42 Unique Spiders in South Dakota

There are 42 types of spiders in this list out of the more than 3500 species of spiders that exist in the United States.

South Dakota has lots of hills, streams, and lowland habitats. South Dakota is located in the mid-western United States, and this article will cover some of the most common types of spiders you may find in the state.

Spiders can be identified by their webbing, behavior, and appearance. Each species has its own preference for the time of year and day when they are active.

While most people fear spiders the majority of species you come across are harmless. Let’s take a look at the spiders in South Dakota, and the interesting things to learn about them.

Spiders in South 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

The furrow orb weavers are a spider of South Dakota and have a large range across the United States. This spider’s range also includes other regions around the globe like Europe, North Africa, South America, and regions in Asia.

In South Dakota furrow orbweavers are active in the summer and fall months, and are seen most often during this period. Like other members of the orb weaver (Araneidae) family, female furrow orbweavers build circular-shaped webs to live in.

Furrow orb weavers build their webs on places like the sides of houses, gardens, open woodlands, and grasslands. They prefer to live in moist habitats with lots of vegetation. Male furrow spiders do not build webs but spend their time wandering around looking for food, or a mate.

The furrow orb weaver has tan color, with a reddish-brown cephalothorax. The legs of this spider are tan, with dark bands on them.

Furrow orbweavers are identifiable by the pattern on their abdomen which looks like a trench, or the furrow that a plow makes. The furrow pattern varies from being very faint to dark and runs down the center of the abdomen. Males and females have a similar color and pattern on them, but males have a much smaller abdomen.

Furrow orb weavers are seen often near artificial lights and sources of water since those attract insects. This species feeds on flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and other flying bugs that get caught in their web.

Furrow spiders neutralize their prey with their venom, but this spider is generally harmless to humans.

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

The cross orbweaver is also called the European garden spider and is a species that is originally native to Europe. This species has been introduced to North America and is active during the summer and fall months.

The cross orbweaver is common in meadows, open woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. Females of this species build circular webs to live in, that are made with a diameter of up to 15.7 inches (40 cm).

When active this species spends its time mating, and eating. The cross orbweaver uses yellow silk to enclose its eggs and put them in places like under bark, or in other hidden crevices.

The eggs of this spider overwinter when the cold comes, and in the spring and summer young spiderlings begin to hatch. A pregnant cross orbweaver can lay anywhere between 300 to 900 eggs.

Cross orbweavers have a white cross pattern running down the center of their abdomen, with several white blotches surrounding it. Both males and females have this pattern, but males have small abdomens and longer legs.

The cross orbweaver usually has tan, orange, brown, or gray coloring. They have a dark banded pattern on their legs, with tiny hairs covering them.

The web of this spider is used to catch small insect prey. When something falls into their silk they use vibrations to locate them and neutralize them with venom.

In the morning this spider takes down its web and rebuilds it to get it ready for the next day.

3. 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 orb weavers live in South Dakota and are a spider found across North America.

This species lives in habitats like fields, gardens, forests, and urban areas. A circular vertical web is created by the females of this species, reaching around 5.9 to 17.7 inches (15 to 45 cm) in diameter.

The arabesque orbweaver prefers moist habitats and is active in the summer and fall months. At night it is possible to see this spider resting in the center of its web.

This species gets its name from the swirling arabesque pattern that appears on its abdomen. Males have a much small and more pointed abdomen than females.

They also have longer legs since they spend their lives traveling looking for food, or a mate. Brown, orange, black, and gray are the colors this spider appears in. Thick hairs cover them, and dark bands appear on their legs.

During the day the arabesque orbweaver hides in a retreat near their web, such as a curled-up leaf. Not being active during the day helps them avoid predators like birds, wasps, and lizards.

This species feeds on small insects that get trapped in its silk. The bite from the arabesque orbweaver is harmless and comparable to a bee sting.

4. 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 

Marbled orbweavers are native to North America, and are found in moist woodlands habitats. They are active from the summer to mid-fall months.

Marbled orbweavers are a common species near streams, lakes, and other freshwater sources. They build circular webs near the banks of the water, usually reaching around 0.35 to 0.78 inches (0.9 to  2 cm) in diameter.

The marbled orbweaver gets its name from the marbled mottled pattern that appears on this spider’s abdomen. This species has orange, yellow, or white coloring, with purple, brown, or tan markings on its abdomen.

They have bands on their legs, which are colored orange and white. Males of this species have small abdomens and long legs. Females have a large bulbous abdomen, and body shapes similar to other orbweavers.

The night is when this spider is more active, and during the day they hide in a retreat within their web. Marbled orbweavers breed in the fall, laying hundreds of eggs to be hatched next spring.

The egg sacs of this species are made with white silk and have a flat shape. Gardens and other vegetated places are where this species is common, and they feed on pest insects like gnats and moths.

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

Shamrock spiders are native to the United States, and Canada.

Grasslands, gardens, woodlands, and other habitats with low-lying vegetation are where this species lives. The summer and fall are when the shamrock spider is active most.

Females of this species build large circular webs to live in that get up to 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter. Shamrock spiders lay their eggs in the late summer and fall, and after overwintering, they hatch in the spring.

Shamrock spiders have colors like white, beige, tan, gray, greenish red, or orange coloring. Blotches or dimples appear on this spider’s back, and they are covered in small thick hairs.

The legs of this spider are cream or white colored, with dark bands on them. The underside of their abdomen has a black marking on it, with a mottled pattern around it.

