In Nebraska, there are hundreds of spider species, and here you will find 46 of the most common in the state. Spiders come in a variety of sizes and colors.
Species are identifiable by their physical characteristics, behavior, and the webbings they create. Around 45,000 species of spiders have been discovered, with new ones being found regularly.
The United States alone has about 3,500 spider species. Here are 46 common spiders in Nebraska, and everything that you should know about them.
These species are important to the environments they live in, and help keep the ecosystems balanced. Let’s take a look at some of the spiders that live in Nebraska.
Table of Contents
Spiders in Nebraska
1. Giant Lichen Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Araneus bicentenarius
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 10 to 30 mm (0.39 to 1.18 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The giant lichen orbweaver is one of the many species of the orb weaver family. This species has a large round abdomen and green and brown coloring.
Giant lichen orbweavers have a color, and markings on them that resemble the moss lichen, which is where this spider gets its name. Males of this species have smaller abdomens, but longer legs.
Giant lichen orbweavers can be found in Nebraska and other regions in the United States. They are generally found in the eastern United States and are active mostly in the months of summer and fall. Females create large webs to live in, while males wander looking for a mate.
The giant lichen orb weaver can be identified by the hump on its back, and its coloring. To humans, this spider is not deadly, but they have venom that they use to feed on insects.
2. 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 swirling pattern on the abdomen of the arabesque orbweaver is where this species gets its name. This spider has coloring that ranges from yellow, orange, brown, or black.
Arabesque orb weavers have spindly tan legs, with small and thick bands covering them. Male arabesque orbweavers are a little bit smaller than females, having smaller abdomens, and longer legs.
Nebraska and across North America are the range of this spider. Summer and fall are when they are seen most often.
Females of this species build circular webs, with a diameter ranging from 5.9 to 17.7 inches large. Trees, porches, the sides of houses, and low-lying vegetation are where they will build their webs.
Male orbweavers have longer and more robust legs since they do not build webs to live in and have a nomadic lifestyle. Female arabesque orbweavers use their webs to catch prey and will wrap them in silk to feed on them.
Venom is used by this spider to neutralize their prey, but their bites are harmless to humans unless allergic.
3. Furrow Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Larinioides cornutus
- Other Names: Furrow Orbweaver
- Adult Size: 10 to 12 mm (0.39 to 0.47 inches
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The furrow orb-weaver has tan coloring, with a light black furrow pattern on its abdomen.
Females have bulbous abdomens, while males have long legs. Small hairs cover this spider’s legs, and they have a dark band pattern on their joints.
Moist habitats like forests and wetlands are where the furrow orbweaver lives. This spider is nocturnal and builds their webs in vegetated areas.
During the day they will hide in a secluded place in the foliage near their web. Insects are the furrow orbweavers main food source, and they hydrate themselves using the water in their prey, and the dew drops that fall on their web.
When their web is damaged the furrow orb weaver will eat the remaining silk to recycle it and use it for later. Summer is when the furrow orbweaver is active.
A harmless spider, this species is not aggressive and has a bite similar to a bee sting.
4. Marbled Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Tetragnathidae
- Scientific Name: Araneus marmoreus
- Other Names: Pumpkin spider
- Adult Size: 9 to 22 mm (0.35 to 0.86 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20
Marbled orb weavers live in Nebraska and other regions within North America. Highly vegetated areas with plenty of trees, bushes, and tall grass are where this spider lives.
Summer and fall are when the marbled orb weaver is most active, and they breed during this season. Pheromones are used by females to attract a mate. Males will pluck the web to get the female’s attention, and when mating is done females can lay hundreds of eggs.
The pattern on the marbled orbweaver is what gives this species its name. Females of this species are larger than males and have bulbous abdomen.
Marbled orb weavers have orange, yellow, tan, or white coloring with a mottled marbled pattern on their abdomen. Their legs are red, with white and black coloring on them.
Flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, beetles and moths are what the marbled orb weaver feeds on. Females build webs in woodland areas and will ambush the insects that get caught in their webs.
5. 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
The shamrock spider is an orb weaver species, found mostly in the United States and Canada.
The shamrock spider comes in many colors like gray, brown, yellow, or orange. They have dark bands on their legs and a spotted pattern on their abdomen.
Shamrock spiders live in moist and vegetated habitats. Like other similar spiders, this species builds orb-shaped webs, with a retreat for them to hide in. When a flying insect falls into their web they will wrap them in silk, and inject them with venom.
