In Vermont, there is an abundance of spider species that live in the state and here you will find 49 of the most common. The United States has thousands of species, and in most states spiders are found everywhere.
Around 76% of Vermont is forest habitats, which is perfect for the different spiders in the area. They can make their home in urban areas in places like parks, backyards, gardens, on the side of houses, and in agricultural fields.
Each spider species has its own preference for where it prefers to live, and what time of day it is active. A spider can be identified by the web design it creates, its behavior, and its physical characteristics.
Let’s take a look at 49 common spiders in Vermont, and what you should know about these species.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Spiders in Vermont
1. Giant Lichen Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Araneus bicentenarius
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 10 to 30 mm ( 0.39 to 1.18 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
Giant lichen orbweavers are one of the many orb weaver species that live in Vermont.
This spider has a round bulbous abdomen and spindly legs. The color and pattern on their body match that of the moss lichen and helps them blend into their environment.
Lichen orb weavers have greenish coloring, with white, brown, and gray markings on their bodies. Their legs are tan, with dark bands running down them.
The Eastern half of America in states like Vermont is where this spider lives. Moist woodlands, forests, and similar habitats with lots of vegetation are where this spider lives.
Females create circular webs to inhabit, while males wander around. They are mostly active at night, and during the day they hide in a secluded area.
Lichen orbweavers feed on small insects, and their circular webs are made in areas of high insect traffic. Their bites are harmless to humans, but help neutralize the prey that falls into their webs.
Flying insects like moths and craneflies are what this spider eats.
2. Bridge Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: larinioides sclopetarius
- Other Names: Gray cross spider
- Adult Size: 8 to 14 mm (0.31 to 0.55 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The bridge orbweaver will create its web on bridges, or use other man-made structures like street lights. This spider lives in moist areas, and it is common for them to build its webs above water.
Places with lots of food are preferred by this spider, and they often make their webs near light sources that attract insects. Central Europe is where this spider can be found, and their range also covers most of North America.
Bridge orbweavers have tan coloring with a mottled pattern on them. This species is sexually dimorphic, with females having larger abdomens.
Males have longer legs which helps them with finding a mate, and hunting. The male orbweaver wanders around looking for food, while females create a web.
When mating male bridge orbweavers sometimes sit in a female’s web and try to steal her food. At night is when this species is active, and they can be seen most in the summer and fall months.
3. Shamrock Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Araneus trifolium
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 6 to 40 mm (0.2 to 1.57 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20
The United States and Canada are where the Shamrock spider lives. Shamrock spiders live in a variety of habitats, like forests, woodlands, and urban areas.
Places with lots of vegetation like gardens are common areas where this spider lives. As an orbweaver, females of this species create circular webs to live in. Their webs are made and repaired daily, with the spider eating its silk to recycle it for later.
Shamrock spiders have round abdomens and have a possibility of red, white, gray, or purplish coloring. Multiple white specks appear on the back of their abdomen.
Their legs are black and white, with a band pattern on them. Small thick hairs cover this spider’s body, which helps them sense the vibrations of its web, as they do not have very good eyesight.
The bite from a shamrock spider is harmless, and no more dangerous than a bee sting. The orb-shaped web this spider creates is used to catch flying insect prey.
Shamrock spiders may attach a thread of silk to their web to hide in an area, but still, feel the vibrations of their web.
4. Furrow Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Larinioides cornutus
- Other Names: Furrow Orbweaver
- Adult Size: 10 to 12 mm (0.39 to 0.47 inches
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The furrow orbweaver gets its name from the trench-like pattern that appears on the back of its abdomen. This spider has tan coloring that ranges from light to nearly black.
They have bulbous abdomens, and bands on their legs. Hairs cover their body which helps them sense vibrations from the surfaces they are on.
Furrow orbweavers live all across the United States and prefer habitats with lots of low-lying vegetation. They are active from spring to fall, and adults can be seen in the warmer months of the year.
Furrow orbweavers are nocturnal and will hide in a secluded area during the day. Like other similar species females build circular webs to live in and use them to catch their prey.
5. 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 named after the swirling arabesque marking that appears on their abdomen. Males and females of this species look slightly different but have similar markings on them.
Males have longer legs since they spend their life wandering for food and or a mate. Male arabesque orbweavers are also active hunters and do not use their silk to take out their prey.
Female arabesque orbweavers have large abdomens and build circular webs to live in. The color of this spider ranges from brown to gray, and small hairs cover its body. The pattern and coloring of this spider help them blend into surfaces like the branches of trees.
The night is when the arabesque orbweaver is active, and in the day they will hide in a secluded area. Insects like mosquitoes and flies fall into their web, and the orbweaver will bite its prey and wrap it in silk.
The venom from this spider is harmless, and they only bite if threatened.
6. Marbled Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Araneus marmoreus
- Other Names: Pumpkin spider
- Adult Size: 9 to 22 mm (0.35 to 0.86 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20
Marbled orbweavers can be identified by the marble mottled pattern that appears on their abdomen. This species has bright orange to brown coloring, sometimes appearing in all white.