Shamrock spiders use their circular webs to catch insects, feeding mainly on small flying insects like flies, gnats, or moths. The bite of this spider can be painful, and cause a slight swelling, but they are generally harmless to humans unless allergic.

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 

The giant lichen orbweaver is found in North America, in the eastern parts of the United States, and in the southeastern regions of Canada. Giant lichen orbweavers are a nocturnal species that is seen most in the summer and fall months.

This spider lives in woodland habitats that are usually next to a stream, or other freshwater sources. Female giant lichen orbweavers build large circular webs that reach up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) in diameter.

The giant lichen orbweaver gets its name from its coloring, and pattern, which looks like lichen moss. This spider has green, white, black, tan, or grayish coloring.

Giant lichen orbweavers have a furrow-like pattern on their abdomen, with a mottled pattern on them. This spider has bands on its legs and is covered in small hairs.

A hump also appears on the top of the spider’s abdomen. The males of this species are smaller, and they have longer legs since they do not build webs, but are nomadic.

The giant lichen orbweaver feeds on insects, using its large circular web to catch its prey. This species sits at the edge of its web and ambushes prey when they fall into its silk.

This spider is harmless to humans, and its venom is weak, only working on small insects.

7. 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 a small species found in North America.

This spider is more common in the eastern United States but can be found in South Dakota. Line orbweavers build circular webs, with a diameter of around 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).

In the center of their web is a thick circle-shaped stabilimentum. Woodlands, fields, grasslands, and open-edged habitats are where this spider lives.

Lined orbweavers have similar body shapes to other orbweaver spiders, and have bulbous abdomens and spindly legs. This species gets its name from the lined pattern that appears on its abdomen and also has mottled markings on them.

Thick hairs cover their body, which helps them sense vibrations. The abdomen of this spider is white, and its markings are dark. The cephalothorax and legs of this spider are light green, helping them blend into vegetation.

Small insects are what this spider feeds on, using its circular webs to catch its prey. They have venomous bites only useful for neutralizing small prey like gnats, flies, beetles, Wasps, birds, lizards, and other spiders are the predators this spider faces.

8. 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 star-bellied orb weaver has a large range in North America, stretching from Canada to Mexico. The star-bellied orb weaver is found in South Dakota but is more common on the coastlines of the eastern and western regions of North America.

Meadows, grasslands, and urban areas are places where this spider is common. The months from late spring to early fall are when this spider is easiest to find.

The star-bellied orb weaver gets its name from the star-like spikes that protrude from its abdomen. Males and females of this species both have these spikes, but males have smaller abdomens and longer legs.

This spider has tan, brown, to reddish-brown coloring, and a mottled pattern. This species has spindly legs, with dark bands.

This spider is harmless to humans and only bites if provoked. Starbellied orb weavers use their circular webs to catch flying insects like moths and flies.

This species usually makes its web around 6 to 10 inches (15.24 to 25.4 cm) large in diameter. Males spend their time wandering, and their long legs help them traverse areas and ambush prey on the ground.

While living for only around a year, this spider gets preyed on by wasps and birds.

9. 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 

The United States and Canada are where the cat-faced spider lives and this species can be found in South Dakota.

Cat-faced spiders live in urban areas in places like gardens, backyards, and parks. This spider creates orb-shaped webs to live in, making them on the sides of houses, under porch lights, or supported by vegetation. 

The summer and fall months are when this spider is active. Mating occurs during this period, and females die shortly after laying their eggs.

The eggs overwinter, then begin to hatch in the spring. Cannibalism is common when mating, and between spiderlings, and siblings that hatch together. To travel long distances young spiders will balloon, and travel in the air by using their silk to catch the wind.

The name of this spider comes from its appearance, which looks like a cat’s face. Cat-faced orbweavers have two humps on their abdomen similar to a cat’s ears and dimples on them that look like eyes.

This species has colors that range from tan to orange. The underside of this spider has a black marking, and its body is covered in small hairs.

Small insects like gnats, moths, and other spiders are what make up this species’ diet. They are harmless to humans, and their bites usually do not pierce human skin due to their small fangs.

10. 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 

The spined micrathena is a species found in Central, and North America. This spider builds circular webs and wanders weekly to find a new spot to build its web.

Spined micrathena live in woodland habitats near ponds, lakes, streams, and lagoons. They are also common in edged habitats and may live near each other in a small colony.

Spined micrathena are active mostly in the summer and fall months. Spring is when these spiderlings emerge from their eggs, and in winter the adults die off.

This spider is named after the spines that appear out of its abdomen, but only females have this trait. Males of this species have dark brown to tan legs and legs and heads. Their bodies are pill-shaped with no spikes, with tan to white coloring. Males spend their time wandering and only use their silk for mating.

Female spined micrathena have large bulbous abdomens, with dimples and spikes on them. They have a white abdomen with black, and yellow markings on them.

Spined micrathena live in areas with lots of insect traffic. Their webs are built with a diameter that gets up to 7.87 inches large (20cm) and is used to catch their prey.

11. 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 

The white micrathena has a large range that stretches from the United States to Brazil. Places with lots of vegetation like gardens, parks, and moist woodland habitats are where this spider can be found.

The late summer and fall are when this spider is spotted most. This species is only alive for around a year, and in winter they are inactive, and spring is when spiderlings begin to emerge.

White micrathena are sexually dimorphic and are a very small orbweaver species. Males have small rounded abdomens, with tan and white coloring.