The venom of this species is harmless to humans unless allergic. Autumn is when the shamrock spider is active most, and females can sometimes be seen sitting in the center of their web.
6. Lined Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- 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
The lined orb weaver gets its name from the line markings that appear on its abdomen.
The lines on this spider’s back are dark black or brown, and its body is white. The legs and head of this spider are a translucent green color, which helps it blend into vegetated habitats.
Lined orb weavers build circular-shaped webs, and they spin a circle in the center of their web made of thick silk. The thick silk in the center of its web possibly makes it more resistant and makes it easier for birds to see and avoid destroying the web.
The lined orb weaver is not harmful to humans and is useful in gardens and agricultural areas since they feed on pest insects.
7. 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 native to the eastern United States and lives in Nebraska in the southeastern corner of the state.
The orchard orb weaver is a spider that lives in places like meadows, fields, gardens, and orchards. Spring to fall is when the orchard orbweaver is active.
Circular webs are built by this species to live in, and they can sometimes be seen sitting in the center of their web. Younger spiders build their webs closer to the ground while older ones go higher up into vegetation.
Emerald green is the base color of this spider. Yellow, orange, and white markings cover their body. Orchard orb weavers have spindly legs and an elongated abdomen.
Moist-edged woodlands and forest habitats are where this species is found mostly in Nebraska, and they feed on insects like mosquitoes and moths.
8. Cat-faced Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Araneus gemmoides
- Other Names: Jewel Spider
- Adult Size: 5 to 7 mm (0.19 to 0.27 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Cat-faced spiders get their name from the shape of their abdomen, which looks like the face of a cat. This spider has two points that protrude at the top of the abdomen and dimples on its body that look like eyes.
Orange to tan is the color of this spider, and when feeding females become more vibrant. The summer and fall are when the cat-faced orb weaver is active, and they sometimes make their way indoors in the winter to escape the cold.
Males and female cat-faced spiders look similar, but males have much smaller abdomens and larger legs. Cat-faced spiders have dark bands covering their legs, and tiny hairs all over them.
Cat-faced orb weavers are harmless to humans, and their fangs are not usually strong enough to pierce the skin. Wasps and mud dauber are these spiders’ main predators.
Wasps will paralyze this spider, and bring them to their nest for their young to feed on them.
9. Starbellied Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Acanthepeira stellata
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 5 to 15 mm ( 0.19 to 0.59 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20
The abdomen of the star-bellied orb weaver is covered with small spikes, which is where its name comes from.
Nebraska is just one state where this spider is found, and they have a large range that covers most of North America. The color of this species ranges from tan to dark brown, with a mottled pattern on them.
Star-bellied orb weavers live in vegetated areas, and females create circular webs to live in. Their webs are supported by vegetation, and during the day they can sometimes be seen sitting in the center of their web.
Mud daubers are the main predator of star-bellied orb weavers, but they are also eaten by other animals like birds, lizards, and other spiders. The spikes on this species’ body help them be less edible.
When disturbed this spider will drop from its web onto the ground.
10. 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
Triangle orbweavers get their name from their body shape, which is the shape of a triangle.
The triangle orbweaver can have black, brown, or reddish-brown coloring, and also has a triangle and mottled pattern on its abdomen. The legs of this spider have dark bands on their joints, and hair covers most of them.
Orbweavers like this species use the tiny hairs on their body to sense the vibrations of their web, as their eyesight is not the best. Woodland habitats are where the triangle orbweaver lives, and they are active in the summer months.
The sticky strings of their silk are used to catch flying insects. To neutralize their prey they inject venom into their prey, but bites are harmless to humans.
The silk of the orb weaver is also useful for birds who use it to build their nests.
12. Spined Micrathena
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Micrathena gracilis
- Other Names: Castleback orbweaver
- Adult Size: 4 to 10 mm (0.15 to 0.31 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
A small species, the spined micrathena has a bulbous abdomen, and spikes that protrude from its abdomen.
The cephalothorax and head of this species are dark brown, and their abdomen is white. Small dimples, as well as a black, and yellow mottled pattern, can be found on their body.
All across North and Central America is where the spined micrathena can be found. Hardwood forests and other moist woodland habitats are preferred by them. You may also find them in urban areas, being active most from spring to fall.
The webs of the spined micrathena can get up to 20 cm long in diameter and are held up by surrounding vegetation. Small insects like gnats and flies are what they eat.
