48 Vibrant Spiders In North Dakota

There are 48 unique spiders in North Dakota and including a variety of orbweavers, garden spiders, crab spiders, and many more.

North Dakota is located in the upper midwest region of the United States and is abundant with wildlife. Hilly and grassy plains cover North Dakota, and the state has over 1 million lakes and wetlands. The landscapes and habitats in North Dakota are perfect for spiders.

This article will cover the spiders in North Dakota and the variety of types that inhabit the state. Spiders that live in North Dakota come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Between the different species of spiders that live in North Dakota, you can find many similarities and differences.

Identifying a spider can be done by examining its appearance, behavior, location, and webbing. Let’s take a look at some of the spiders in North Dakota, and the interesting things to learn about them.

Spiders in North Dakota

1. Furrow Orbweaver 

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Larinioides cornutus
• Other Names: Foliate spider 
• Adult Size: 10 to 12 mm (0.39 to 0.47 inches
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

Furrow orbweavers are a spider that has a large range and is found around the globe. This spider is sometimes seen in North Dakota and is found all across the United States.

Furrow orbweavers are also seen in parts of Asia, South America, Europe, and North Africa. This spider is resistant to cold, and when compared with other similar species it is seen more in the winter. 

Moist areas near ponds, lagoons, rivers, and wetlands are where this spider is found. They live in highly vegetated areas and are sometimes found in urban areas.

Females make circular webs to inhabit, using a support like the sides of houses, or vegetation to hold up their web. Furrow orbweavers are nocturnal and remake their web every evening. 

This spider is named after the furrow pattern that appears to run down the center of its abdomen. Furrow orbweavers have a tan, olive, gray, or brown coloring.

They have dark bands on their legs and light and tan markings on their abdomen. Males of this species have longer legs and smaller abdomens. Both sexes have similar colors and patterns on them. 

The mating season for this spider is in the summer and fall, and males get a female’s attention by plucking the silk of their web. Females use pheromones in their web to lure males, sometimes eating their partner after mating.

Egg sacs are yellow, and this spider makes around 3 to 5 of them, concealing them in vegetation. Small insects like gnats, flies and moths are what this spider eats.

They use their orb-shaped webs to catch their meal and use their venom to neutralize them. Furrow orbweavers are harmless to humans, with their venom being useful on small prey. 

2. Cross Orbweaver 

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Araneus diadematus
• Other Names: European garden spider 
• Adult Size: 5.5 to 20 mm (0.2 to 0.7 inches) 
• Lifespan:  1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a

Native to Europe, the cross orbweaver is a spider that was introduced to the United State. In North America, the cross spider is found in Canada, the US, and Mexico.

Cross orbweavers are found in North Dakota living in habitats like grasslands, woodlands, gardens, and other places with lots of vegetation. Cross orbweavers live in moist areas next to rivers, lakes, and other freshwater sources. 

The cross orbweaver gets its name from the white pattern that runs down the center of its abdomen. This pattern is similarly shaped to a cross and is made out of white blotches.

The center of their abdomen also has a pattern similar to the furrow orb weaver. This spider ranges from tan to orange in color and is covered in thick hairs which assist in sensing vibrations around them. 

Summer and fall are when this spider is active in the state. Females create circular webs to live in and require moist habitats since they drink the dew drops that fall onto their web.

The cross orbweavers also use their web to catch small insects. This spider hangs out in the center of its web or hides in nearby plant life waiting to ambush its prey. 

Venomous bites are used to subdue their prey, but their bites are typically harmless to humans. Cross orbweavers only bite if provoked, and their venom is similar to a bee’s sting.

When in danger the cross orbweaver vibrates in its web, used to confuse predators and become a small blur.

3. 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 found across the United States and Canada and are a species you may find in North Dakota. This spider lives in grasslands, meadows, woodlands, and urban habitats.

Shamrock spiders are active in the summer and fall months. Eggs of this spider are laid in the autumn, and they overwinter, beginning to hatch in the spring.

The shamrock spider has a large bulbous abdomen, and spindly legs similar to other orbweavers. Brown, tan, red, orange, white, olive, and gray are some of the colors this spider appears in. They have four dark dimples that appear on their abdomen and blotched markings on it as well.

This spider’s legs have dark bands on them, with thick hair covering them entirely. While similar, males of this species have a much smaller abdomen than females but their legs are longer.

Male shamrock spiders are nomadic and spend their lives wandering around looking for food, or a mate. The female shamrock spider creates large circular webs that have diameters that reach up to 2 feet (60 cm).

Pest insects like flies, gnats, grasshoppers, and moths are what this spider feeds on, ambushing the prey that gets ensnared in their silk. This spider bite stings, but its venom is not medically significant to humans.

4. 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

Arabesque orbweavers are found across North America.

This spider lives in gardens, meadows, swamps, woodlands, and in urban areas. Webs are built by this spider to live that measure around 5.9 to 17.7 inches (15 to 45 cm) in diameter and are supported by surrounding vegetation.

Arabesque orbweavers are active at night and can be seen resting in the center of their web. During the day arabesque, orbweavers hide nearby their web, using a line of silk like a fishing line to know if something is entangled in their trap.

This spider gets its name from the swirling pattern that appears on its abdomen. Arabesque orbweavers can have brown, gray, orange, and almost black coloring. The pattern on their abdomen is a mix of light and dark coloring, and thick hairs cover them.

As a sexually dimorphic species, males look slightly different than females but have the same colors and patterns on them. Instead of a bulbous abdomen, males have a smaller and pointed one. Their legs are longer to help them wander, as they don’t build a web.

Summer and fall are when this species is seen the most in North Dakota. Arabesque orbweavers make their webs in places with lots of insect traffic.

Harmless to humans, this spider is effective at killing various invertebrates such as moths, crane flies, and even other spiders.

5. Marbled Orbweaver

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Araneus marmoreus
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 9 to 22 mm (0.35 to 0.86 inches) 
• Lifespan:  1 year
• Average Price Range: $20 

The marbled orbweaver is a spider that has a range that covers the Holarctic region. This spider can be found in North America, Europe, and Japan.