Their legs are orange, with hairs and bands covering them. This spider is sexually dimorphic, with females having more robust bodies than males.
Marbled orbweavers are active most in Vermont in the summer and fall months. In winter older spiders die off, and younger spiderlings and eggs overwinter until spring.
Habitats with tall grass, trees, and shrubbery are where you may find this species. Marbled orbweavers build circular-shaped webs to live in, supported by the surrounding vegetation.
A bite from this species is not harmful, and bites usually occur when humans accidentally disturbed a nesting spider’s web. Small insects that fall into their web are what this spider eats.
Flies, wasps, and moths are a few examples of the prey they feed on.
7. Spotted Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Neoscona crucifera
- Other Names: Spotted orb weaver
- Adult Size: 5 to 20 mm (0.19 to 0.78 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The spotted orbweaver ranges from tan to orange in color. They have a black underside and two white spots that appear on them.
Black and brown bands appear on their legs, and they are covered in many small hairs. Spotted orbweaver males and females are very similar in appearance, but males have small, pointed abdomens.
Webs are created by the spotted up weaver that gets up to 2 feet in diameter and is held up by the surrounding support in the area. Trees or even lamp posts are used to hold up their web.
The summer and fall months are when the spotted orbweaver is most active, and breeding occurs in this season. When made, their egg sacs contain yellow fluffy silk and are hidden under a leaf. Females lay up to 1,000 eggs, but not all of them survive.
Spotted orbweavers feed on flying insects, and use their sticky silk to catch their prey. They are most active at night, but in the fall they may be active during the day to get more food.
Moist areas are required for this spider to live, and they drink the dew drops that fall in their web. Spotted orbweavers are used as a food source for animals like birds, other spiders, and wasps.
This spider is harmless to humans, and bites are rare.
8. Triangle Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Verrucosa arenata
- Other Names: Arrowhead spider
- Adult Size: 9.5 mm (0.37inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The abdomen of the triangle orbweaver and the marking on its body is shaped like the head of an arrow. This spider appears in black, brown, or reddish coloring.
Their legs are covered in small hairs and have black bands on them. Males of this species are much smaller in size and lack a triangular appearance. Reddish, yellow, or gray are the colors this spider is seen in.
North America is where the triangle orbweaver is native. This spider lives in forested habitats and can be found in areas like woodlands, gardens, and backyards.
Triangle orbweavers build circular webs to live in. The summer and early fall are when this spider is about most.
Triangle orbweavers use their webbing to catch flying insects. They will use their venom to subdue their prey and wrap their meal in silk.
Harmless to humans, they are helpful in reducing populations of mosquitoes and gnats.
9. Barn Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneidae
- Scientific Name: Araneus cavaticus
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 6 to 16 mm (0.23 to 0.62 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The barn spider is native to North America and is a common species found in barns, and on other man-made wooden structures. Barn spiders are found in suburban places and near lakes.
They create orb webs to live in and are active at night. During the day this spider will find a secluded area to rest in.
Barn spiders have yellow, or brown coloring, with dark black markings on their underside. They have a mottled pattern on them, and their shade helps them blend into the wood. The barn spider is most famous for being the spider in the novel Charlotte’s Web.
At night the barn spider hunts for insects and will wait in the center of their web. This spider will vibrate if it feels something in its trap to further ensnare them.
Barn spiders wrap their prey in silk, then begin to feed. This species is not dangerous.
10. Cross Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneae
- 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 spider is also called the European garden spider as it can be found across Europe, but also has a range in North America. This species lives in woodlands, meadows, and garden-type habitats.
They are active at night and create circular webs to live in. Their webs are made near foliage, and places with lots of insect traffic.
The cross spider is identifiable by the white cross marking that appears on its abdomen. There are also other white spots that appear on this spider’s abdomen, and males and females look similar.
Males have small abdomens and longer legs. The cross spider has coloring that ranges from brown to orangish. This spider is harmless to humans and only bites if they feel cornered.
11. Lined Orbweaver
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Araneae
- Scientific Name: Mangora gibberosa
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 5 to 6 mm (0.2 to 0.25 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The lined orbweaver gets its name from the dark-lined markings that appear on its white abdomen. This spider is small and has a greenish coloring.
Their head and legs are green, helping them blend into the vegetation they live near. Lined orbweavers are covered in small thick hairs, which helps them sense vibrations.
The eastern United States is where the lined orbweaver lives. This spider lives in circular webs, with a thick line of silk in the center of their web where they sit.
Lined orbweavers can be found in places like gardens, backyards, and meadows.
12. Orchard Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Tetragnathidae
- Scientific Name: Leucauge venusta
- Other Names: Orchard spider
- Adult Size: 3.5 to 7.5 mm (0.13 to 0.29 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20
The eastern United States is where the orchard spider can be found. This spider lives in vegetated areas like orchards, gardens, and meadows.
They are found in most of Vermont, and females of this species create circular webs to live in. The orchard spider builds its web supported by vegetation and will hide in it the nearby foliage when not active.