13. White Micrathena
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Micrathena mitrata
- Other Names: Spiny orbweavers
- Adult Size: 4.2 to 10.8 mm (0.16 to 0.42 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
A small orb weaver species, the white micrathena is a spider that inhabits Nebraska.
White in color, at the end of their abdomen, is small tubercles that protrude from their body. They have light brown legs and a dark mottled pattern that covers their body.
White micrathena live in woodlands, and hardwood forest habitats. They are found in moist areas, usually in places near lakes, ponds, or wetlands. Urban regions with lots of vegetation like gardens, parks, and backyards are also where the white micrathena live.
A harmless spider, this species is beneficial since it feeds on pest insects like mosquitoes and small moths. This spider is active during the day, and can sometimes be seen sitting in the center of its web.
14. 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
Black and yellow garden spiders have black and white coloring on their legs and abdomen.
They have an oval-shaped abdomen and a silver cephalothorax. Females grow to a bit over an inch long, while male black and yellow garden spiders are around half the size of one of their mate’s legs.
Gardens are just one place this spider is found, and they also inhabit other vegetated places and urban neighborhoods. Circular webs are made by this spider, and down the center of their web is a zig-zag pattern made of silk.
Garden spiders thrive in moist and humid climates. The summer and fall months are when this species is most active.
They feed on flying insects that get caught in their silk and wrap up their prey. While the venom is used to kill their prey, the black and yellow garden spider rarely bites and is not dangerous to humans.
15. Banded Garden Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Argiope trifasciata
- Other Names: Banded orb-weaving spider
- Adult Size: 15 to 25 mm (0.59 to 0.98 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The banded garden spider is named after the black, yellow, and white bands that cover its body. A close relative to the black and yellow garden spider, this species is slightly smaller.
They have pointed abdomens and long spindly legs. When sitting in their web they create an X shape with their body, with their head facing down.
Banded garden spiders live in grasslands, meadows, gardens, and habitats with plenty of low-lying vegetation. Their webs are large and circular, made in open places. They create a zig-zag stabilimentum, which is used to make its web more sturdy, and more visible to birds.
Insects like cicadas, flies, and grasshoppers are just a few examples of the prey they eat. When prey falls into their trap they get wrapped in silk and injected with venom. Spring to fall is when this spider is active.
Summer is when adults mate and eggs are laid to overwinter till spring. As many as 1,000 eggs are laid, and when hatched spiderlings can disperse by ballooning.
16. 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 inhabit North America and have bold and vibrant coloring. Black in color, the spider has white tufts of hair on its body and green iridescent chelicerae.
Their abdomen has three spots on it. The spots on their abdomen are either orange or will turn white as the spider ages.
The day is when the bold jumping spider is active in the day and spends its time wandering for food. Spring to summer is when they are active most, found in grasslands, gardens, and urban areas where this species lives. They spend their time on vertical surfaces, using their excellent eyesight to look for prey.
The vision of the jumping spider is amongst the best of all spiders. They have two large eyes on the front of their face, letting them have better depth perception.
Other eyes circle their head, giving the jumping spider vision with a range near 360 degrees.
17. 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 one of the many Salticidae spiders that live in North America. They are named after their tan coloring and have a mottled pattern which helps them blend into their various brown surfaces.
The tan jumping spider is also covered in many tiny hairs, and has large eyes, giving it a teddy bear appearance. On their abdomen is a wavy undulating pattern.
Tan jumping spiders are active during the day and spend their time wandering around on vertical surfaces. The tan jumping spider hunts small insects like beetles, crane flies, flies, and even other spiders. When night comes this spider will rest in a silk sac it creates.
Tan-jumping spiders are harmless to humans, and rarely bite, even when handled. They are curious about humans, and may sometimes track you if they see you.
Tan jumping spiders have venom that is used to take out small prey, but their bites are not dangerous unless allergic.
18. White-jawed Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Hentzia mitrata
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 4 to 6 mm (0.15 to 0.23 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Nebraska, other regions of the United States, and Canada is the primary range of the white-jawed jumping spider. Males of this species have a vibrant orange color on the top of their heads and abdomen.
They have white coloring on the sides of their abdomen, and thick white hairs covering the rest of their body. A mottled tan color is also possible for them.
Being sexually dimorphic female white-jawed jumping spiders look slightly different, and have a tan, grey, and white mottled pattern covering them. They are also larger, with round abdomens.