Females have an abdomen shape similar to a turban and have small spikes at the top of them. White in color, females have dark dimples and a mottled pattern that appears on them. The legs and carapace of this species are dark to reddish brown.

Small insects are what this spider feeds on. The daytime is when this spider is active, and they are rarely seen at night.

The spikes on this species and micrathena are used to ward off predators like birds, lizards, and other spiders.

12. Arrow-shaped Micrathena

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Micrathena sagittata
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 5 to 9 mm (0.20 to 0.35 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

The eastern United States, and across Central America are where the arrow-shaped micrathena can be found. In South Dakota, this spider lives in open woodlands, grasslands, and urban environments.

Arrow-shaped micrathena build circular webs. Males wander searching for the web of a mate, and risk the chance of getting eaten after breeding. When egg sacs are laid females usually die, while the eggs overwinter until spring.

This spider gets its name since the end of its abdomen has the shape of an arrow. Arrow-shaped orbweavers have two large spikes that protrude from the end of their abdomen, but only females have this trait.

Males are much smaller in size and have coloring ranging from tan to black, with rounded abdomens. Females have large black spikes, with smaller ones on the dorsal side of their abdomen.

This spider has yellow coloring, with black dimples on them. Their legs and cephalothorax are brown to red.

Small insects are what this spider feeds on, and they use their sticky silk to catch their prey. Their webs have little spacing to make it easier to catch small flying insects.

Running down the center of this spider’s web is a zig-zag stabilimentum pattern, and this species is active during the day.

13. Triangle Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Cyclosa turbinata
• Other Names: Arrowhead spider, 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 

Found in South Dakota, the triangle orbweaver has a large range across North America. Woodlands, agricultural fields, parks, and other habitats with lots of plant life are where this species is typically found.

They are seen most from late summer to early fall and prefer to live in humid environments. Females create orb-shaped webs to inhabit, making them in sunny areas.

This species gets its name from its triangle-shaped abdomen. The dorsal coloring of their abdomen is either yellow or white.

Yellow spiders are more successful at attracting prey to their web, while white spiders have been shown to become more abundant during the day. Spiders with a yellow marking on them get more bugs in their webs, but they also get more predators. The legs, cephalothorax, and bottom of their abdomen have reddish brown, to dark brown coloring.

Triangle spiders ambush the insects they get caught in their silk and use the vibrations in their silk to locate their prey. Triangle orbweavers feed on small flying insects like mosquitoes and gnats.

They are harmless to humans but have venom used to neutralize prey.

14. 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 a species native to North and South America and can be found in South Dakota.

This species lives in meadows, grasslands, gardens, parks, backyards, edged habitats, and other open vegetated places. The summer and fall are when this species is seen most, and they prefer humid and moist environments.

Females build large orb webs to live in, making them up to 24 inches (60 cm) in diameter. Their webs are supported by vegetation, and human structures like the sides of houses.

Banded garden spiders get their name from the bands that appear on their body. This species is sexually dimorphic, and males are around ¼ the size of females.

The abdomen of the banded garden spider is round, and they have long spindly legs. Silver, yellow, and black are the colors this spider appears in, and they have bands covering each section of their body, except their silver carapace.

Banded garden spiders use their circular webs to catch their prey, and like other similar species, this spider creates a zig-zag pattern down the center of its web. The web stabilimentum is hypothesized to prevent animals like birds from flying into their silk, making it easier for birds to see.

Banded garden spiders are active during the day, and are preyed on by predators like birds and wasps.

15. Black and Yellow Garden Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Argiope aurantia
• Other Names: Yellow garden spider  
• Adult Size: 5 to 28 mm ( 0.2 to 1.1 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: $8

Found all across North America, the black and yellow garden spider is a species that inhabits South Dakota.

This spider is found in grasslands, meadows, gardens, and other sunny, vegetated habitats. Black and yellow garden spiders are active during the day and can be seen sitting in the center of the orb-shaped web they create.

The web of this spider gets up to 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter, and the orb-shaped web is contained by a larger frame to hold it. This species will consume the center of its web daily, and rebuild it with fresh silk to prepare for the day. The summer and fall are when this species is seen most, requiring moist habitats to live in.

The black and yellow garden spider is the largest orb weaver species in South Dakota and is slightly larger than the banded garden spider. This species is named after its black, and yellow coloring, which appears in bands on its legs, and blotches on its abdomen.

The carapace of this spider is white, and white blotches also appear on its body. Male black and yellow garden spiders are much smaller than females, only reaching around ¼ of the size of their counterparts. Males have dull coloring and are rarely seen unless in a female’s web during the mating season.

Despite their size and flashy colors, this spider is harmless to humans, with bites being rare, and only resulting in mild discomfort. The large circular webs of this spider are used to catch their prey, and due to their size, they are able to consume large animals like birds, bats, and large flying insects.

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 

The bold jumping spider is a very common species in the United States and is common everywhere but in the far western states of the country. Bold jumping spiders live in open habitats, like grasslands, meadows, gardens, and urban areas.

They spend their time on vertical surfaces like the sides of houses, or fences, using their excellent eyesight to look for prey. This species is active during the day, seen most often in the spring to summer months.

Bold jumping spiders get their name from their bold coloring. They are black, with white tufts of hair on their joints, and green iridescent chelicerae.