Orchard spiders have elongated abdomens and spindly legs. They have an emerald green color, with silver, yellow, black, and orange markings on their abdomen. Their legs are long, and their fangs are large.
Small insects are what this spider feeds on, and before they eat they pump their prey with digestive fluid. When their prey is liquified, they will begin to feed.
When faced with a predator his spider will flee. Other spiders and birds are the orchard spider’s main threats.
13. 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 covered in dark spikes that protrude from the abdomen. This spider is white, with yellow, and black markings on their body.
The head and legs of this spider are dark brown. Females have a spiky appearance, while males are much smaller in size, and lack spikes on them.
North and Central America is where the spined micrathena is native. This species lives in moist habitats, with lots of vegetation.
Woodlands near ponds and lakes are also common places this species lives. Females create large circular webs to live in and will travel around and live in different places. Summer is when they are most active, and mating.
The spined micrathena is active at night, and it will make a web weekly. Males are much smaller, tan in color, and spend their time looking for a mate. Males are able to make silk but only use it for mating.
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
The white micrathena is a small orbweaver species that lives in Vermont. This spider is white, with dark brown markings and dimples on its abdomens.
On the tip of their abdomen are small spikes, and their legs have tan coloring. The abdomen of the micrathena has the shape of a turban, and this species is quite small.
North America, all the way into South America is where the white micrathena can be found. This species lives in vegetated areas like gardens, meadows, and backyards.
They create circular webs and use them to catch their food. Mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other small invertebrates that get caught in their web are what they eat.
15. 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 gets its name from the star-like spikes that protrude from its abdomen. Males and females both have this feature, but males have smaller abdomens and longer legs.
These spider colors can be tan, gray, orange, or brown. The color and pattern of this species help them camouflage and hide from predators like birds.
Starbellied orb weavers live all over the United States and can be found in Vermont. This species lives in areas with lots of plant life like grasslands, meadows, and gardens.
Females of this species build orb webs to live in, while males wander around looking for a mate. Insects like beetles, wasps, flies, moths, and other small invertebrates are what they eat.
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
Black and yellow garden spiders are one of the larger species of orbweaver that live in Vermont.
Female black and yellow garden spiders grow to be up to an inch large, and males are much smaller. This species has black and yellow coloring on its abdomen and legs, with white coloring on its cephalothorax.
Gardens are just one of the few places this spider is found, but they will also live in places like woodlands, meadows, and marshes. The sides of houses are also places where this spider is found, and they will create a circular web to live in.
Black and yellow garden spiders are active during the day and are sometimes seen sitting in the center of their web. In their web is a zig-zag pattern in the center that the spider builds, used to make the web more visible and stable.
Insects like butterflies, bees, flies, and grasshoppers are some of the animals this spider eats. Even though they have bright colors this species is not venomous to humans.
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 are found across the United States, and their name comes from the bands that appear on its body. This spider has an elongated oval abdomen and long spindly legs.
They have white, yellow, and black bands on their body and legs. Small silver hairs cover their body, and they have a silver-colored cephalothorax.
Banded garden spiders are active during the day, and during this period can be seen sitting in the center of their web with their head down. Gardens, meadows, grasslands, and other vegetated places are where this spider lives.
This species requires hot, and humid environments to survive and is active mostly in the summer and fall months. In gardens, this species will feed on pest insects and other flying bugs that get caught in its web.
Males of this species are much smaller in size and are rarely seen. They can occasionally be found in a female’s web during mating season, along with an egg sac.
18. Candy-striped Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Enoplognatha ovata
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 3.5 to 7 mm (0.13 to 2.7 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
A small species, vegetated habitats like grasslands, gardens, and other similar places are where the candy-striped spider lives. This spider is native to North America but has been brought to the United States.
Candy-striped spiders live in vegetated areas, creating messy webs on plants to live. The months from spring to fall are when this spider is active.
Candy-striped spiders have white, green, or cream coloring. They have dark spots on their body and a stripe that runs down their abdomen.
Small insects that live in plant life are what this species eats, and they create messy webs to live in. Females also hide their eggs in vegetation, sometimes wrapping them up in a leaf.
19. Common House Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Parasteatoda tepidariorum
- Other Names: Common House Spider
- Adult Size: 3 to 5 mm (0.11 to 0.19 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The common house spider is a cobweb spider that builds messy webs out of silk to live in.
This species is believed to be native to South America but is found all over the world in places like Vermont. Webs of this spider are built-in or outdoors, and they build their home in a secluded area.
Common house spiders have pointed abdomens and spindly legs. Females are more robust, while males have smaller abdomens.
This spider has tan to nearly black coloring, and a mottled pattern on them. When mating this species will lay up to 200 eggs, and over their egg sac is a papery film.
Roaches, flies, moths, and other insects that find their way indoors are what this spider eats. They also are found outside and feed on insects like mosquitoes, and small lizards.