Males have longer front legs and large pedipalps which help them with breeding. The white-jawed jumping spider is an adaptable species and can be seen in almost any habitat.
Small insects are what they eat, and this spider is not dangerous.
19. Golden Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Paraphidippus aurantius
- Other Names: Emerald Jumping Spider
- Adult Size: 3.04 mm (0.12 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20 to $30
The golden jumping spider is also called the emerald jumping spider and is named after the iridescent colors it showcases on its body.
This spider has green abdomens, with white or orange markings on them. Golden jumping spiders are sexually dimorphic, with females being slightly larger than males.
Golden jumping spiders live in habitats with lots of plants and can be found in the backyards and gardens of homes. They are diurnal and hunt for insects like aphids, or flies.
Golden jumping spiders live in the United States, and their range stretches into the regions of South America.
20. Peppered Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Pelegrina galathea
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 2.7 to 5.4 mm (0.1 to 0.21 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The peppered jumping spider is a small spider with black and white coloring. They have bands that appear on their legs, and small angular legs to help them leap far distances.
Jumping spiders like this species can jump up to 6.3 inches far. Along with their excellent eyesight, their fast leaps are how the peppered jumping spider takes down prey.
Peppered jumping spiders are native to North America, and found in states like Nebraska. They live in open habitats that get lots of sunlight, such as grasslands. Peppered jumping spiders feed on prey like gnats, other spiders, small crickets, and flies.
They stalk their prey like a cat and pounce to ambush them. Venom is used to break down their meal, and their bites are harmless to humans.
21. Zebra Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Salticus scenicus
- Other Names: Zebra Spider
- Adult Size: 5 to 9 mm (0.19 to 0.35 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20 to $30
Like a zebra, the zebra jumping spider has black and white markings that cover its body.
They also have two large round eyes, with smaller ones going around their head, and angular legs to help them jump. Small hairs cover the zebra jumping spider, which helps them sense vibrations.
Zebra jumping spiders are active in the spring to fall months, and mate during this period. To attract a mate, male jumping spiders dance and wave their arms to court a female. Females lay up to 125 eggs, and guard their sacs until their spiderlings are ready to disperse.
The zebra jumping spider moves around during the day looking for food like mosquitoes and can eat prey up to 3 times their size. When hunting or moving they will attach a thread of silk to the surface they stand on, to prevent them from falling to their death if they slip.
22. Western Lynx Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Oxyopidae
- Scientific Name: Oxyopes scalaris
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 4 to 16 mm (0.15 to 0.62 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The western lynx spider is a quick species with cat-like movements. Lynx spiders are active during the day and spend their time traversing places with lots of plant life.
Their silk is used to move around, and the wind lets them move from place to place. Western lynx spiders are mainly found all over the United States and can be seen in peak summer.
The western lynx spider has coloring that ranges from tan to dark gray. They have pointed abdomens, and long legs covered in thick hairs.
When not hunting they are resting, and mate during the summer season. Western lynx spiders lay around 40 eggs and will guard their egg sac until they hatch, and molt.
They are extremely quick and can easily take out other spiders like Salticidaes.
23. 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 spider is a tan or orange-colored species and is named after the stripes that may appear on their bodies. Their abdomens are pointed, and their legs are thin and covered in thick hair.
Striped lynx spiders are medium-sized and extremely quick. Lynx spiders get their name from their cat-like movements.
Striped lynx spiders are mostly found in the eastern United States, and they live in Nebraska. They are very common in agricultural fields and other vegetated habitats like gardens and backyards.
Pest insects make up the majority of their diet, and plant life benefits greatly from their presence.
24. 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 found across the United States, and are deadly hunters. This spider can spit venom and liquid silk at its prey.
Spitting spiders can shoot their silk 10 to 20 mm far and at a speed of 1/700th of a second. The spitting spider is slow-moving and bites its prey after it captures them with silk.
A medium-sized spider, the spitting spider has long thin legs, and round body parts. Their front legs are longer than the rest of their legs and are used to aim at their prey.
Spitting spiders are tan, and have dark markings covering them. They only have six eyes arranged in pairs of two on the front of their face, instead of eight.
25. 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 sometimes confused for the black widow because of its coloring, and the marking on its back.
This species has black coloring, with a large bulbous abdomen. A red marking appears on their back, and they have thick legs which help them navigate their terrain.
Red-spotted ants mimic spiders mimic ants by putting up their front legs and moving slowly. They do not build webs to catch their food and spend their time wandering around.