On the abdomen of this spider are three orange blotches, and as these spiders age, their spots turn white. Jumping spiders like this species has great depth perception since they have two large eyes on their face. Six smaller eyes circle their head like a crown, giving the jumping spider a vision range of nearly 360 degrees.

Bold jumping spiders spend their day hunting for small insects, and other spiders. While on vertical surfaces they use their vision to find prey and their fast leaps to hunt them down.

Jumping spiders stalk their prey like a cat, and pounce on them when near. The bold jumping spider is a part of the Phidippus genus which is known for making great spider pets due to its larger size, and simple diet.

17. 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 

While found in South Dakota, the zebra jumping spider has a larger range that stretches across the Northern Hemisphere, found in Europe, North Asia, and other parts of North America. Zebra jumping spiders are diurnal spiders, and at night they create a silk sac to rest in.

In meadows, grasslands, open woodlands, and urban areas where this spider is common. They move around preferring to be on vertical surfaces, attaching a silk tether as they jump to prevent falling to their death.

This spider has black and white coloring and also has markings on it that look similar to zebras. Males and females are around the same size, but males have dark coloring. Females have more white hairs covering their legs, and pedipalps, with some tan coloring on their bodies.

Jumping spiders like this species is able to leap around 6.3 inches. The zebra jumping spider spends its day looking for food, pouncing on prey like flies, beetles, and other spiders when the moment is right.

This species is estimated to have a jumping velocity of around 2.1 to 2.6 ft/s (0.64 to 0.79 m/s). Jumping spiders rarely bite, and only do so as a last resort, preferring to flee at the first chance they get.

18. Grass Spiders

• 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 are a common type of spider in the United States and South Dakota.

This species lives in places with lots of lying grass, and bushes. They build their webs on things like lawns, bushes, flowering plants, window sills, and other crevices that get lots of insect traffic.

This spider is active mostly in the spring and summer months. Grass spiders build funnel-shaped webs, with a retreat for them to hide in.

Tan to dark gray in color, the grass spider has a very similar appearance to the wolf spider. This species has a slimmer appearance and a spinneret at the end of its abdomen that looks like a tail used for spinning its flat webs.

Grass spiders have two dark bold stripes on their cephalothorax, going down to their abdomen. Their body has a mottled pattern on them.

Small hairs cover this spider’s body since it is easier and allow them to sense when something is in its funnel web. Grass spiders are extremely quick, and feed on small insects like moths, aphids, ants, and other spiders that walk across their silk.

The night is when this spider waits at the edge of its funnel, and if spotted by a predator, retreats into its funnel.

19. Barn Funnel Weaver

• Experience Level: Beginner  
• Family: Agelenidae 
• Scientific Name: Tegenaria domestica 
• Other Names: Domestic house spider 
• Adult Size: 6 to 11.5 mm (0.24 to 0.45 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 5 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a

Barn funnel weavers are an extremely common species, found across the globe in regions like Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and the Americas.

This species can be found in South Dakota, with a range stretching to the southern United States, and reaching Canada. Barn funnel weavers build funnel-like retreats, commonly making them on man-made structures like barns, window sills, and fences.

The color of the barn funnel weaver ranges from dark orange to tan, sometimes appearing in gray. This spider has a dark mottled pattern on its abdomen, with faint bands appearing on its legs. Males of this species have slightly smaller bodies than females, but their legs are much longer.

Like the grass spider, the barn funnel weaver creates a funnel web to inhabit. This species is also called the domestic house spider, since they regularly build their webs, in or around homes. This species’ web is made smaller than the grass spider’s, and their retreat is made in a sheet of silk instead of off to the side.

Female barn funnel weavers have a lifespan longer than most other spiders and are able to lay up to 9 eggs in their lifetime. The months from May to July are considered their mating season.

Barn funnel spiders are active year-round and use their funnel webs to feed on insects like crane flies, moths, and other invertebrates.

20. 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

The hobo spider is a funnel-weaving species that lives in South Dakota. While native to Europe, this spider has been introduced to the United States.

The late summer and early fall are when this spider is active. Dry and warm environments are where this spider prefers to live, and while they sometimes live near homes, they rarely go into them.

Hobo spiders look very similar to the barn-funnel weaver but are slightly larger. This species, when compared with the barn funnel weaver, is lighter in color, and lack the circle, and band markings that appear on the barn funnel weaver’s body.

Hobo spiders have a brown-grayish color. Their abdomens are round, with males having smaller ones, with longer legs. They have a mottled pattern of yellow and gray that appears on their body, and their carapace has a diffused pattern.

Hobo spiders were once believed to be a venomous species to humans, but with further research, it was concluded that their bites are generally not dangerous to humans. While their bites may cause some pain, their venom is not considered medically significant to humans.

Insects like flies, roaches, and ants are the insects this spider eats, using their retreat to pounce at them when least expected.

21. 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

Spiders from the Philodromidae family live globally, with some inhabiting South Dakota. This spider is common near man-made buildings, woodlands, and areas with lots of low-lying foliage.

This species is fast-moving, and does not build a web, but is a nomadic species. Running crab spiders are active during the day. This species is active year-round, and are seen regularly in the spring, and fall months.

The males and females of running crab spiders are around the same size. Their shade varies from tan to cream color. This spider has long legs which have a similar orientation to a crab.

They have a mottled pattern that helps them blend into surfaces like tree bark. A banding pattern appears on running crab spiders, and they are covered in thick hairs.

Running crab spiders spend their day wandering, hunting for food. As this spider moves about they drop a dragline to prevent themselves from falling to their death.