Mild venom is used to subdue them, and while they are in the same family as the black widow this spider is harmless.
20. 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
North America and Europe are where the rabbit hutch spider lives. This spider lives in man-made structures like basements, garages, and sheds.
The cages of rabbits are also a common area this spider will live in, and they create messy webs to inhabit. Rabbit hutch spiders can also be found in outdoor habitats like gardens, and backyards.
The rabbit hutch spiders have dark brown coloring, with a pale cream line that runs down the center of their abdomen. The underside of this spider is a symbol that looks like an infinity sign, and they have dark spindly legs.
Small insects like flies, gnats, and mosquitoes are what this spider eats. The bite from this species is harmless, but their venom helps them subdue their prey.
Rabbit hutch spiders when found in the cages of rabbits can help get rid of the annoying insects that will disturb the animal.
21. Triangulate Cobweb Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Theridiidae
- Scientific Name: Steatoda triangulosa
- Other Names: Triangulate bud spider
- Adult Size: 3 to 6 mm (0.1 to 0.23 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 3 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
All across North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Russia is where the triangulate orb weaver lives.
This spider builds messy webs, and they create them in dark and secluded areas in man-made structures. The eyesight of this spider is poor, and they rely on the vibrations of their web to sense the world.
Triangulate cobweb spiders have bulbous round abdomens and spindly legs. They have a dark brown coloring, with a cream pattern that appears on their body. The legs of this species are yellowish, and dark brown bands appear on them.
Animals like ants, pillbugs, and other spiders are what this species eats. They are harmless to humans and can be found indoors in dark secluded places.
When done with the insects it feeds on this spider will clean its web, and drop its used food to the ground.
22. 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 widow is a species that is often confused for a black widow, due to its coloring, and body appearance. This spider is sexually dimorphic, with males being smaller and sleeker.
Male false widows have black coloring, with tan legs and white markings on their abdomen. The false black widow has reddish-brown coloring, with some cream markings on their body.
This spider lacks the hourglass markings found on adult female black widows, helping distinguish the two. False black widows live in Vermont, and all across North America.
This spider can be found around the globe in regions like Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. False widows build messy webs to live in, and they create them in secluded places like cupboards, and dark corners.
This spider lives in man-made structures like houses, attics, and sheds, but can also be seen outdoors. False widows are not deadly to humans, but their bites are venomous.
Mild symptoms like seating, pain, fever, and low energy. False widows are not dangerous, and antivenom for black widows works on this spider’s venom.
23. Northern Black Widow
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Latrodectus variolus
- Scientific Name: Latrodectus variolus
- Other Names: Northern Widow
- Adult Size: 12.7 to 15.24 mm (0.5 to 0.6 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 3 years
- Average Price Range: $20
The eastern United States is where the northern black widow lives, and this spider can be found in Vermont. Northern black widows are active most in Vermont in the summer and fall months.
Messy webs are built by this spider in secluded areas like under outdoor furniture, in sheds, on fences, and in other dark places where they won’t be disturbed. Being nocturnal this species will sit in its thick web at night, waiting for food.
The black widow is a sexually dimorphic spider, with females being the easiest to identify. Males have longer legs, small abdomens, and the black coloring widow spiders are known for.
On the small male’s abdomen are red and white markings. Females have black coloring, with a large bulbous abdomen.
As the spider’s age and molt the markings on their back go away. Female black widows have an hourglass pattern on their undersides. Unlike other widow spiders, the hourglass on the northern black widow is broken in the middle, and not complete.
Northern black widows are the most venomous spider that lives in Vermont and have strong neurotoxic venom. Only females are dangerous, and males do not usually bite.
The black widow’s venom is mainly used for small insects, and other spiders that it feeds on, and bites of humans rarely occur.
24. 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
The long-bodied cellar spider is one of Vermont’s most common spiders. This species is active year-round but thrives in warmer conditions.
They build messy webs to live in, and you may see multiple long-bodied cellar spiders live in a communal web. Cellar spiders can live indoors, or outdoors. They build their webs in undisturbed places and will sit on the underside of their silk.
The legs of the cellar spider are their longest feature, which is why some call this spider the daddy long-leg. This spider has a small rounded abdomen, with a cephalothorax even smaller. They have tan coloring, and their abdomen is pill-shaped.
The long-bodied cellar spider feeds on the insects that get caught in its web. Flies, mosquitoes, and other spiders are what the long-bodied cellar spider eats.
This spider is harmless, and their fangs are not strong enough to pierce human skin. Their long legs make it easy for them to quickly wrap up their prey.
25. Bowl and Doily Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Linyphiidae
- Scientific Name: Frontinella pyramitela
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 4 mm (0.16 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The bowl and doily spider has two sections of its web, which is the inspiration for this spider’s name. A silk bowl is made by this species for this spider to sit under.
A flat doily web sits above their bowl section, which is used to push food into the silk to get trapped. North America is where this spider is native, and they prefer tropical humid environments. Woodlands, forests, and habitats with lots of shrubs are where this spider lives.