Walking with their legs up looks like an ants antenna, and makes it look like they only have six legs. The bite from this species is harmless, but it can be aggressive if provoked.
26. Long-palped Ant Mimic Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Corinnidae
- Scientific Name: Castianeira longipalpa
- Other Names: Banded Sac Spider
- 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 is one of the few spiders that live in Nebraska that attempts to camouflage itself as an ant.
The base color of this spider is black, and they have a mottled cream pattern on its head and yellowish markings that appear on its abdomen. Their legs are long, with brown on their tips.
Long-palped ants mimic spiders and are very quick, and small species. They walk with their front legs up to look like ants’ antennae and move slowly.
Mimicking ants helps this species get near the prey, and the ants they eat. Long-palped ant mimic spiders are harmless to humans, and generally, flee if spotted.
Most of this spider’s range lies within the eastern United States, but they can be found in Nebraska. Parks, gardens, meadows, and woodlands are some of the habitats they live in.
27. Orange Ant-mimic Sac Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Corinnidae
- Scientific Name: Castianeira amoena
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 6.35 mm (0.25 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The bright orange color of the orange ant mimic spider gives it a tiger appearance. They have black markings covering their abdomen and legs, with white markings on their legs also.
The bright orange coloring found on this species is similar to insects like the fire ant. Orange ant mimic spiders are harmless to humans but will feed on ants, and other small insects they come across.
Orange ant mimic spiders have a similar body shape to other ant-mimic spiders and are a smaller species.
28. Leaf-curling Sac Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Clubionidae
- Scientific Name: Phonognatha graeffei
- Other Names: Leaf-curling Sac Spider
- Adult Size: 6 to 10 mm (0.24 to 0.39 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Leaf curling sac spiders are found across the United States. Woodlands, grasslands, forests, and urban places are habitats this spider lives in.
Leaves are used by this spider as a secure place to hide their eggs and rest at night. This spider has tan coloring, with a large round abdomen.
Velvet hairs cover this spider’s body, and they have large dark chelicerae. The most identifiable trait of this species is the web it builds, as they use its silk to curl a leaf.
The bite from this spider is painful but not dangerous. They are most active at night and spend most of their time hunting.
29. Yellow Sac Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Cheiracanthiidae
- 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 have a pale cream or yellowish coloring.
They have large round abdomens and long legs that help them traverse their habitat. Active at night, in the day the yellow sac spider builds a sac retreat for it to rest in until the darkness comes again.
Woodlands, urban areas, and vegetated places are where this spider lives. Yellow sac spiders spend their time wandering when awake looking for prey to feed on.
It is not uncommon to find them indoors, on walls, or hiding under laundry. Gasoline is a smell this spider is attracted to, so occasionally they may wander into exhaust tanks.
The bite from this spider is necrotic like the brown recluse, but their venom is much less potent. Redness, pain, and a small lesion are common symptoms from their bite.
Gardens and backyards are places this spider is often, and they feed on small insects, and other invertebrates they find.
30. Broad-faced Sac Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Trachelidae
- Scientific Name: Trachelas tranquillus
- Other Names: Bullheaded Sac Spider
- Adult Size: 5 to 10 mm (0.19 to 0.39 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Broad-faced sac spiders live in Nebraska but have their primary range within the southeastern United States.
This species lives in warm and dry habitats. Autumn is when this spider is active most, and they are a nocturnal species. Like other sac spiders in the day a silk sac is made for them to rest in.
The legs of this spider are reddish brown, and they have a tan round abdomen. The heads of the broad-faced sac spider are large, and equipped with big fangs.
This spider’s bite is painful, and may even cause an infection since they feed on dead things and animals like woodlice.
31. Garden Ghost Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Anyphaenidae
- Scientific Name: Hibana gracilis
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 4 to 8 mm (0.15 to 0.31 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The garden ghost spider is named after its white ghost-like appearance. This spider is found in Nebraska and is native to North America.
The garden ghost spider is nocturnal, and during the day will hide in a silk retreat. They are found in vegetated habitats like gardens, meadows, and woodlands.
During the day the garden ghost spider will hide under things like logs, rocks, and leaf litter. They have beige or white coloring, and round abdomen, and are covered in small hairs.
Garden ghost spiders look similar to yellow sac spiders but have a white coloring. This spider feeds on insects and will ambush prey at night.
32. 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
Eastern parsons spider range lies in the eastern United States, and they can also be found in Nebraska.
