like orb weavers but uses its silk to make a nursery for its eggs.
This species is active day and night. Areas with dense vegetation and insect traffic are where these spiders can be found.
American nursery spiders are medium-sized species and are often confused with the wolf spider. They have tan bodies and long legs. A dark brown stripe runs down this species’ back, and small furs cover its body.
This spider is very abundant in the eastern half of the United States, up until Texas. Gnats, flies, beetles, and other insects are what this species eats.
They are active hunters like wolf spiders and hunt down their prey. The bite from this species is not deadly, and may only come with some minor pain and swelling.
34. 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 species that lives throughout the world, and are found in every state of the U.S. This species prefers to live in shady tropical, or swampy areas.
The spitting spider does not sit in webs like other spiders but is an active hunter. They are nocturnal and take shelter in a secluded area during the day.
Spitting spiders are tan, and are covered in dark markings. Dark brown spots cover this spider’s back and head.
Their legs are long and have dark bands running down them. Most spiders have six eyes, but the spitting spider only has 6, grouped in two pairs.
This species moves slowly when walking, and uses its two front legs to track prey.
Spitting spiders are able to spit venom at their prey. This venom is laced with glue, and silk substances to immobilize the prey it is hunting.
Special glands in this spider’s fangs produce liquid silk and venom.
35. Rabbit Hutch Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Steatoda bipunctata
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 16 mm (0.75 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Coming from the same family as the black widow, the Rabbit Hutch spider is a very similar species to that spider. Rabbit Hutch spiders live in North America, and parts of Europe.
They generally live close to humans and create their web in man-made structures. Rabbit Hutch spiders get their name since they are commonly found in rabbit cages.
This spider is active year-round, and breeding occurs during summer. Males create a chirping noise like a frog, by pulling on a ridge by their abdomen. This noise attracts females out of hiding and allows the male spiders to mate.
Rabbit Hutch spiders are a small species, with a large rounded abdomen. Brown, black, and tan are the colors they appear in.
Their body has a greasy look, similar to wax. Female spiders do not have any patterns, and males occasionally have a white mark on their abdomen.
Flies and other small insects are what that spider eats, waiting for them to get caught in their web. Rabbit Hutch spiders are extremely strong and are even able to overpower larger spiders.
With a similar appearance to the black widow, some may think this spider is deadly, but this species is not a threat to humans.
36. False Black Widow Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- 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
The false widow is a species that is often confused for the black widow and inhabits areas in the Americas, Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. This species life nears humans in homes, basements, and backyards.
In the wild, they l make their webs in trees, and other vegetation. The false widow has extremely poor eyesight and creates a tangle of webs to live in.
They rely mostly on vibrations to navigate their web and the world around them.
False widows have a similar body shape to the black widow, but a smaller one. They have a cream or tan coloring, with markings on their body.
This spider does not have any red marking or hourglass patterns like the black widow. Large abdomens and thin legs give them a similar look to the widow spider.
False widows are not deadly and have a very weak bite. Their venom works to kill small insects like sowbugs, flies, and beetles.
False widows are a very common species, and for some, their bite can sometimes, but rarely bring worse symptoms. In areas like the U.K, this species is found in abundance and causes trips to the hospital for those who are a bit.
37. 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
Living inside and around human structures, the triangulate cobweb spider is a common species in North America. This spider is found in Maryland and most other places in the U.S.
Triangulate cobweb spiders originally lived in Eurasia, but have migrated with humans, and are now found across the globe. They make their cobwebs in homes, basements, and other human structures.
Their webs are messy and are usually placed in a secluded area.
Triangulate cobweb spiders are medium-sized species, with a body shape similar to a black widow. They have round abdomens and thin legs, with females being larger in size.
Brown or black are the colors this species comes in, and they have white and dark brown markings painted on their back. The legs of this species are banded, and they have small heads.
From spring until fall this spider breeds and the eggs of this spider get woven into the webbing. Females lay around 30 eggs in a sac, and produce around 6 sacs in their life.
This spider is not deadly, but some bitten report nausea, and vomiting. Small insects that get trapped in webbing are what this spider feeds on.
Triangulate cobweb spiders use their small hairs, and vibrations in the webbing to know when they have caught prey.
38. Brown Recluse
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Sicariidae
- Scientific Name: Loxosceles reclusa
- Other Names: Violin spiders
- Adult Size: 7 mm (0.27 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Brown Recluse is not a native species in Maryland but is an invasive species that occasionally finds its way into the state.
This spider is native to the south-central states in the U.S, like Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Texas, and other states also. They can find their way into new areas by traveling on packages from other states.
Brown recluses are medium-sized spiders and have an all-tan coloring. They have long crab-like legs, and an oval-shaped abdomen.
Males have longer legs than females similar to other species of spiders. Two large fangs protrude out from its face that let it deliver an extremely dangerous bite.
The bite from a brown recluse is one of the most painful in the U.S. Deaths from this spider’s bite is rare, but if untreated necrosis can occur. No populations of this spider have been found out of its native range, but they occasionally find their way into new areas.
This species tends to live in wooded areas, and are a nocturnal spider.
FAQ
What Are The Most Dangerous Spiders In Maryland?
Most spiders in Maryland are not dangerous, and a bite from a spider is usually not deadly. Black widows and brown recluses have the most dangerous bite in the states, and medical treatment is usually needed.
Brown recluses are not native to the state, but seeing them in Maryland is possible since they are invasive. A bite from a spider is not deadly, and most spiders in the state deliver a harmless bite.
Does Maryland Have Any Invasive Spiders?
Maryland is home to a variety of native spiders, but it is possible for others to become invasive in the state. The joro spider is an invasive spider in Maryland and other eastern states.
The joro spider, brown recluse, and other invasive spiders usually find their way into new areas by traveling through shipments of goods. Most spiders in Maryland are native, and a few species can find their way into the area.
What Spiders In Maryland Are The Largest?
In Maryland, there live a plethora of spiders of all different sizes.
Brown recluse and wolf spiders are some of the largest types that are native to the state. The joro spider is one of the largest spiders that you can find in Maryland but is native to northern Georgia.
When Are Spiders Most Active In Maryland?
Spring is when you find the most spiders since that is when the younglings that hatched last season begin to fully mature.
Spiders are also active in the summer, and fall, with some spiders becoming inactive during the winter. Each species l have its own preferences, but at night is when you see the most spiders. Nocturnal spiders do hide out during the day and venture out at night.
How Many Spider Species Live In Maryland?
In Maryland, there are more than 250 species of spiders that live in the area.
New species are always being discovered, as some spiders are extremely rare, or secretive. Under debris, in homes, and hanging in their webs are where a majority of spiders are found.
Wrapping up
The spiders you see on this list are just some you will find in Maryland, as the state is filled with a variety of species.
In Maryland, you can find spiders in homes, backyards, gardens, forests, woodlands, and other places across the state. In the United States alone there are around 3,500 species of spider, and Maryland has 100s of different spiders to appreciate.
Jumping spiders, orb weavers, wolf spiders, and crab spiders are some of the types of spiders you may find in Maryland. Many more species exist that are not on this list, and more are always being discovered.
Spiders are not dangerous, and some can even make for good pets. Spiders are amazing animals, and much can be learned from the extensive amount of species that live around the globe.