Bowl and doily spiders have reddish-brown coloring, with white markings on them. This species has a circular abdomen and long spindly legs. Small hairs and white spots cover this species’ body.
Small insects like gnats, flies, and mosquitoes are what this spider feeds on. The design of their web is useful for catching prey, and also allowing the spider to inject venom into its victims safely.
Spiders of this species may live together but will find a new place if the area gets too crowded.
26. American Grass Spider
- Experience Level: Beginners
- Family: Agelenidae
- Scientific Name: Agelenopsis
- Other Names: funnel weavers
- Adult Size: 9 to 20 mm (0.35 to 0.78 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
American grass spiders live across North America and are a funnel-weaving species. This spider builds its web in lawns and other grassy areas that get lots of insect traffic.
The web of this spider has a retreat for them to hide in, which they use to jump out and ambush their prey. Tan is the color of the American grass spider, and they have a similar appearance to the wolf spider.
This species has bold stripes on its carapace and a wavy mottled pattern on its abdomens. Hairs cover this spider’s long legs, and they have a sleek appearance.
The end of this spider’s abdomen has spinnerets that look like a tail, and allow them to build their funnel webs. Grass spiders are a nocturnal species, and wait for prey to pass their web.
Insects like aphids, grasshoppers, and moths are some of the things they eat. Extremely quick the grass spider’s, long legs help them traverse their webs.
27. Barn Funnel Weaver
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Agelenidae
- Scientific Name: Tegenaria domestica
- Other Names: Domestic house spider
- Adult Size: 6 to 11.5 mm (0.24 to 0.45 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 5 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
Barn funnel weavers are a brown to reddish-brown species. This spider has small hairs that cover its entire body, and dark brown chevron markings that appear on its abdomen.
Barn funnel weavers create a web similar to that of the American grass spider, but they create them smaller in size. Small insects are what this spider eats, and predators like lizards, snakes, and birds are what feed on this spider.
Barn funnel weavers live in crevices and corners. They can be found in barns, and other man-made structures, but will also build their webs outside under rocks and logs.
Most of this spider’s life is spent in their retreat, and they are most active in the spring and summer. Males are sometimes seen wandering during the mating season looking for a mate.
28. Leafcurling Sac Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Clubionidae
- Scientific Name: Clubiona
- 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 spider can be found in Vermont and other areas in the United States.
This spider lives in woodlands, forests, grasslands, and urban habitats. This spider lives amongst the plant life and is known for curling leaves to hide in or hide its eggs in.
Leaf-curling sac spiders have a gray abdomen, with yellowish legs. They are covered in many small hairs and have large fangs.
Their eyes are placed in two rows, with two on top and six on the bottom. A small species, this spider is not seen often since it lives and uses plant life to conceal itself.
29. 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 a part of the Cheiracanthiidae genus and can be differentiated from other yellow sac spiders because of their long legs.
This species has a yellowish tint, with a round abdomen and long legs. Their fangs are large and black and have a painful bite.
Yellow sac spiders have necrotic venom that gives mild symptoms to humans. A small welt, redness, and pain are common symptoms from their bite.
Yellow sac spiders live across the United States and are found in forest habitats. They are active at night, and in the day will create a silk sac to rest in.
The yellow sac spider hides under things like logs, rocks, and in leaf litter. At night this spider may make its way indoors looking for food or shelter. Under dirty laundry and cardboard are areas where this spider lives.
Yellow sac spiders hunt at night and feed on small animals like roaches, other spiders, and larvae. Gasoline is a smell this spider is attracted to, and yellow sac spiders sometimes make their way into car exhaust pipes.
30. Broad-faced Sac Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Trachelidae
- Scientific Name: Trachelas tranquillus
- Other Names: Bullheaded Sac Spider
- Adult Size: 5 to 10 mm (0.19 to 0.39 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The eastern United States is the native land of the broad-faced sac spider, and they can be found in Vermont. Dry and warm habitats are where this spider lives.
They are active mostly in the fall and are nocturnal. During the day this spider will hide in the silk sac it creates, resting under things like rocks, or wood piles.
The carapace of this spider is large and thick, with a dark brown color. This spider has orangish legs, with a tan or grayish abdomen.
They have large fangs that can give a painful bite, and cause an infection, and medical treatment is recommended if bites occur. Broad-faced sac spiders feed on various insects, and will even scavenge dead ones.
31. Red-spotted Ant-mimic Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Corinnidae
- Scientific Name: Castianeira descripta
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 13 mm (0.51 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The red-spotted ant mimic spider is one of the few spiders in Vermont that mimics an ant.
Walking on six legs and lifting its front two legs is what this spider does, mimicking an ant’s movement and antenna. Copying an ant helps this spider get close to ambush their prey, and makes other insects think this spider is not a threat.
The coloring of this spider looks similar to a black widow, as they are all black, and have a red dash on their back. This species has a body shape more similar to other sac spiders than the black widow.
Red-spotted ant-mimic spiders are not dangerous and rarely bite. They are extremely quick and flee if approached.