This spider is native to North America and can be found in habitats like woodlands, urban areas, and meadows. Eastern parsons spiders are active at night, and in the day they will hide in a silk retreat.
Black in color, the eastern parson spider has white markings on its head and abdomen. Their legs are brown, and hairs cover them entirely.
At night when active the eastern parson’s spider will feed on insects like woodlice, and beetles, and eat other spiders. Bites from the eastern parson spider are harmless, and their venom only works on their prey.
33. American Grass Spider
- Experience Level: Beginners
- Family: Agelenidae
- Scientific Name: Agelenopsis
- Other Names: funnel weavers
- Adult Size: 9 to 20 mm (0.35 to 0.78 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The American Grass spider lives in Nebraska, and across the United States.
This spider is a funnel-weaving species and lives in grassy habitats. They will make funnel webs in the grass, flowers, and even in windows.
American grass spiders have tan coloring and are medium-sized. A bold stripe runs down its abdomen, and on its carapace. Hairs cover this spider’s body and legs, making it easier to sense when prey fall into their trap.
When something passes its web the funnel spider will pounce on its prey. They feed on insects like crane flies, moths, and other spiders.
This species is sometimes seen near others of the same kind and will make its web in the same area.
34. Hobo Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Agelenidae
- Scientific Name: Eratigena agrestis
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 6.35 to 12.7 mm (0.25 to 0.5 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Hobo spiders are a type of funnel web spider, and are a species that lives in Nebraska.
Fields, grasslands, and meadows are the types of habitats this spider is common in, and they do not generally live in urban areas. Hobo spiders build their webs on things like fences, and brick walls if they are near homes, avoiding areas with other similar spiders.
Brown in color, the hobo spider has a mottled pattern on its abdomen. Hobo spiders eat insects like houseflies, beetles, roaches, and ants.
They hide in their silk retreat and jump at their prey. Hobo spiders are not dangerous to humans, but their fangs can be painful.
Extremely quick, when approached this spider will flee quickly.
35. 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 web of the bowl and doily has two sections. The bowl section of their web is where the spider resides, and the doily section is above it, used to push insects into their trap.
Habitats with lots of vegetation are where this species lives. They will make their webs in bushes and shrubs and sometimes live together.
Bowl and doily spiders have reddish-brown coloring, with white markings on them. They have spindly legs and round abdomens. Bowl and doily spiders are active most in spring and fall.
Their web is used to catch various flying insects like flies, butterflies, gnats, and other similar animals. When living together with others if the area gets too crowded they will find a new place to live.
36. 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
The cage of rabbits is an area where the rabbit hutch spider makes its messy web, and they make their webs in other similar secluded areas.
Garages, homes, and backyards are other places this spider lives. They are not dangerous to humans but slightly resemble the black widow.
Rabbit hutch spiders have dark brown coloring, with bulbous abdomens. They have a cream marking running down their abdomen, and a marking that resembles an infinity symbol on their underside.
Rabbit hutch spiders feed on small insects like flies, gnats, and mosquitoes.
37. 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
The false black widow is also called the cupboard spider and is sometimes confused by some for being a member of the Latrodectus genus.
False widows live in North America, Europe, and the regions of Australia, and New Zealand. In Nebraska and other regions where this spider lives, they can be found in man-made structures, and they build messy webs.
False black widows have reddish-brown coloring, and body shapes similar to the black widow. Males have small round abdomens, with longer legs, and black coloring. This spider molts and grows around 6 times before it fully matures, and if water is present it can survive months without eating.
The venom from this spider is not as strong as the black widow, but may still give minor symptoms like nausea, fever, sweating, and muscle spasms if a bit. The bite from this spider is not deadly, and black widow anti-venom has been shown to work to treat symptoms.
Like other similar spiders, this species eats the insects that get caught in its messy web and use its venom to feed.
38. Triangulate Cobweb Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Steatoda triangulosa
- Other Names: Triangulate bud spider, Triangulate Combfoot
- Adult Size: 3 to 6 mm (0.1 to 0.23 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 3 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Sticky webs are made by the triangulate cobweb spider live.
Their eyesight is very poor, and they rely on the vibrations from their silk to sense the world. Nebraska, and across North America are where this spider lives, and they also live in other regions like Europe, Russia, and New Zealand.
Houses and other man-made structures are common places where this spider is found. They are not native to the United States but were easily introduced since they can easily co-exist with humans.