This spider is sometimes seen in North Dakota and is found in Texas and the eastern United States. Woodlands, gardens, meadows, and other areas with vegetation are where the marbled orb weaver lives.

The mid-summer to fall is when they are spotted most. Females build circular webs that orb weavers are known for. Marbled orbweavers get their name from the pattern that looks like marble that appears on their abdomen.

This spider comes in a variety of colors like orange, yellow, white, or tan. The marbled markings that appear on their body can be black, purplish, tan, orange, or yellow, and may appear dark or faint.

Marbled orbweavers have bands that appear on their spindly legs, with orange, white, and black being their possible colors. Rarely seen inside, the marbled orbweaver builds its web in places with lots of insect traffic.

Moths, beetles, flies, and mosquitoes are some invertebrates they eat. Predators of this spider include wasps, mud daubers, and larger spiders.

When disturbed in its web the marbled orbweaver drops to the ground and attempts to hide.

6. 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 

Woodlands, wetlands, and moist vegetated areas in North Dakota are where the giant lichen orbweaver can be found. This spider can be spotted during the summer and fall months, with a range covering the central, and eastern United States.

Giant lichen orbweavers build large webs with a diameter that reaches up to 8 ft. (2.4 m). If not on their web this spider is often found on vegetation, and trees with lichen on them.

The giant lichen orbweaver has green, gray, black, white, and tan coloring. This orbweaver is one of the heaviest and has humps on the top of its abdomen. This spider is sometimes confused for the European garden spider, but there is no cross marking on them.

 A wavy furrow pattern runs down the giant lichen orbweavers abdomen. They are covered in a mottled pattern of various colors, and shades, that allow them to blend into lichen moss.

The legs of this spider have dark bands on them, and small hairs cover their body. Males have smaller abdomens and longer legs.

The giant lichen orbweaver is harmless to humans, and bites almost never occur since this spider is primarily active at night. This species waits in its web, waiting for insect prey to get entrapped in silk.

Birds and wasps are this spider’s main predators, and being active at night helps reduce their risk of being eaten.

7. Labyrinthine Orbweaver

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Metepeira labyrinthea
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 2.3 to 5.3 mm (0.09 to 0.2 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

The labyrinthine orbweaver is most identifiable by the web that it makes. While making an orb-shaped web, this species also constructs a messy tangled web alongside it.

The tangle web section is used as a retreat, with debris such as leaves so the spider can hide in it. Woodlands and open woodland habitats are where this species is most common, and their webs are built 3 to 8 feet off the ground. Trees are often used to support this spider’s web, and they often live together in small colonies.

The colors that appear on the labyrinthine orb weavers’ abdomen include white, black, brown, and tan. They have a wavy furrow pattern that runs down their center and their bodies are covered in thick hairs.

The legs of this spider have bands on them, and their cephalothorax is black. Like other orbweavers, they have bulbous bodies and spindly legs. Males of this species are small in size and usually have bolder colors.

This spider uses the orb section of its web to catch small prey like gnats, or mosquitoes. Labyrinthine orbweavers wrap their prey up in silk, but if hungry they will take their meal back to their retreat.

March until fall is when this spider is active, and the rainy season is when they breed. During this time females lay around 5 to 6 sacs with an average of 55 eggs in one of them.

8. 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

Lined orbweavers are native to North America, and are one of the many spiders that live in North Dakota. In the United States, lined orbweavers can be found from the states of North Dakota, down to Texas, up to the east coast.

This species lives in fields, woodlands, urban areas, and other open places with lots of vegetation. Lined orbweavers appear in the late summer, and fall months.

This spider gets its name from the dark brown lines that appear on its white abdomen. Brown spots also appear on this species. Lined orbweavers have a glowing green coloring on their legs and cephalothorax, helping them blend into the vegetation they live by.

Female lined orbweavers build circular webs to catch prey, with a diameter of around 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm). The spaces between their silk are very close to allowing for the capture of smaller prey.

In the center of their web is a circular stabilimentum made of thick silk. Bites from this spider are harmless, and their venom is only useful for subduing small insect prey.

Non-aggressive, lined orbweavers have weak fangs that have trouble piercing human skin.

9. Tuft-legged Orbweaver

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Mangora placida
• 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 tuft-legged orbweaver can be found in North Dakota, and have a range covering most of the United States. Woodlands, meadows, gardens, and backyards are common places these spiders live.

They prefer a vegetated habitat and are spotted most during the spring months. Small orbed webs are built by this species to inhabit.

Tuftlegged orbweavers are very small spiders and are even tinier than most other orbweaver species. This species has a small bulbous abdomen and spindly legs.

They have dark brown, yellow, and white coloring on their abdomen and a mottled pattern. Thick hairs cover this spider’s legs, giving them a tufted appearance.

The silk used in the web of the tuft-legged spider is fine, and the spaces in their web are very small, making it possible for them to catch the smallest of insect prey. Their webs are built with an incline, and they make their webs in areas with lots of insect traffic.

This spider ambushes the prey that falls into its silk. Their long and tufted legs allow them to easily navigate their sticky webs.

10. Trashline Orbweaver

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Cyclosa turbinata
• Other Names: Humped Trashline Orbweaver
• Adult Size: 3.17 to 6.35 mm (0.12 to 0.25 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

The trashline orbweaver gets its name from the unique way it decorates its web. This spider puts insect corpses, and other debris in a straight line down the center of its orb web, connecting them with silk.

Sitting in the center of its web with its legs tucked, this spider uses its line of trash to hide in plain sight. Woodlands, backyards, and other habitats with lots of tall plants are where this spider is often seen.

Trashline orbweavers have a plump abdomen with a hump at their end. This spider has tan coloring with a dark and light mottled pattern, allowing them to camouflage into its web.

Their trash decoration is said to look like bird droppings, which helps keep this spider undisturbed. When in danger this spider will vibrate its body to blur its body into its web.