Males use the lines of silk left by a female to find a mate. Male running crab spiders choose a mate based on whether the female has mated.

This spider lays around 250 eggs and constructs 5 to 7 cocoons.

22. 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

In South Dakota, ground crab spiders live in habitats like woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas. This spider prefers places with lots of vegetation.

They are active during the day, and instead of building webs, they wander around. Ground crab spiders when not active rest under logs, and rocks, or may also bury themselves under leaf litter.

The spring and fall are when this spider is active most. Egg laying occurs in the summer and fall. When winter comes adults die off, while eggs overwinter for spiderlings to emerge in the spring.

Ground crab spiders have tan coloring, with a mottled pattern on them. The Thomisidae family of spiders are called crab spiders, due to the shape of their body, and their ability to move similarly to a crab. This spider has a round bulbous abdomen, but males’ bodies are much smaller than females’.

The front legs of the ground crab spider are powerful and used for taking down prey. Ground crab spiders are ambush predators, using their camouflage to surprise their prey.

Small pest insects make up the majority of their diet, and they use their venom to neutralize their meal. Ground crab spiders are harmless to humans, but are helpful in places like agricultural fields.

23. 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 

The deadly ground crab spider is one of the many species of Thomisidae spiders that live in South Dakota. Despite its name, the deadly ground spider is harmless to humans, and will likely flee if approached.

Their bites only cause minor redness and swelling and are only harmful if allergic. Deadly ground spiders do not build webs. They inhabit woodlands and prefer to spend their time on the ground, in leaf litter.

Deadly ground crab spiders have a coloring that ranges from tan to orange. Their abdomens and legs have dark orange bumps on them, and they have a body shape similar to a crab. The front pairs of their legs are long, with their second pair of legs being the longest.

The deadly ground crab spider has colors, and markings on them to let them not be spotted by prey. Crab spiders are sit-and-wait predators, ambushing their prey when they get near.

They have excellent eyesight that allows them to see in almost every direction. Amphibians, lizards, and larger terrestrial spiders are this species’ most common predators.

24. 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 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

Goldenrod crab spiders are found in North America, and Europe, and are a species that lives in South Dakota. This spider lives in gardens, grasslands, prairies, and other similar habitats.

Goldenrod crab spiders are active during the day, and instead of building webs, they live amongst vegetation. Flowering plants like goldenrod and milkweed are where this species lives.

Flower crab spiders, like this species, get their name from their crab-like bodies. Goldenrod crab spiders are sexually dimorphic, with females being much larger than males.

This spider has yellow or white coloring and is able to change between the two colors to allow them to better camouflage into its environment. Unlike a chameleon which changes color quickly, the time it takes for spiders to change colors takes from 2 days to a month.

Flower crab spiders use flower plants and other vegetation since they attract insects and pollinators. Bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, and other similar insects visit plants.

Yellow and white flowers are common areas females make their home, while males spend their time looking for a mate.

25. Leaf-curling Sac Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Clubionidae
• Scientific Name: Phonognatha graeffei
• Other Names: n/a
• Adult Size: 6 to 10 mm (0.24 to 0.39 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a

The leaf-curling sac spiders are one of the many types of sac spiders that live in South Dakota. This species lives in areas with lots of plants, low-lying vegetation, and insect traffic.

Leaf curling sac spiders are found across the globe in areas like Russia, Europe, Asia, and North America. This spider is found in areas with lots of plant life like backyards, gardens, and parks. They are active at night, and during the day create a silk retreat to rest in.

Leaf curling sac spiders are a medium-sized species with tan, to gray in color. They have eight eyes, arranged in two rows with two eyes on the top row.

Sac spiders in the genus of Clubiona have a bulbous abdomen, and when standing they are flat. The hairs that cover them have a velvet appearance.

Leaf curling sac spiders are beneficial in agricultural fields and gardens since they prey on pest insects. The fangs of this spider may give a painful bite, but this species is not dangerous to humans.

They hunt in leaf litter and prefer damp areas, and when not hunting they make their sac on a leaf or grass.

26. 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 

The northern yellow sac spider is native to Europe, North Africa, also Asia. This spider now has a range in the United States, as it was introduced by European colonists.

Northern yellow sac spiders are found in North America in the northeastern, and eastern parts of Canada, and are a species that lives in South Dakota. Urban areas, grasslands, woodlands, and places with lots of low-lying vegetation are where this spider lives.

Northern yellow sac spiders have cream, yellowish, or greenish-yellow coloring. This species has a plump abdomen and long legs.

Their front legs are larger than the rest and spread out the sides of their body. The eyes of this spider are placed in two rows, with two eyes on the body, and six on the bottom. Their eyes glow in the dark due to the tissues in them that reflect light and give them excellent night vision.

Northern yellow sac spiders are nocturnal, and during the day they create a silk sac to rest in. Their silk retreats can be made in places like tree bark, under rocks, and in leaf litter.

This species sometimes makes its way indoors looking for food and may hide under objects like cardboard, or dirty laundry.

27. Agrarian Sac Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Cheiracanthiidae
• Scientific Name: Cheiracanthium inclusum
• Other Names: Black-footed Yellow Sac Spider 
• Adult Size: 4 to 10 mm (0.15 to 0.39 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

The agrarian sac spider is also called the American sac spider, or black-footed sac spider. This species is a small spider found in gardens, backyards, parks, and forests.