This spider has brown coloring, with a cream mottled pattern on their round abdomen. Their legs are spindly, with brown and black bands on them.
Triangulate cobweb spiders build loosely woven webs to live in. They prey on various insects that find their way indoors and have even been seen eating other spiders like the brown recluse.
Their bites are harmless, unless allergic.
39. Common House Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Parasteatoda tepidariorum
- Other Names: American House Spider
- Adult Size: 3 to 5 mm (0.11 to 0.19 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Common house spiders are one of the world’s most common arachnids and build their webs in the homes of humans.
They can also be found in other man-made structures like garages, barns, and warehouses. This spider is active year-round since their primary habitat is climate controlled, so they do not have to face harsh temperatures.
Small in size, common house spiders have round abdomens and spindly legs. Tan to almost black are their range of colors, and they are covered in a mottled pattern. Band markings also appear on their legs, and this spider’s pattern and coloring help them blend into their environment.
Messy webs are created by the common house spider, to live in. These webs catch small insects like roaches, flies, and can even catch small lizards.
They kill their prey with venom and wrap them in silk. Not a dangerous spider, this species works as pest control for the homes they live in.
40. Western Black Widow
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Latrodectus hesperus
- Other Names: Western Widow
- Adult Size: 7 to 15 mm (0.27 to 0.59 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 3 years
- Average Price Range: $20
The western black widow is the most common Latrodectus species that lives in Nebraska and is one of the most dangerous spiders in the state.
Black widows create messy webs to live in and create them in secluded areas. This spider is active at night, which is when it can be seen hanging in its web.
Western black widows are sexually dimorphic, with females being larger than males. Females are all black and have an hourglass marking on the bottom of their abdomen.
Males are much smaller than females and have small abdomens with long legs. Black widow females occasionally eat their mate if he does not leave the web quickly enough which is where they get their name.
This spider venom is neurotoxic and affects the body’s nervous system. Bites from this species are rare, but anti-venom is available for black widow bites.
Western black widows are most active in the summer and fall months. While dangerous, they only bite if provoked, and death is extremely rare.
41. 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
The brown recluse is one of the most venomous spiders in Nebraska. In the state, this spider’s range covers southeast Nebraska, and they are common in wooded habitats.
Brown recluses are nocturnal, and in the day will hide under debris like leaf litter, cardboard, woodpiles, or in other dark places. This spider may sometimes make their way indoors looking for food.
All brown, the dark violin marking on their cephalothorax is this spider’s most identifiable trait. They have small round abdomens and lengthy legs. This spider only has six eyes and does have a plain pattern on it, unlike other brown spiders.
The venom of this spider is necrotic and kills the cells, and tissue, of the area bit. Redness, swelling, itching, and an open sore are the symptoms of their bite.
They mostly use their venom to feed on small insects and other spiders.
42. 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
American nursery web spiders build webbed nurseries for their eggs to hatch.
The mother will guard her sac until the spiderlings hatch, and the nursery this spider builds is where they bet their name from. American nursery web spiders are a common spider in Nebraska, and their range covers most of the eastern United States.
Brown to gray is the colors of this spider. They have bold stripes on their cephalothorax and abdomen.
A mottled pattern covers their body. American nursery web spiders have pointed abdomens, and a sleek appearance.
Active at night this spider spends its time hunting insects, and other invertebrates. American nursery web spiders can walk on water like fishing spiders and hunt for prey on its surface, and land.
43. 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 are a large species, often confused with wolf spiders. This species lives in forest and woodland habitats.
They live in moist areas like near ponds, lakes, and marshes, but will regularly move inland away from water. The summer and fall are when the dark fishing spider is active, and they are a nocturnal species.
This spider has a tan coloring, with a wavy pattern on its abdomen. They range from light tan to gray and are covered in a bunch of small hairs. The hairs on fishing spiders are hydrophobic, and their feet do not break the water’s surface, which lets them walk on it.
Dark fishing spiders spend their time hunting at night, feeding on tadpoles, small fish, frogs, other spiders, and insects. They are very quick and will flee if approached.
Dark fishing spiders are harmless to humans but are effective hunters at night.
44. Tiger Wolf Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Lycosidae
- Scientific Name: Tigrosa helluo
- Other Names: Wetland Giant Wolf Spider
- Adult Size: 6.3 to 50 mm (0.24 to 1.9 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 4 years
- Average Price Range: $20 to 40 dollars
A large wolf spider species in Nebraska, the tiger wolf spider is also one of the larger spiders in the state. The spring, summer, and fall months are when this spider is active.