Trashline orbweavers are small spider that feeds on small flying insects like mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and beetles. They use their web to catch their prey and rely on the vibrations of their silk to find their prey.

11. Arrowhead Orbweaver

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Verrucosa arenata
• Other Names: arrowhead spider, Triangle Spider
• Adult Size: 3.17 to 6.35 mm (0.12 to 0.25 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

In North Dakota, the late summer and fall months are when the triangle spider is active. This species lives in woodlands, gardens, parks, and other habitats with lots of vegetation.

Humid areas are preferred by this species, and they are seen more often in areas near freshwater like lakes or ponds. Triangle spiders build circular-shaped webs to live in, making them out of thicker and more stretchy silk than other orbweavers.

This spider has a triangle-shaped abdomen, and a small head, with spindly legs. They have reddish brown to black coloring.

They have a white, or yellow triangle marking on their abdomen and dark bands on their legs. Male triangle spiders do not have triangle-shaped bodies and are much smaller than females.

Triangle spiders use their webs to catch small insects. Mosquitoes, moths, beetles, midges, and other invertebrates are what this spider eats.

Trashline orbweavers are not harmful to humans. The trashline in their web helps them avoid predators like birds and wasps.

12. Cat-faced Spider

• 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 are a species that lives in the United States, and parts of Canada.

Often found in woodlands and urban areas, they are a nocturnal species. Female cat-faced spiders build circular webs to inhabit, catch prey, and also use them to place their eggs.

Summer and fall are when this spider is actively mating before the winter, and adults die in the cold. Hundreds of eggs are laid by a female, which overwinters until the spring to hatch.

Males can be identified by their longer legs and smaller abdomen. Females have a large bulbous abdomen, which has unique humps and dimples that allow them to be identified from other species.

The cat-faced spider is named after its cat-like abdomen. Two humps appear on the upper dorsal side of their abdomen which looks like a cat’s ears, with dimples under them that look like a cat’s eyes. This species has dark brown, tan, and orangish coloring.

Cat-faced spiders have a light cream stripe that runs down the center of their abdomen, which appears darker on some spiders. Dark bands appear on their legs, and thick hairs cover this spider.

Insects like flies, mosquitoes, and even other smaller spiders are what this species eats. Cat-faced spiders do not have a dangerous bite, and their venom is only effective on small prey like insects.

13. 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 

Native to North America, the starbellied orbweaver has a range that goes from Canada to Mexico. Within North Dakota and other similar regions, this spider is seen mostly during the late summer and fall. Starbelleid orbweavers live in open woodlands and meadow habitats.

Circular webs are created by the females of this species, and males are more nomadic. The webs of this spider are created in densely vegetated areas, supported by vegetation.

The star-bellied orbweaver has spikes on its abdomen that look like the point of a star. Male and female starbellied orbweavers look slightly different, with males having smaller abdomens and longer legs.

There are up to 12 star-like spikes that appear on their body, and both sexes have this trait. Colors of the star-bellied orbweaver range from tan to reddish brown.

Beetles, moths, flies, and other similar insects are what this spider eats. They are harmless to humans, but their bites may cause some redness or mild swelling.

Birds and wasps are this spider’s main predators, and their spikes serve as a way to ward off predators. Because of this species’ smaller size, they can easily be missed.

14. 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 

White micrathena are a small species native to North and Central America. In North Dakota, this spider is found in moist woodlands and is active during the late summer and fall months.

White micrathena build orb-shaped webs to live in, wandering every week to find a new place to put their home. This species is active during the day and is sometimes seen sitting in the center of its web.

The cephalothorax and legs of this species are dark brown. Males are very small and have a small rounded abdomen with a white, and dark brown mottled pattern on them.

Females have large bulbous abdomens in a shape that look like a turban. Their bodies are white, and dark brown with dimples, and markings on them. At the top of the female white micrathena abdomen are small spikes.

The white micrathena is a harmless spider, not found often near humans. This spider feeds on insects like gnats, mosquitoes, and other flying bugs that get caught in their webs.

15. 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  

Central and North America is where the range of the spined micrathena covers. Forests and woodland habitats are where this spider lives.

They prefer moist habitats near freshwater sources like lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands. The end of summer and the beginning of fall is when this spider is seen most.

Circular webs are created by the females of this species. Spined micrathena are active during the day, and they sometimes create webs near each other in the same area.

Male and female spined micrathena look very different from each other, and only females of this species have the spikes on their abdomen this species is known for. Males are much smaller in size, with a pill-shaped abdomen. Their coloring is dark brown, with a tan, or cream abdomen.

Female spined micrathena has large black spikes that appear out of their abdomen. They have white coloring, with a possibility of black, or yellow markings appearing on their abdomen.

The diet of this spider includes insects that get caught in this species’ web. Their webs are made weekly in a new area, reaching around 3 to 7 inches in diameter on average.

They use the vibrations to know when something falls into their silk, and they spend their day sitting in the center of their web with their head down.

16. 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

The black and yellow garden spider has a large range that covers the United States, Canada, Mexico, and parts of Central America.

Open and sunny areas are where this spider is found, active in the late summer and fall months. Black and yellow garden spiders build large circular webs that reach 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter, with a zig-zag pattern running down its center.

 Meadows, gardens, backyards, and other moist vegetated areas are where this spider lives. They are seen during the day sometimes sitting in the center of their web. Each night this spider consumes the inside of its web and rebuilds it, to prepare it for the next day.

Black and yellow garden spiders make their webs in places with lots of plant life and also hide their eggs within plants. Containing up to hundreds of eggs, this spider uses yellow silk to make their sacs.

The black and yellow garden spider is a sexually dimorphic species that gets its name from its black and yellow coloring. Males are the smaller sex, sometimes only reaching ¼ the size of a female.

Males are rarely seen unless in the web of a mate and have duller colors. Females have large bulbous and pointed abdomens with a silver-colored carapace.

Their abdomens have black coloring, with yellow around their sides. Their legs are spindly, with black, and yellow bands on them.

Insects and even small animals like bats are what this spider eats. They use their large webs to catch food and ambush them when they feel the vibrations of ensnared prey in their silk.