Parks, backyards, and meadows are some of the habitats this spider is found in.
32. 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
Long-palped ant-mimic spiders mimic ants and will lift their front two legs to look like antennas. This ant mimic spider is black, with a cream mottled pattern on its carapace.
Their abdomen is oval-shaped and has white markings on it. Their legs have white bands on them, with brown coloring on its tip.
Long-palped ant mimics can be found in most of the eastern United States. Parks, meadows, woodlands, and other vegetated places are where this species lives.
This spider will move slowly to look like an ant, then pounce on prey that is not suspecting it. Other spiders, ants, beetles, and pillbugs are a few things this species eats.
Harmless to humans, this spider will run if harassed.
33. Woodlouse Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Dysderidae
- Scientific Name: Dysdera crocata
- Other Names: Woodlouse hunter, sowbug killer
- Adult Size: 9 to 3 mm (0.35 to 0.59 inches)
- Lifespan: 2 to 5 years
- Average Price Range: n/a
The large fangs of the woodlouse spider are how they pierce through the shell of the woodlice it eats. Bites from this spider can be painful because of the size of its chelicera, but this spider is harmless.
They have an orange/red carapace and bright legs. The abdomen of the woodlouse spider is round and beige.
Away from human habitats is where this spider lives, and in the United States they are primarily found in the eastern US. This spider is nocturnal, and during the day will hide in a silk retreat.
Their silk sacs are made in crevices under things like wood, or rocks. Woodlice are just one source of food for this spider, but they often live near them and feed on them regularly.
Other insects like millipedes, silverfish, centipedes, and spiders are also hunted by this species.
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
Eastern parsons spiders live in the Eastern US in states like Vermont. This spider is native to North America and lives in forests, meadows, and urban habitats.
Eastern parsons spiders are nocturnal, and on the day they hide in a secluded area. It is also common for this spider to make its way indoors looking for food, or in the fall to escape the cold.
The eastern parson’s spider has black coloring, with a large stripe that runs down its abdomen and carapace. Small hairs cover this spider’s body, and the tips of its legs have dark brown coloring.
The eastern parson’s spider spends its time hunting at night. Insects like other spiders, woodlice, roaches, and other small invertebrates are what this spider eats.
They are harmless to humans, and only dangerous if allergic.
35. Bold Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Phidippus audax
- Other Names: Daring jumping spider
- Adult Size: 6 to 19 mm (0.23 to 0.74 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20 to $30
Bold jumping spiders live in North America and are one of the most common species. This spider has bold black coloring, with white tufts of hair on its body.
The abdomen of the bold jumping spider has three spots that are either orange or white. Younger spiders will have orange spots, and as they molt they turn white.
Bold jumping spiders are active during the day and live in various habitats like woodlands, meadows, urban areas, and gardens. This spider wanders in the day looking for food and is able to leap up to 10 to 50 times its own body length.
When jumping around this spider will attach a silk string to the surface, to prevent itself from falling to its death. Bold jumping spiders are active hunters during the day, and at night they will create a silk sac to rest in.
Small insects and other spiders are what this species will eat, and they will pounce on their prey. Their excellent eyesight and cat-like hunting abilities are how this spider takes out its prey.
36. Tan Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Platycryptus undatus
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 8.5 to 13 mm (0.33 to 0.51 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20 to $30
The eastern United States is the range of the tan jumping spider, and this species lives in Vermont. Tan jumping spiders are active during the day, and they spend their time on vertical surfaces.
Trees, fences, the sides of houses, and other vertical surfaces are where this spider is often found. They spend their time wandering around, looking for food or mates.
Tan jumping spiders have brown coloring, which helps them blend into wooden surfaces they walk on. They are covered in tiny hairs that make them look similar to teddy bears.
This spider has a mottled pattern on it, and a wavy undulating pattern on their abdomen. A very common species this spider hunts in the day for small insects, and other spiders.
They use their keen eyesight and quick leaps to take down their prey. Birds, reptiles, wasps, and small mammals are the jumping spider’s main predators.
37. Dimorphic Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Maevia inclemens
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 4.75 to 8 mm (0.187 to 0.31 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: $20 to $30
Dimorphic jumping spiders mainly live in the eastern United States. This spider lives in urban areas, woodlands, and other habitats as it is a very adaptable species.
Dimorphic jumping spider males can appear in two morphs. Males can have a black morph with tufts of hair on their head or brown mottled morph.
Females are slightly larger with a round abdomen and have a tannish mottled pattern on them. The day is when this species is active, and they spend their time on vertical surfaces.
The eyesight of the jumping spider is better than most spiders. They have two large eyes on their face which give them good depth perception, and smaller eyes circle their head.
The legs of this spider are angular, and help them leap quick distances. This spider uses its eyesight to track prey, and when close enough it will ambush its food.
Flies, aphids, and small insects are some of the invertebrates they eat.
38. 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
Zebra jumping spiders get their name from the black and white pattern that appears on their abdomen which looks similar to a zebra. They are covered in many small hairs and have a body shape similar to other Salticidae.