They do not build circular webs, but when resting they create a sac to sleep in. Agrarian sac spiders are active in the summer and fall months, sometimes making their way indoors.

This species has a small body with yellow-beige coloring. Agrarian sac spiders have eyes that glow when light hits them and great night vision.

This spider has black coloring at the tips of its legs, and faint hair covering them. Mating for this spider occurs at night, and eggs are laid around two weeks after copulation. Agrarian sac spiders lay anywhere between 1 to 5 sets of eggs, with egg masses containing 20 to 90 eggs.

Agrarian sac spiders also spend most of their time hunting at night. They are active hunters like wolf spiders, or jumping spiders, using vibrations and vision to detect prey.

The bites from this spider are painful and their venom is slightly stronger than other sac spiders in the area. The symptoms of their bite are localized, and include symptoms like redness, and pain, and may also cause slight necrosis.

28. 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 

Red-spotted ant mimic spiders live in North America and are found in the United States and Canada. This spider lives in a variety of habitats like woodlands, urban areas, and fields.

They are active during the day or night and build silk sacs to rest in like sac spiders. This spider copies an ant by lifting its front legs and walking slowly.

Red-spotted ant mimic spiders have a glossy black coloring, with a red blotch on the back of their abdomen. Some may confuse this spider for a black widow due to its coloring, but this spider is harmless to humans.

Red-spotted ant mimic spiders have rounded abdomens. Their bodies are similar to other ground-dwelling sacs spiders, letting people differentiate them from the spindly-legged widow spider. 

This spider mimics an ant so it can look harmless, and catch unsuspecting prey off guard. Copying an ant also helps prevent itself from being attacked by ants.

Ant mimic spiders are preyed on by larger spiders, lizards, and birds. This spider is extremely quick, which is useful for ambushing prey or escaping predators.

29. 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

In South Dakota, the long-palped ant mimic spider is one of the few spiders in the state that mimics an ant in appearance, and behavior. This spider is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats.

Parks, gardens, backyards, and fields are common areas where this spider is found. Some call this spider a sac spider since they rest in a silk retreat when not active.

The long-palped ant mimic spider has a base black coloring. The carapace of this spider has a yellow mottled pattern on it.

Their abdomen is shaped like a pill and has yellowish, or cream markings that are thin, and oval-shaped. This spider’s legs have tan coloring on their tips for their first two pairs of legs. The second pair of legs have black, white, and tan bands on them.

This spider copies an ant by moving slowly and lifting its two front legs to look like an antenna. Long-palped ants mimic spiders and feed on ants, other spiders, and small invertebrates they come across.

This spider is harmless to humans, and if approached will likely flee.

30. 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 spiders are found in the eastern regions of North America and are also a spider that inhabits South Dakota. This spider is active year-round and is nocturnal.

Like a sac spider, this spider creates a silk retreat to rest during the day. They rest in leaf litter, tree bark, vegetation, under logs, and in other hidden areas. Woodlands are a common area this species is found, and they are also seen often in urban areas.

The eastern parson spider has black coloring on its cephalothorax and abdomen. The end of their abdomen has a spinneret that looks like a tail.

Their abdomen also has white markings that run down the spider’s center that look similar to an arrow. Their legs are black, with brown coloring on the edge of them. Small hairs cover this spider’s body which has a velvet-like appearance.

Eastern parsons spiders are nocturnal and spend their time hunting for food. This spider feeds on small insects, and other spiders, and uses its bites to subdue its prey.

While the eastern parson’s spider may be painful, its venom is harmless to humans unless allergic.

31. 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 around the globe and in South Dakota. This spider prefers warm temperatures and is sometimes found around urban areas.

Spitting spiders prefer shady tropical environments, and this spider tends to be more active at night. They occasionally wander indoors and spend this time looking for food.

The spitting spider has tan coloring, with a round abdomen and cephalothorax. Their legs are thin, with dark brown bands running down them.

Spitting spiders have long front legs which they use to aim their spitting substance. The body of this spider has a mottled brown pattern on them. Unlike other spiders, this species only has 6 eyes, grouped in pairs of two.

The spitting spider is able to spit a substance of liquid silk mixed with venom at the prey it is trying to capture. When about to spit this spider moves slowly, using its front legs to aim.

Spitting spiders are able to shoot around 0.78 inches far, and can spit at a rate of 28 m/s. They feed on small invertebrates, wrapping their prey in silk after entrapping them with their spit.

32. Long-bodied Cellar Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Pholcidae 
• Scientific Name: Pholcus phalangioides
• Other Names: Skull spider, Daddy long-legged spider 
• Adult Size: 6 to 10 mm (0.23 to 3.9 inches) 
• Lifespan: 0.5 to 3 years
• Average Price Range: n/a

The long-bodied cellar spider is a very common species, active year-round. The summer and spring months are when this spider is seen most.

They build messy webs to live in. The long-bodied cellar spider sometimes lives together in a communal web, with a family being able to cover an area with cobwebs. Cellars, backyards, the sides of houses, and in homes are areas this spider lives.

Long-bodied cellar spiders are one of the few arachnids that are called daddy long legs, due to how large their legs are when compared to their small body. The abdomen of this species is pill-shaped, and their cephalothorax is round and looks similar to a human skull. Dark bands appear on their joints, and their small abdomen has a mottled pattern on it.

This spider uses its messy web to catch insects like flies, or moths. They are also able to feed on other spiders.