Despite their flashy colors, this spider’s bite is not dangerous to humans, usually only causing some redness.

17. 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

Banded garden spiders live across North and South America.

This species is active in the summer, and fall months, living in habitats like grasslands, gardens, meadows, and other open areas with lots of vegetation. The summer and fall are when this species is active, preferring to live in moist areas.

Banded garden spiders build large circular webs to inhabit, creating them with a diameter of up to 23 inches (60 cm). Banded garden spiders are sexually dimorphic, and only females create large circular webs.

Males are around 4 times smaller than females and are sometimes seen sitting on a female’s web when mating. Banded garden spiders are named after the yellow, black, and white bands that cover their body.

This spider’s abdomen is pointed, and round and its cephalothorax is silver. Their legs are long, with black and orange bands on them. While large this species is slightly smaller than the black and yellow garden spider.

The webs of this spider are used to catch various prey. Active during the day, banded garden spiders can be seen sitting in the center of their orb webs.

They keep their legs in an X position, and their head, down, ambushing any insect that gets caught in their silk. This spider wraps its prey up so it can safely neutralize them with venom.

Banded garden spiders only bite if provoked, and have very mild venom.

18. 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 

The bold jumping spider is a very common species in the United States and is found in most of the country except the far western regions. Bold jumping spiders are active during the day and spend their time wandering around on vertical surfaces.

Jumping spiders are able to leap around 10 to 50 times their body length, and use a silk tether when moving to prevent themselves from falling far distances. The sides of houses, fences, trees, and various plants are where this spider wanders about.

Bold jumping spiders are named after their bold black coloring. Their chelicera is an iridescent green, and white tufts of hair appear on the joints of their body.

Bold jumping spiders have three spots that appear on their abdomen, which are white when young but turn black. Jumping spiders have two large eyes, with six smaller eyes surrounding them.

The two larger eyes give this spider excellent depth perception, and the smaller ones give them a vision range of nearly 360 degrees.

Bold jumping spiders spend their day hunting, and at night they create a silk sac to rest in. They feed on small insects like aphids, small moths, grasshoppers, and other spiders. Jumping spiders stalk their prey like a cat, and pounce on them when near.

They are extremely docile and rarely bite. Spiders within the Phiddipus genus are commonly kept as pets due to their size, coloring, and handleability.

19. 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 

Zera jumping spiders have a large range that covers Europe, North America, and North Asia.

This species lives in open habitats, with many vertical surfaces to climb on. Late winter to early summer is when this species is active, and they are seen most in the months of May and June.

Zebra jumping spiders are diurnal and spend their time wandering on vertical surfaces like fences, walls, and large rocks. Zebra jumping spiders have a pattern and coloring that look like the ones seen on a zebra.

Male zebra jumping spiders are slightly smaller than females and have bolder coloring. This spider is covered in hair and has a body shape, and eye placement similar to other jumping spiders.

The day is when zebra jumping spiders spend their time hunting, and when resting at night they create a silk sac to rest in. They leap at their prey and use large vertical surfaces like tall plants on the side of their house to spot prey.

20. Emerald Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae
• Scientific Name: Paraphidippus aurantius
• Other Names: Golden Jumping Spider 
• Adult Size: 3.04 mm (0.12 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: $20 to $30

Emerald jumping spiders get their name from the emerald coloring that appears on their abdomen, and the top of their head. This spider is found mostly in the eastern, and central states of the US.

Emerald jumping spiders live in woodland habitats that are highly vegetated. They are active during the day, spending their time hunting, or looking for a mate.

The iridescent emerald coloring that appears on this species’ carapace is it’s most identifying trait. Emerald jumping spider females are bulkier than males.

An orange or white border appears around their abdomen, and white, black, and tan markings also appear on this spider. While this spider has flashy colors they have a similar body shape to other Salticidaes.

Emerald jumping spiders are seen most in the spring and early summer and remain active until fall. They feed on small insects that are active during the day like aphids, and mites, and even eat other smaller spiders.

They hunt in thick vegetation, but occasionally they wander near houses.

21. Red-backed Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae 
• Scientific Name: Phidippus johnsoni
• Other Names: Johnson’s Jumping Spider
• Adult Size: 9 to 14 mm (0.35 to 0.55 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
• Average Price Range: $35

In North Dakota and other states in the Great Plains region red-backed jumping spiders are a common species to come across. This spider can be found in dry habitats, such as woodlands, or coastal dunes.

Redback jumping spiders are active during the day, and at night they create a silk sac to rest in. Redback jumping spiders also molt, mate, and lay their eggs in these sacs.

The males of this species are slimmer than females, and they have an all-red abdomen. The abdomen of the females of this spider has a black blotch in its center, and the rest of the spider is black. The coloring of this species makes them look similar to velvet ants.

Redbacked jumpers spend their time wandering around looking for insects like flies, moths, worms, and beetles to feed on. The redback jumping spiders are one of the few spiders to visit space, when in 2012 NASA sent one to study how they move in zero gravity.

22. Sylvana Jumping Spider 

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae
• Scientific Name: Colonus sylvanus
• Other Names: Woodland jumping spider 
• Adult Size: 7.55 mm (0.29 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: $20 to $30 

The Sylvanus jumping spider is a species that inhabits North America and is seen mostly from the spring to summer.

Sylvana jumping spiders are also called woodland jumping spiders since they are seen often in forest areas. Sylvana jumping spiders range scratches from the United States and reach Panama.

This species is sexually dimorphic, with males having much flashier colors. Males have olive green, or tan abdomen, with a cephalothorax that is either red or dark brown.

Their abdomen has two stripes running down it. Females have a cream to light tan coloring, with a mottled pattern on them. On the crown of these spider heads near their eyes are orange, black, or a tan patch of color.

Woodland jumping spiders hunt during the day and spend their time in places with lots of vegetation. Jumping spiders are not dangerous to humans and rarely bite.

Bites only occur if provoked, and if approached they flee quickly.