Zebra jumping spiders are most active in the months of spring and summer. They mate during this period, and males will get a female’s attention by performing a ritual of waving their arms, and legs while moving around.
The day is when the zebra jumping spider is active most, and they spend this time hunting. Small insects like flies and mosquitoes are what this spider feeds on.
They use their keen eyesight and can leap up to 3 times their size, helping them catch their prey.
39. Magnolia Green Jumping Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Salticidae
- Scientific Name: Lyssomanes viridis
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 5 to 8 mm (0.19 to 0.31 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 year
- Average Price Range: n/a
The magnolia green jumper is found in the eastern US, in states like Vermont.
This spider has a translucent green appearance, and a body shaped similar to other jumping spiders. On the crown of this species is orange coloring, and their green shade helps them camouflage into the various vegetation they live in.
Spring to fall is when this spider is active, and they prefer to live in warm environments. Active in the day, they spend their time hunting in their leafy habitats.
Small insects like ants and aphids are what this spider eats. Magnolia green jumpers are often found in gardens, and help reduce the pests in the area.
40. 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
The spitting spider is found across the United States and prefers to live in shady tropical habitats.
This spider is nocturnal and will hide in a secluded area during the day. What makes this spider unique is its ability to spit liquid silk and venom at its prey.
The liquid silk they spit traps their prey, and they can shoot it out quickly at around 28 meters per second. Their spit travels up to 0.39 to 0.79 inches far.
Spitting spiders have a round cephalothorax and abdomen, with tan coloring. They have dark markings on their body, and bands on their legs. Spitting spiders move slowly and carefully and use their two front legs to aim.
This species only has six eyes, but accurately takes out small insects, and other spiders to feed on. After spitting at its prey this spider will bite, and wrap its food like other species.
Spitting spider’s venom and spit are both harmless to humans.
41. 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
Across North America and in parts of Europe live goldenrod crab spiders. This species is active during the day.
Meadows, grasslands, gardens, and other similar habitats are where this spider lives. Females make their homes on a flower, such as a goldenrod or a daisy. Males spend their time looking for a mate and will guard them once they find one.
The goldenrod crab spider can be yellow or white and may have reddish or pink markings on their abdomen. Females have large round abdomens, while males have smaller bodies with long legs.
The color of this spider helps them blend into its environment, and it can slowly change its shade. Goldenrod crab spiders can only change from yellow to white, or white to yellow, and they do so very slowly.
Summer and fall are when this spider is most active. They feed on pollinating insects like butterflies, bees, and other bugs that get close to their flowers.
The front legs of this species let them hold onto their prey and prevent them from escaping.
42. 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
The ground crab spider has dark brown or reddish brown coloring.
This species has a round abdomen, and crab-like legs, and has a similar appearance to other crab spiders. Ground crab spiders spend their time on trees and small vegetation.
Ground crab spiders are active from spring to fall, and feed on small insects. This species mainly hunts on the ground, and they prey on terrestrial insects like roaches, woodlice, and other small invertebrates.
This spider will hold onto its prey with its front legs, and inject them with venom to neutralize them.
43. 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
In North America, the deadly ground crab spider is found throughout and is one spider that you may find in Vermont.
This species has a tan coloring with an orange hue, and a mottled pattern covering it. The abdomen of this spider is round, and its legs look similar to a crab.
Deadly ground crab spiders are a harmless species despite their name. Woodlands, meadows, and urban areas are where this spider lives.
They spend their time on the ground, or in vegetation looking for insects to feed on. Since this spider does not appear near humans often they are rare to see.
44. 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
The legs and movement of the running crab spider look similar to the crabs that you may find on a beach.
Running crab spiders are tan, with a mottled pattern that helps them camouflage into brown surfaces like dirt, or on trees. Running crab spiders are not members of the Thomisidae crab spider family, but get their crab name from their body shape.
Running crab spiders are extremely quick, and use their speed to take down their prey. Small terrestrial insects and other spiders are what this species eats.
They inject their venom to neutralize their prey, but this spider’s bite is harmless to humans.
45. American Nursery Web Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Pisauridae
- Scientific Name: Pisaurina Mira
- Other Names: n/a
- Adult Size: 15 mm (0.59 inches)
- Lifespan: 2 years
- Average Price Range: $10
American nursery web spiders live across the eastern United States and are known for building silk nurseries for their young to live in. This spider will carry its egg sac in its mouth, and guard it in a secluded place when they are getting ready to hatch.
Woodlands, meadows, and urban places. The months from summer to fall are when this spider is active.
American nursery web spiders have brown to tan coloring, with a bold stripe that runs down their body. They have a mottled pattern on them, and hydrophobic hairs cover their body.
Like fishing spiders, this species is able to walk on and dive into the water. Small insects and other invertebrates are what this spider eats, hunting both on land and water.
American nursery web spiders are active at night and spend their time hunting.
46. 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 the largest species that live in Vermont and are often confused for the wolf spider.