Since their legs are so thin other spiders cannot detect them since they navigate the silk so nimbly. Cellar spiders wrap their prey up quickly, and inject them with venom.

This spider is harmless to humans, and its fangs are too small to pierce human skin.

33. 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

The candy stripe spider is a species sometimes seen in North America but is a spider that is native to Europe. This spider can be found in the eastern and Pacific Northwest regions in the United States, with its range also including South Dakota.

Candy-striped spiders live in vegetated habitats like grasslands, gardens, and meadows. While sometimes found in backyards, this spider prefers to avoid areas inhabited by humans. They live in dense vegetation and create a messy web to live in.

Candy-striped spiders have gray, white, or greenish coloring, with bulbous abdomens. This small spider has spindly legs and is named after the red v-shaped marking that appears on its abdomen. This species’ coloring helps them blend into the vegetated habitats they live in.

These small species feed on insects, and they are able to take out prey twice their size. Candy-striped spiders use their tangled webs to feed on animals like flies, ticks, mosquitoes, and grasshoppers.

Harmless to humans, this spider tends to emerge during the months from May to October in South Dakota.

34. 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 

The common house spider is a species found around the globe. This spider lives in, and around human structures.

They build messy webs to inhabit, making them in secluded areas like cabinets, basements, the sides of houses, sheds, and other similar places. Common house spiders occasionally make their home outside in vegetated areas like gardens, and agricultural fields.

The common house spider has a coloring that ranges from black to cream coloring. This spider has a bulbous abdomen, with spindly legs similar to other tangled web spiders.

Their legs have bands on them, while their abdomen has a mottled pattern on them which helps them blend into their environment. Common house spiders are sexually dimorphic, with males being slightly smaller than females.

Female common house spiders have a longer lifespan than males and are able to produce several egg sacs a year. Their sacs have a papery appearance and contain anywhere between 150 to 200 eggs. When hatched the spiderlings remain in their sac and molt before dispersing.

The common house spider feeds on small insects that get caught in its web. Their bites are mildly venomous to humans and give symptoms like redness, swelling, and sometimes nausea.

Fleas, roaches, earwigs, flies, and mosquitoes are the types of insects they eat.

35. 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  

The triangulate cobweb spider is found in many parts of the world including South Dakota. This spider can be found in regions like North America, Russia, New Zealand, and Europe.

Triangulate cobweb spiders live in man-made structures, which is why they can be found year-round, all around the globe. Messy webs are built by this species to live in, and they create them in dark, and secluded areas.

The cephalothorax of this spider is reddish brown, and its abdomen is bulbous. This spider has a dark brown abdomen, with cream to white colored wavy markings on their abdomen.

Their legs are spindly, with dark and yellowish bands on them. The triangulate cobweb spider is sexually dimorphic but has similar colorings, and markings on them. Males have smaller abdomens, but their legs are longer.

This spider uses its messy web to catch insects, and also their silk to wrap up its prey. Triangulate cobweb spiders feed on things like ants, pillbugs, ticks, and roaches.

The venom of the triangulate cobweb spider is harmless to humans, and only dangerous to the small invertebrates they feed on.

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 rabbit hutch spider is a species that is known to live in the cages and pens of animals. This species is common to find in the cages of rabbits since they are attracted to the insects like fleas and mosquitoes.

Rabbit hutch spiders are also found in man-made structures like basements, warehouses, and garages. This spider builds a messy web to live in, similar to other Theridiidae spiders.

The rabbit hutch spider has reddish-brown, to dark brown coloring. Females are seen the most, and have a cream stripe running down their abdomen, and dark dimples on their dorsal.

Rabbit hutch spiders are not dangerous to humans, but are sometimes confused for black widows because of their body shape and coloring. Rabbit hutch spiders are nocturnal, and are often overlooked since they are in secluded areas.

This spider’s eyesight is poor, and they rely on vibrations to sense the world. A harmless specie, only provoking this spider causes them to bite.

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 also known as the brown house spider is a very common spider in most of the United States and can be found all throughout South Dakota. Steatoa grossa is a spider that is found in North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia.

This species lives in tangled webs that it creates. They make their webs in secluded areas within mad-made structures like apartments, houses, sheds, garages, and warehouses.

False black widows get their name from their similarity to the widow spider, and many species within the Steatoda genus hold this name because of their appearance. The Steatoda grossa false black widow is sexually dimorphic.

Females have reddish-brown coloring. Their abdomen is plump and has a mottled cream pattern on it.

Male false widows have black abdomens with markings on them. Their legs are longer than females and have a cream coloring.

Since this spider has poor eyesight they rely on vibrations from their when to know when something gets trapped in their silk. This species feeds on other spiders and even black widows. Their silk also catches insects like flies, mosquitoes, and other insects humans may consider a pest.

The venom of this spider is considered medically significant to humans, and their bites may cause symptoms. While rarely serious, symptoms from this spider’s bite include pain, fever, sweating, fatigue, and muscle spasms.

False widows only bite if provoked, which may happen if you disturb an area they may be hiding in. Anti-venom for widow spiders is effective at treating the illness caused by their bites.

38. 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 found mainly in the western region of North America but is spread throughout most areas in the United States.

This is a venomous species that is most recognizable by its red hourglass marking on its abdomen. They are cobweb weavers and prefer to live in dark, secluded areas both in human-inhabited areas and in natural habitats.