23. Putnam’s Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae 
• Scientific Name: Phidippus putnami
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 5 to 13 mm (0.19 to 0.51 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

Putnam jumping spiders are not as common as other Salticidae species and are seen most in the spring, and early summer. This spider is found in the United States and is not seen often due to its small size.

This species is active during the day and spends its day leaping about. Like other jumping spiders a silk dragline is used to prevent itself from falling if a jump is missed.

The abdomen of the Putnam jumping spider has an emerald marking running down its center. This species is very small, with a white triangle marking, and other dark markings that also appear on their abdomen.

These spiders are very hairy with tan and black bands appearing on their legs. Putnam jumping spiders are a very hairy species and have four black tufts of hair sticking up at the top of their head.

Small insects are what this spider hunts and they spend their day moving around on various vertical surfaces. They use their excellent eyesight to spot prey and pounce on them when close.

24. 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

North Dakota is just one place the running crab spider is found, with members of the Philodromidae family having a range that stretches across the globe.

Woodlands, backyards, and other habitats with lots of trees are where this spider lives. The spring months are when this spider is active the most, but they can be spotted year-round.

Running crab spiders have a coloring that ranges from tan to brown, sometimes appearing near black. A mottled pattern covers this spider, making it easier for them to blend into the woodland habitat. The front pair of this spider’s legs are longer than the rest.

This spider is very quick and uses its speed to ambush prey. Running crab spiders chase down their prey, and use their venom to neutralize prey.

This spider is harmless to humans and is not dangerous unless allergic. The speed of the running crab spider helps them escape prey like lizards, birds, and larger spiders.

25. Goldenrod Crab Spider 

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Thomisidae 
• Scientific Name: Misumena vatia
• Other Names: Flower crab spider 
• Adult Size: 5 to 10 mm (0.20 to 0.39 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
• Average Price Range: n/a  

The goldenrod crab spider is a species that is found across North America and is a spider that lives in North Dakota. Grasslands, meadows, urban areas, and open woodlands are the habitats this spider inhabits.

Goldenrod crab spiders live on flowers like goldenrod, and daisies. This species, like other crab spiders, is seen most in the summer, and fall months.

Goldenrod crab spiders have white, or yellowing coloring. Their color is able to change similarly to a chameleon but takes a much longer time. Goldenrod crab spiders change their color to better blend in with the flower they choose to live on, with the process taking 2 to 21 days to complete.

Males of this species are smaller, with dark markings on their abdomen. The two front legs and carapace of the male have dark brown coloring.

Females are spotted most and spend their lives sitting on a flower. They have bulbous abdomens and pink or white markings appear on their abdomen.

Goldenrod crab spiders sit on flowers that attract insects and grab them with their front legs when near. Bees, butterflies, flies, and grasshoppers are some of the things they eat, using their camouflage to hide in plain sight.

26. American Green Crab Spider 

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Thomisidae 
• Scientific Name: Misumessus oblongus
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 3 to 6.8 mm (0.12 to 0.27 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a 

The American green crab spider is active in areas with lots of vegetation, seen most during the summer and fall months. This species is diurnal, and at night rests in a secluded area.

American green crab spiders have a range that covers the Great Plains. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are where this species is found.

This species gets its name from its bright neon green color, which helps them blend into the environments they live in. Green crab spiders have a long pair of front legs, and a plump abdomen, looking similar to crabs.

Reddish markings and dimples sometimes appear on a female green crab spider’s abdomen. While males are smaller they have long legs with red bands on them.

American green crab spiders feed on insects like bees, beetles, wasps, and butterflies. They spend their day wandering on things like bushes, trees, flowers, and grass.

Green crab spiders use their front legs to grab their prey and inject them with venom to neutralize them. Harmless to humans, crab spiders’ fangs are usually too small to break the skin.

27. Swift Crab Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Thomisidae 
• Scientific Name: Mecaphesa celer
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 10 to 16 mm (0.39 to 0.62 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Swift crab spiders have a large range that covers North and Central America. This spider lives in areas with lots of low-lying vegetation such as agricultural fields.

Gardens, meadows, and backyards are places where the swift crab spider is found. Flowers, shrubs, small trees, and other plant life are used by this spider to live and hunt.

The swift crab spiders have long front legs, with shorter back legs. Males have dark colors than males, with red bands that appear on their legs. Females have a cream, tan, and sometimes yellow coloring, with blotches and other markings appearing on them. The color of this spider varies greatly by age and sex.

As a sit-and-wait-for predator, the swift crab spider positions itself in areas with lots of insect traffic. Swift crab spiders feed on prey like aphids and other pests.

They are beneficial in places like cotton fields and provide protection for farmers from potential pests.

28. Elegant Crab Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Thomisidae 
• Scientific Name: Xysticus elegans
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 8 to 12 mm (0.31 to 0.47 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Elegant crab spiders inhabit North Dakota, and also other areas in the United States and Canada.

These spiders live in woodlands, with lots of low-lying vegetation. They are sometimes found on bark, under rocks, or in leaf litter. Summer and autumn are when this spider is active most.

Elegant crab spiders are sexually dimorphic, with females being almost double in size when compared to males. This spider has coloring that ranges from tan to black. Bands appear on this spider’s legs, and its abdomen has dark markings with light near its center.

Webs are not used by this spider to live in or hunt. Males use their silk to wrap females when mating to decrease the chance of sexual cannibalism occurring.

Spiders wait, and sit for prey to pass, using their coloring to camouflage into surfaces. The front legs of crab spiders are used to grab their prey and feed.

29. Ground Crab Spider 

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Thomisidae 
• Scientific Name: Xysticus sphericus
• Other Names: n/a
• Adult Size: 3 to 9 mm ( 0.11 to 0.35 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

Ground crab spiders are a species that lives on the forest floor. They sometimes make their way into the trenches by a house and in flower pots.

Ground crab spiders are seen most in the spring and summer, and when winter comes most die off. The day is when this spider is seen most, and they hide under logs, rocks, and other debris.

The ground crab spider is not seen often since their coloring and markings allow them to blend into surfaces like the dirt floor or trees. Their colors range from tan, brown, dark brown, and gray.