They are nocturnal, and during the day hide under leaf litter, logs, and other natural debris. Wolf spiders have excellent nocturnal vision, and at night their eyes glow when shined with light. Glowing occurs due to the tapetum lucidum tissue behind their eyes, which helps them see better in the dark.
Tiger wolf spiders have a dark brown coloring, with a bold orange stripe that runs down the center of their carapace. Hairs cover this spider’s body and they have black spots that appear on the bottom of their abdomen.
Tiger wolf spiders live in woodlands, marshes, grasslands, and other moist wetlands. Females create a burrow when laying eggs.
Wolf spiders are also one of the only spiders that carry their spiderlings on their back when they hatch.
45. Carolina Wolf Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Lycosidae
- Scientific Name: Hogna carolinensis
- Other Names: Giant Wolf Spider
- Adult Size: 19 to 25 mm (0.7 to 0.98 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 4 years
- Average Price Range: $45
Carolina wolf spiders are one of the largest spiders in Nebraska and are also the largest wolf spider species.
When mature this spider can reach over an inch, and females are slightly larger than males. Carolina wolf spiders have a mottled brown color that ranges from light to dark in shade.
The range of the Carolina wolf spider covers a large majority of North America. They live in woodlands, gardens, dry shrub habitats, and other similar places.
This species lives in burrows, overtaking rodents and other animals’ homes. Carolina wolf spiders are nocturnal and spend their night wandering.
Under rocks, logs, and leaf litter is also where this spider will hide during the day. Even with their size the Carolina wolf spider is harmless to humans but may have a painful bite due to their large fangs.
Wolf spiders get their name from their wolf-like movements when they pounce on their prey when hunting. Grasshoppers, crickets, other spiders, small frogs, and lizards are some of the animals this large spider eats.
46. Trapdoor Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Halonoproctidae
- Scientific Name: Ummidia
- Other Names: Cork lid spider
- Adult Size: (1 to 1.6 inches)
- Lifespan: 5 to 20 years
- Average Price Range: $30
The trapdoor spider is a very secretive species that lives in Nebraska. This spider lives in burrows it creates out of silk and dirt.
A silk lid is also made to hide their burrow, and most of their life is spent in their burrow. Their tube burrow is lined with silk, and they have rakes on their chelicerae to help them dig. Predators are not able to feed on this spider as easily due to their lifestyle.
Trapdoor spiders are very close relatives to tarantulas and have robust bodies like them. This species has dark brown to black coloring, with a large round abdomen.
Their fangs are extremely large and can leave a painful bite. The trapdoor spider in Nebraska is not deadly to humans and is rarely seen.
Large insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and other small animals that pass their burrow are what this spider eats. Vibrations are used to sense when the prey gets near, and they will leap out and pounce when they get close enough.
FAQ
When are spiders most active in Nebraska?
The months from spring to fall are when most spiders become active. Spiders may be active in the day or night, sometimes even both.
Each species has its preference for when it prefers to be active. The warmer months of summer and fall bring out the most spiders in Nebraska.
What is the largest spider in Nebraska?
The Carolina wolf spider and dark fishing spider are the two largest species that live in Nebraska.
These spiders have a body size that can reach over an inch, and leg spans that stretch several inches. Even with their large size, these species are not any more dangerous than the other spiders of Nebraska.
What spiders in Nebraska are the most dangerous?
The western black widow and brown recluse are the two most dangerous spiders that live in Nebraska. Black widows have neurotoxic venom, while brown recluse venom is necrotic.
Bites from these spiders cause various symptoms but are usually not deadly. Spider bites from other species are harmless, and unless allergic their bites are harmless.
Wrapping up
Hundreds of spiders live in Nebraska, and all of them are important to the environments they live in. Fear is a common feeling people get when seeing a spider, but these arachnids are more beneficial than harmful to humans.
Pest insects like flies, mosquitoes, and gnats are one of the main food sources of a spider, and they help control the population of pests. Spiders are also valuable food for wildlife like lizards, birds, and small rodents.
The lifestyle and appearances of the spiders in Nebraska vary greatly, and some of them have large ranges and can be found across the globe. Spiders also make great pets, with species like the jumping spider, and widow spiders being some of the easier to keep.o
Spiders are amazing creatures, and there is a large variety to be found in the world.