Black widows are very easy to identify due to their dark black coloring and distinctive hourglass marking. The females are larger and usually black while males are considerably smaller and are typically tan or brown with yellow markings. While all black widows are venomous, the females are the only ones that seem to harm humans with their bites.

Western black widows are very unlikely to bite humans unless cornered and are more likely to run at any disturbance. They use their webs and venom to catch and subdue prey.

A black widow’s diet is made up of a variety of insects like ants, grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, mosquitos, and other spiders.

39. 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 

The dark fishing spider is a semi-aquatic species and South Dakota’s largest spider.

Dark fishing spiders are most commonly seen in the water. They like to live in areas with swamps, ponds, and lakes.

They can often be seen on trees, rocks, and other surfaces near the water’s edge. They can sometimes be found a long distance away from water sources as well as living in dark damp areas.

Dark fishing spiders are often confused for wolf spiders, tarantulas, or barn funnel spiders. They are much larger than the average spider with a length (including leg span) of almost 4 inches.

The coloring of dark fishing spiders can be various shades of brown and black. A good way to identify a dark fishing spider is by the dark W-shaped marking on its abdomen and the black stripes and markings on its legs.

Like most wandering spiders, dark fishing spiders don’t use webs to catch food. This species will run across the water in pursuit of aquatic insects.

A dark fishing spider’s diet consists of small insects, small fish, tadpoles, and smaller spiders. When confronted these spiders are likely to either run and hide or dive into the water.

This spider’s bite is not dangerous but can be mildly painful like a bee or wasp sting.

40. Ground Wolf Spider

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

Ground wolf spiders are found throughout the United States and in several types of habitats within South Dakota.

These spiders prefer to live in humid areas and like to hide under rocks, moss, leaf litter, and in hollow tree stumps. They can be spotted year-round but are most active during their breeding season in the spring.

Like most species of wolf spider, the ground wolf spider is typically dark brown but can also be various shades of brown from reddish brown to tan. Mottled markings on the abdomen and darker more distinctive patterns on the head are common for this species.

Female ground wolf spiders are often slightly bigger than males. Males can be distinguished by the dark coloring on their front legs.

Ground wolf spiders mainly hunt during the night when they are most active but can sometimes be seen during the day as well. Wolf spiders don’t catch their prey using a net they like to wander around the ground looking for food. Their typical meal consists of insects found on the ground like beetles, grasshoppers, ants, other spiders, and insect eggs.

Due to the larger-than-average size of the ground wolf spider, their bites can be mildly painful. Their venom is not dangerous to humans but it is possible for someone to be allergic to their bite.

Typically a ground wolf spider bite causes itching and slight swelling for a brief period of time.

41. 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 found all across the U.S. and, while they aren’t commonly spotted, they can also be found in some areas of South Dakota. This species of spider lives in silk-lined burrows with turrets of dirt, grass, silk, and other debris around the entrance.

Their mating season takes place in June and July which is when they are more likely to be seen. Habitats like grasslands, fields, and other flat open areas are preferred by these spiders.

Typically Carolina wolf spiders are various shades of mottled brown ranging from dark reddish brown to tan. Dark indistinct patterns are often seen on their backs.

A good way to identify a male Carolina wolf spider is by the orange coloration found on the sides of its abdomen. Female wolf spiders are often large and during their breeding season, they will keep their egg sac on their back.

The diet of a Carolina wolf spider varies based on where it lives. Sometimes they will make their burrows near human dwellings and take advantage of the numerous cockroaches and other pests.

Typically these spiders will eat grasshoppers, crickets, other small spiders, and even the occasional small lizard. These spiders are venomous but their bite is not fatal and only slightly painful, similar to a bee sting.

42. Trapdoor Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate  
• Family: Halonoproctidae 
• Scientific Name: UmmidiaT
• 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 fairly common spider found in most of the U.S. These spiders are often found in habitats like forested ravines, marshes, grasslands, and overgrown fields.

They make their homes in underground burrows that they line with silk. They are called trapdoor spiders because of the door they create for their home out webbing. Trapdoor spiders often camouflage the entrance to their home with soil or plant debris.

Trapdoor spiders look similar to tarantulas because of their close relationship. Though they are significantly smaller than tarantulas their abdomens and heads have similar shapes.

They are most commonly spotted as either black, dark brown, or reddish brown. Like tarantulas, the trapdoor spider has two large fangs for catching and incapacitating prey.

Though their fangs may be larger than the average spider the trapdoor spider is harmless to humans. They are fast runners and prefer to hide from danger rather than try to attack.

They are nocturnal and can be spotted holding the door to their home open while they wait to jump on passing prey. They are most active from July to September when the mating season takes place.

FAQ

Wrapping up

South Dakota is filled with a variety of spiders, and this article talks about the most common ones that you may come across in the state. The spiders in South Dakota, while feared, are very important to the environments they live in.

Spiders help to greatly reduce the number of pest insects in their area, using their silk or hunting skills to catch their prey. Spiders are beneficial to humans since they kill pest insects that feed on crops, or bugs like mosquitoes that feed on humans. Birds, lizards, and small mammals also rely on spiders as a valuable food source.

Spiders help keep the ecosystem balanced, but some species also make for unique pets. Species like the jumping spider or cellar spider are popular pet spiders to keep since they are harmless and have a simple diet of small insects.

While spiders are short-lived, keeping one as a pet allows you to get an up-close view of how they live, and show you the various things about them that make them interesting. The spiders in South Dakota are just a few of the spiders to discover, as there are over 45,000 species in the world.

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