This spider’s coloring ranges from tan to gray. They have long legs, with hydrophobic hairs covering them.
This spider is often confused with the six-spotted fishing spider but lacks the spots on them. On the abdomen of this spider is W markings, and they have a mottled pattern on them.
Woodlands and other moist habitats with lots of trees are where the dark fishing spider lives. They may be found near bodies of water, but this fishing spider species is known to wander deep into forests.
Dark fishing spiders are nocturnal, and during the day they will hide in a secluded area. This spider feeds on small fish, tadpoles, and insects they find.
Larger spiders and fish will prey on this species as well as lizards, birds, and small mammals.
47. Six-Spotted Fishing Spider
- Experience Level: Intermediate
- Family: Pisauridae
- Scientific Name: Dolomedes triton
- Other Names: Dock Spiders
- Adult Size: 15 to 25.4 mm (0.27 to 1 inch)
- Lifespan: 2 years
- Average Price Range: $20
The six-spotted fishing spider is a spider that lives across North America and can be found in Vermont.
This species lives in woodland habitats near bodies of water like a lake or pond. They are one of the few semi-aquatic spiders in the state and can walk over the water’s surface, or dive into it.
Hydrophobic hairs cover the fishing spider, which prevents them from getting wet. They have brown to gray coloring, and cream stripes that run down its side.
This species has white spots that appear on its abdomen, but they get its name from the dark spots that appear under them. Small fish, tadpoles, and insects are what this spider eats, hunting both on land and water.
They even use the water to escape from predators and can stay submerged for up to 30 minutes.
48. Tiger Wolf Spider
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Lycosidae
- Scientific Name: Tigrosa helluo
- Other Names: Woodland Giant Wolf Spider, Wetland Giant Wolf Spider
- Adult Size: 6.3 to 50 mm (0.24 to 1.9 inches)
- Lifespan: 1 to 4 years
- Average Price Range: $20 to $40 dollars
The tiger wolf spider is one of the largest spiders in Vermont and is active mostly in the summer and fall months. This spider is nocturnal, and in the day will hide in a burrow, under rocks, or in leaf litter.
Tiger wolf spiders have excellent night vision, and their eyes will glow at night when flashed with light. Their glowing eyes are due to the special tissue tapetum lucidum, which helps them see better in the dark.
Tiger wolf spiders have brown to dark brown coloring, with an orange stripe that runs down the center of their carapace. Hairs cover the entirety of this spider, and they have dark brown markings on their body and orange markings on their legs.
At night is when the wolf spider spends its time hunting for insects, and other invertebrates. This species is extremely quick and will pounce on its prey like a wolf when close.
They are harmless to humans and flee if spotted.
49. 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
Trapdoor spiders are secretive spider that lives in burrows and will cover its home with a lid. Their burrows are tubular and lined with silk.
This spider has special rake-like chelicerae that help dig its burrow. In the United State trapdoor spiders mainly live in the east and southwest regions, preferring moist environments with loose soil.
Trapdoor spiders have black, to dark brown coloring, and a robust body. They have large fangs that give a painful bite, but this spider is harmless to humans.
Trapdoor spiders are covered in many small hairs and have a glossy appearance. Trapdoor spiders spend the majority of their life in their burrows, but males may wander to look for a mate.
The surrounding area of this spider’s home is lined with silk which helps them know when prey is near. Grasshoppers, roaches, and other spiders are what this species feeds on.
FAQ
In Vermont what are the most dangerous spiders?
The Northern black widow is the most dangerous spider that lives in Vermont. This species has a strong neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system of the victims of their bite.
Black widows are not aggressive, and only bite if provoked. Death from these spiders is rare, but symptoms of their venom include nausea, sweating, shakes, redness, and dizziness.
Anti-venom and medical treatment are available if symptoms get severe.
When are spiders active most in Vermont?
Spiders will generally be active from the months of spring to fall. The warm months of summer and fall are the perfect climate for many spiders, and this is also an important breeding period.
The winter is when mature and older adults die off. Younger spiders and eggs will overwinter, and become active again in the spring.
Spiders that live indoors and in other man-made structures are active year-round since they do not have to face the harsh temperatures of nature.
What Vermont spiders are the largest?
The black and yellow garden spider, tiger wolf spider, and dark fishing spider are the largest species that live in Vermont. The size of each individual spider varies, but sex and species are the most important factors in how large spiders are able to get.
Wrapping up
The spiders in Vermont are all extremely important to the areas they live in. Spiders help keep environments balanced, and are one of nature’s most powerful forms of natural pest control.
Insects like flies, mosquitoes, roaches, and bugs that feed on plants are preyed on by the various spiders that live in Vermont and lower the population of pest insects overall in the places they inhabit.
Spiders are also a valuable food source for animals like lizards, birds, frogs, and small rodents. Almost all spiders in Vermont are harmless, and spiders are more beneficial to humans than a threat.
There are around 3,500 different species in total that live in the United States, and new ones are being discovered regularly.