They have a mottled pattern on them, with bodies that resemble a crab. Ground crab spiders also tend to be larger than flower crab spiders.

Insects are what this spider eats, using the sit-and-wait method to catch their prey. They grab insects that get too close with their strong front claws and inject them with venom to kill them.

The bite of this spider is harmless, and they are seen less than other species.

30. Deadly Ground Crab Spider 

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Thomisidae 
• Scientific Name: Xysticus funestus
• 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 ground crab spiders are one of the many types of spiders of the Thomisidae that live in North Dakota. This spider is found around North America and is one of the hundreds of crab spider species found in the region.

Crab spiders do not build webs, but are terrestrial spiders. On the floors of woodland habitat is where this species is found, hiding amongst the leaf litter.

Deadly ground crab spiders have a body shape similar to a crab, with coloring that varies from orange to tan. Males of this species have smaller bodies, but their legs are still long. Small orange dots and a mottled pattern cover this species.

Deadly ground crab spiders are diurnal and spend their day hunting for food. They occasionally make their way into vegetation and use plants and flowers to find prey.

Deadly ground crab spiders sit and wait, grabbing prey that gets too close. Despite its name, this species is not dangerous to humans.

31. Northern 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 are found in North Dakota and other regions within the United States. Originally this spider is native to regions in Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Yellow sac spiders are found in a variety of habitats, and they sometimes make their way indoors. Northern yellow sac spiders are nocturnal, and during the day they create a silk sac to rest in.

The color of this spider ranges from yellow to beige, and they have a glowing appearance. Yellow sac spiders have long legs, black fangs, and plump abdomens. Their eyes have a tapetum lucidum which gives them better vision in dim lighting and reflects back light when shined.

Yellow sac spiders are active hunters who take down their prey with venom. Northern yellow sac spiders bite humans more than other spiders since they sometimes come indoors looking for food.

Northern yellow sac spiders may hide under laundry, or cardboard, and bite when provoked. While this spider’s bite is not deadly, its venom may cause mild symptoms like small lesions, redness, and pain.

32. Red-spotted Ant-mimic Sac 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 

Red-spotted ant-mimic spiders are found all across the United States, including North Dakota. This spider is known to mimic ants, using their coloring and behavior.

Red-spotted ant-mimic spiders lift their two front legs to look like antennae and walk slowly to mimic an ant. Doing this helps them prey on ants and other insects.

This spider has an appearance that looks similar to a velvet ant, but they also resemble a black widow. Red-spotted ant-mimic spiders have jet-black coloring, and a red blotch appears on their back. This species has a plump abdomen, with bodies that look similar to other sac spiders.

When active this spider spends its time hunting, and they create a silk sac to rest in. Parks, gardens, and other moist habitats with lots of vegetation are where this spider lives.

They are seen often from the months of March to August.

33. 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

Native to the United States and Canada, the long-palped ant mimic spider is a species that can be found in North Dakota.

Summer and fall are when this spider tends to be active. The day is when this species spends its day wandering, and they build a silk sac to rest in secluded areas.

A small species, the long-palped ant mimic spider has black coloring. This spider has tat to cream bands that appear on its legs. They have cream to yellow mottled patterns on their carapace and markings on their abdomen.

Long-palped ants mimic spiders copying the behavior of an ant to make it easier to prey on small insects. This spider walks slowly and lifts its front legs to look like an antenna.

They run quickly at their prey and use venom to neutralize them. Long-palped ant mimic spiders are not dangerous to humans and flee if approached.

34. Eastern Parsons Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Gnaphosidae 
• Scientific Name: Herpyllus ecclesiasticus
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 5 to 12.7 mm (0.2 to 0.5 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a

The eastern parson’s spider is native to the eastern United States and can be found in North Dakota. Eastern parson spiders are active year-round, but adults are discovered mostly in the spring.

This spider is nocturnal and spends its time looking for food, or mates. During the day the eastern parson spiders hide in a silk retreat. Meadows, grasslands, and urban regions are where this spider lives.

Eastern parson spiders have black coloring, with white markings on their abdomen and carapace. The tips of this spider’s legs have dark brown coloring, and they have a spinneret on the end of their abdomen which looks like a tail.

The night is when this species hunts, and they are an ambush predator. They hunt small insects and are harmless to humans.

The eastern parson’s spiders venom only works on their small prey, and if bites occur mild symptoms like redness may occur.

35. 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 globe, and are one of the many spiders in North Dakota. Shady and tropical environments are where these spitting spiders prefer to live.

They may be spotted in woodlands, marshes, or urban places like parks. Spitting spiders are nocturnal, and during the day they find a secluded place to rest.

The cephalothorax and abdomen of the spitting spider are very round, while their legs are long and thin. Tan in color, dark brown blotches cover their bodies. Dark bands appear on their legs.

The front legs are long and used to aim the substance that this spider spits. Spitting spiders only have six eyes, and are able to spit liquid silk and venom.

The liquid silk, and venom that this spider spit is used to take down its prey. They are able to successfully strike from around 0.39 to 0.79 inches (10 to 20 mm) away.

Flies, mosquitoes, and other spiders are what this species eats.

36. 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

Grass spiders live on lawns, on flowers, in bushes, and make their home on other similar vegetation.

Grass spiders begin to appear in the spring, and make their funnel webs on plants that get lots of insect traffic. North Dakota is just one state where grass spiders are found, and they are found all across the United States.

Grass spiders look very similar to wolf spiders, but can be differentiated by their eyes, and larger spinneret is used to make their funnel web. The grass spider has tan coloring, with a pointed abdomen, and long legs.

Their carapace has two bold stripes that run down to its abdomen, with a mottled pattern covering them. Hairs cover the grass spider, which they use to sense vibrations.

In their funnel web is a retreat that this spider hides in, coming out to ambush prey that passes over their silk. Moths, aphids, grasshoppers, and other similar insects are what the grass spider eats.

37. 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

Long-bodied cellar spiders are found across the globe and are very common spiders in North Dakota. Loose, messy webs are created by this species to inhabit.

The webs of these spiders are made in secluded areas, and they commonly live close together, making large communal webs. Long-bodied cellar spiders live in basements, houses, cellars, and other man-made structures, but are also found outdoors.

The legs of this spider are much larger than their bodies, which is why some call this species that daddy long leg. The abdomen of this spider is small and pill-shaped. They have tan colorings and dark markings on their body.

The long-bodied cellar spider uses its messy webs to catch their prey. When something falls into their silk this spider uses its long legs to wrap up its meal, then injects them with venom to neutralize them.

The bite of this spider is harmless to humans, and its fangs are not strong enough to pierce the skin.

38. Candy-striped Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Theridiidae 
• Scientific Name: Enoplognatha ovata
• Other Names: Common candy striped spider
• Adult Size: 3.5 to 7 mm (0.13 to 2.7 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

Native to North America, the candy-striped spider is one of the many types of tangled web spiders that live in North Dakota.

This species lives in areas with lots of low-lying vegetation like gardens, parks, and meadows. Candy-striped spiders are not seen often since they live amongst the vegetation and create messy webs to live in.

The candy-striped spiders have bulbous abdomens and spindly legs. They have white to cream coloring and a v-shaped pattern on their abdomen.

The marking on this spider is either red, or yellowish, and that is what inspires this species’ name. The coloring helps this spider blend into its habitat.

Candy-striped spiders are harmless to humans. They feed on insects that get caught in their messy webs.

Bees, butterflies, and other insects are the types of prey this spider eats.

39. Common House Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• 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 found all around the globe and are a very common spider species in North Dakota. This species lives in homes, warehouses, garages, and other man-made structures.

Common house spiders build messy webs to inhabit and are active year-round. They are nocturnal and are sometimes found outdoors in woodlands, and vegetated places.

Common house spiders have bulbous abdomens, with long spindly legs. They have dark brown, tan, or cream coloring. Common house spiders are sexually dimorphic, with males being much smaller.

Dark bands appear on their legs, and a mottled pattern covers them to help them camouflage better into places.

Flies, ants, fleas, roaches, and other insects commonly found in homes are what this spider eats most. Common house spiders use their messy webs to catch their prey.

This spider is not dangerous to humans but can be beneficial in reducing the pests in your homes.

40. False Widow Spider 

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Theridiidae 
• Scientific Name: Steatoda grossa
• Other Names: brown house spider, cupboard spider 
• Adult Size: 10 to 14 mm (0.39 to 0.55 inches) 
• Lifespan: 2 to 6 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a

False widows are confused for widow spiders due to their coloring and body shape. False widow spiders can be found in the United States, South America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

This spider lives in homes, backyards, warehouses, homes, gardens, and places with lots of vegetation to hide in. False widows are seen both indoors, and outside. While active year-round false widows are active mostly in the spring.

Female false widows have a rounded plump abdomen, with spindly legs. Their coloring is reddish brown to black, and they have a cream mottled pattern on them.

Male false widows have black coloring with white markings on them. Their cephalothorax and abdomen are small and around the same size, and their legs are cream.

False widows create messy tangled webs and make them in undisturbed, secluded areas. This spider has very poor eyesight and uses the vibrations of its silk, and the air to sense things around them.

False widows are medically significant to humans, with venom that causes mild symptoms like sweating, nausea, and fatigue. Generally, this spider is harmless to humans, and bites are rare.

41. 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 

Found in the western regions of the United States is the western black widow. This species is the only Latrodecus species that live in North America. Western black widows are active from the summer to fall months.

This spider lives in messy webs and creates them in secluded places like under outdoor furniture, fences, and water spouts. This species is active at night, and during the day they hide in a crevice.

Western black widows are sexually dimorphic, with males being much smaller than females. Males have an ornate pattern on them, with tan and white coloring.

Females when mature are all black, and the red hourglass marking on the underside of this spider’s abdomen is what makes them identifiable from other similar species.

Black widows have powerful venom that is estimated to be around 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake. Their venom is not administered in lethal portions due to the spider’s small size, and bites are rarely deadly.

Nausea, swelling, and redness on the bite are some of the symptoms of their venom, with sickness varying. Younger and elderly are at risk for more severe symptoms.

Their bites are used to kill their small prey which includes, earwigs, moths, beetles, and other spiders.

42. 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  

The Nursery web spider occurs all over North America and can be found in many areas of North Dakota. This species is in the same family as the fishing spider.

They are most commonly spotted in grassland, and woodland habitats and are often spotted among stinging nettles. They make their homes among the vegetation and are unlikely to build webs.

Often mistaken for wolf spiders, the nursery web spider is usually found in shades of dark brown, reddish brown, tan, gray, and black. They have a large dark stripe running down the middle of their abdomen that makes them easier to identify.

Their body is slender and their legs are spindly and long. Females are typically larger than males and can often be spotted carrying their egg sacs in their mouths.

While they are venomous the nursery web spider is not a danger to humans or pets. They are unlikely to bite and actually help to eat pests in gardens.

These spiders are more active hunters and can typically be found searching for food or staying still in one spot waiting to ambush passing insects. They eat a variety of things like beetles, ants, mosquitos, aphids, and other small insects and invertebrates.

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 common throughout most of the United States including North Dakota. They are most common in wooded areas on trees or plants near water sources like creeks and rivers.

While water is where you’re likely to spot them, dark fishing spiders can be found in wooded areas miles away from water sources. They are not web-building spiders and are mostly seen walking on the ground or on trees.

This species is commonly mistakenly identified as wolf spiders or tarantulas. The cephalothorax and abdomen are various shades of brown and black with distinctive w-shaped patterns on the abdomen. Adult females have more robust abdomens and can be up to double the size of adult males.

Rather than capturing prey in webs dark fishing spiders stalk and ambush their prey, They can run freely over water and often eat aquatic insects as well as small fish and tadpoles.

When scared or threatened they will either dive beneath the surface of the water or hide under plant debris, rocks, or logs. The bite from this species is not dangerous and is similar to being stung by a wasp or bee.

44. 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

Rabid wolf spiders are most common in the eastern region of the United States. They typically inhabit cotton fields and wooded areas with small pounds or sandy soil.

Hidden underneath leaf litter and plant debris these spiders build deep burrows to live in. Unlike other spiders, wolf spiders don’t build webs to catch prey or live on.

The rabid wolf spider can be distinguished by the dark brown or black stripes on their cephalothorax and a single dark stripe on the abdomen. Their color is commonly various shades of dark brown and tan. The females are larger than the males and have more robust abdomens.

This species of wolf spider prefers to hunt at night. They camouflage themselves to blend in with bark or leaves to ambush their prey.

Rabid wolf spiders are fast-moving and catch a variety of insects and invertebrates like ants, crickets, caterpillars, locusts, and grasshoppers. While this spider may seem aggressive they are unlikely to bite humans unless cornered.

45. Thin-legged Wolf Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Lycosidae 
• Scientific Name: Pardosa milvina
• Other Names: Shore Spider 
• Adult Size: 4.7 to 6.2 mm (0.18 to 0.24 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Found throughout the United States the thin-legged wolf spider can be found in a variety of habitats within North Dakota.

Moist areas like woodlands, marshes, swamps, and farm fields are the most common homes for these spiders. Like other wolf spider species, the thin-legged wolf spider lives on the ground under leaf litter, rock piles, and plant debris.

This species of wolf spider can be identified by its long spindly legs. Similar to most wolf spiders this species is typically various shades of dark brown, light brown, and black.

Female wolf spiders will carry their younglings on their back until they reach maturity. Like most spider species Males have noticeably smaller abdomens than females.

The Thin legged wolf-spider is a ground hunter that stalks its prey day and night. They maintain territories and don’t build webs for themselves, they just wander around.

These spiders are less likely to run away from potential threats but a bite from them is still not common. Wolf spiders are venomous but their bites are not fatal they can be painful and last for up to ten days.

46. Ground Wolf Spider 

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Lycosidae 
• Scientific Name: Trochosa terricola
• Other Names: 
• Adult Size: 7 to 14 mm (0.27 to 0.55 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 4 years
• Average Price Range: n/a 

One of the most recognizable spiders found in almost every habitat in North Dakota is the ground wolf spider.

While they’re most active during their breeding season in spring they can be spotted year-round. Similar to other ground spiders, the females don’t leave their burrows often so most wolf spider sightings are males.

Wolf spiders are easily recognized by their large cephalothorax though most individual species are basically indistinguishable from each other. They are typically various shades of brown and black with mottled dark markings on their head and abdomen. Like most spiders, females have much larger abdomens and males are slightly smaller in length.

The diet of the wolf spider consists of insects and invertebrates found near the ground. Ground wolf spiders are nocturnal hunters that stalk their prey and use their venom to paralyze them.

Their bites can be mildly painful but are not fatal. Wolf spiders are usually not aggressive and are unlikely to bite humans unless provoked.

47. 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

The Carolina wolf spider is found all across North Dakota and is the largest species of wolf spider in North America. This species prefers flat open lands but is tolerant of many different habitats.

Deserts are where they are most commonly found but they can be found in fields, meadows, and woodlands. Carolina wolf spiders make their homes inside burrows lined with webbing by either making their own or inhabiting an already-made one.

Dark shades of brown and black are the usual colors spotted in these spiders. There is usually a variety of shades and dark patterns found on the spider’s cephalothorax.

Males are easy to identify due to the orange coloring on the sides of their abdomen. Females are generally larger than males and often carry their egg sacs around during their breeding season.

Like many ground-dwelling spiders, the Carolina wolf spider stalks their prey rather than catching it in a web. They are nocturnal hunters and are most active at night. Their diet consists of grasshoppers, crickets, small spiders, beetles, and other small invertebrates.

 Even though wolf spiders have a reputation for being dangerous they are unlikely to bite humans. They are venomous but their venom is not fatal to humans though the bite may cause itching and swelling.

On very rare occasions they can cause necrotic lesions.

48. 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 

One of the most common spiders in North Dakota is the trapdoor spider. This species likes to live in underground burrows and tunnels lined with silk webbing.

They get their name from the door they build out of the soil, plant debris, and silk material for the entrance to their home. However, not all species of trapdoor spiders build a door for their burrow.

A wide variety of habitats make good homes for trapdoor spiders like open deserts, shady riverbanks, meadows, steep slopes, and other areas with loose or sandy soil.

Areas with warmer more tropical climates are preferred though they will tolerate colder conditions. Often you can find entrances to their burrows near the edges of creeks and rivers where they like to catch small fish.

Trapdoor spiders are typically a black, reddish-brown, or dark brown color. The cephalothorax of this spider is hard and shiny while the abdomen is hairy and a lighter color.

Like most spiders, female trapdoor spiders are larger than males and their abdomen is more robust. However, females rarely leave their burrows so when trapdoor spiders are spotted it’s most likely male.

Bites from trapdoors spiders are rare and only mildly painful like a wasp or bee sting. They are nonaggressive spiders and prefer to run away from potential threats rather than attack.

Most of the year trapdoor spiders stay in their burrows except to hunt at night. A common meal for the trapdoor spider includes crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and moths.

FAQ

Wrapping up

The spiders in North Dakota are found everywhere, from inside buildings to deep into woodland habitats. Spiders are feared by many, with arachnophobia being one of the most common phobias, but the majority of spiders that live in North Dakota are harmless.

Spiders are actually extremely beneficial to humans and help control pest insect populations. Spiders are also used as a reliable food source for animals like birds, lizards, frogs, and small mammals.

North Dakota is home to an abundance of wildlife and is known for being one of the Great Plains states. Spiders are just one type of animal you may see, and some of them even make good pets for those who like to learn about spiders.

There are over 45,000 species of spiders in the world and 3,500 different species that live in the United States. New spiders are always being discovered, and many of the spiders in North Dakota inhabit other nearby states.

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