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Spiders in Wyoming 

Wyoming is filled with an abundance of spiders, and here you can find 40 of the most common in the state. Wyoming spiders are just a few that live within the United States, as there are around 3,500 species in total.

The behavior, appearance, and webbing of a spider can be used to identify a species. While feared, most spiders that live in Wyoming are harmless, and most will only bite if provoked.

Learning about the spiders in the state can be useful in knowing the spiders that live near you, and what dangerous ones you should look out for. Spiders are more of a benefit than a threat to humans since they are a great form of pest control provided by nature.

Insects like flies, moths, and mosquitoes are some of the animals spiders eat, and they also are helpful in gardens in helping get rid of pest-eating plants. Birds, lizards, and small rodents also eat spiders and rely on them for a valuable food source.

Let’s take a look at 40 spiders that inhabit Wyoming:

Spiders in Wyoming

1. European Garden Spider

European Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus) on its web somewhere in France
European Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus) on its web somewhere in France. – Source
  • 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 European garden spider is native to Europe but is a species that has been introduced to North America.

Gardens, meadows, and woodlands are the most common places this species is found in. Vegetation is required in their environment since this spider builds circular webs to live in and uses plant life as support. 

Being an orbweaver, this species has a bulbous abdomen and spindly legs. They have a tan coloring, with a white cross-shaped marking that appears on the center of their abdomen.

Their abdomen has white spots, and is dark, with wavy markings where the cross pattern is. Males and females have similar markings on them, but males have sleeker bodies.

Every day this spider’s web is worked on, and they use it to catch flying insects like moths, mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. Only females build these webs, while males have a more nomadic lifestyle.

This species is nocturnal, and will sometimes sit in the center of its web, or wait nearby in its vegetation. European garden spiders know when something is in their web, as they sense their vibrations, and will ambush their prey.

They neutralize their prey with venom, but their bites are harmless to humans. 

2. Labyrinthine Orbweaver

Labyrinthine Orbweaver (Metepeira labyrinthia) in its labrynth of a web somewhere in Poland
Labyrinthine Orbweaver (Metepeira labyrinthia) in its labrynth of a web somewhere in Poland. – Source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate 
  • Family: Araneidae 
  • Scientific Name: Metepeira labyrinthia
  • Other Names: n/a 
  • Adult Size: 2.3 to 5.3 mm (0.09 to 0.2 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 1 year 
  • Average Price Range: n/a 

Labyrinth orb weavers are a species found in Wyoming, and live in woodlands, and edged forested habitats. This spider lives in webs, making them around 3 to 8 feet off the ground.

This spider may live in a colony, with multiple spiders building a web in close proximity to each other. The labyrinthine orb weavers’ web has a maze like-pattern and a messy area where they hide in a retreat.

This species has tan coloring, and they have a body shape similar to other orb weavers. They have a black and white wavy pattern on their abdomen, with reddish or tan legs, with white bands on them. Small hairs cover this spider’s body, which helps them sense movements in its web.

Labyrinthine orb weavers will put objects like leaves, or other natural debris in their webs, and use them to hide. Their orb-shaped webs are used to catch small insect prey.

This spider’s venom is used to neutralize its prey, and it will bring its meal back into its retreat.

3. Furrow Orbweaver 

Furrow Orbweaver (Larinioides cornutus) on a blade of grass in Ontario, Canada
Furrow Orbweaver (Larinioides cornutus) on a blade of grass in Ontario, Canada. – Source
  • 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  

Moist and wooded habitats are where the furrow orb weaver is commonly found.

Wyoming and most of the United States are where you may spot this species, and their range covers a holarctic distribution. Wetlands, and areas near lakes and ponds are where this spider commonly lives.

Females build orb-shaped webs to live in, while males spend their lives wandering looking for food, or a mate. The warm months of summer and fall are when the furrow orbweaver is active most. 

Tan in color, a dark furrow-like pattern runs down the center of the abdomen. They have reddish brown legs, with dark bands that run down them.

Small hairs cover this spider’s legs. Males and females look similar, but male furrow orbweavers have smaller abdomens and longer legs.

Furrow orbweavers feed on the small insects that get caught in their web. This spider is nocturnal and will hide in a retreat during the day.

Insects like moths, mosquitoes, and small flies are what they feed on. They will ambush their prey, and neutralize them with venom.

Furrow orbweavers are preyed on by animals like wasps, birds, and larger spiders.

4. Arabesque Orbweaver 

Arabesque Orbweaver (Neoscona arabesca) on a leaf and stem in its web in Pennsylvania, USA
Arabesque Orbweaver (Neoscona arabesca) on a leaf and stem in its web in Pennsylvania, USA. – Source
  • 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

Native to North America, the arabesque orbweaver is a species that lives in Wyoming. This species is active at night, and they create orb-shaped webs to inhabit.

Forrest, gardens, and urban areas are common places where this spider lives. The webs these spiders create have a diameter between 5.9 to 17.7 inches large.

Arabesque orbweavers get their name from the swirling pattern that appears on their abdomen. Red, tan, brown, and black are some of the colors this species appears in. Thick hairs cover these spiders, and they have dark bands that appear on their legs.

Arabesque orbweavers are active at night, and in the day they will hide in a retreat, like a rolled-up leaf. This spider feeds on insects and rebuilds her web daily to set her trap.

On some nights you may see this spider sitting in the center of her web, and will ambush her prey. Venom is used to feed, but their bites are not dangerous.

5. Shamrock Spider 

Shamrock Orbweaver (Araneus trifolium) on the underside of a leaf in Ontario, Canada
Shamrock Orbweaver (Araneus trifolium) on the underside of a leaf in Ontario, Canada. – Source
  • 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 

Shamrock spiders inhabit Wyoming and can be found across the United States and Canada. Being an orbweaver species this spider builds circular webs to live in, and they rebuild their web in the morning.

Their webs can get up to 60 cm in diameter. Summer and fall are when this spider is spotted most, and this is also their breeding season.

White spots cover the dorsal abdomen of this spider, and they have dark bands on their legs. Shamrock spiders come in various colors, which include brown, white, yellow, red, or even purple.

Thick hairs appear on this species. On the underside of their abdomen are a mottled pattern and a black blotch on their center.

The shamrock spiders live in habitats like woodlands, grasslands, and marshes. A water source is usually present in the area they live since they require moist places to get plenty of water.

Water droplets that fall on their web are what they drink. Small insects like moths, flies, and other common pests are what this spider eats.

In the right season, shamrock spiders are also common in urban places like parks, gardens, and backyards.

6. Cat-faced Orbweavers

Cat-faced Orbweaver (Araneus gemmoides) on a white background hanging from its web in Wyoming, USA
Cat-faced Orbweaver (Araneus gemmoides) on a white background hanging from its web in Wyoming, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate 
  • Family: Araneidae 
  • Scientific Name: Araneus gemmoides
  • Other Names: Jewel Spider 
  • Adult Size: 5 to 7 mm (0.19 to 0.27 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
  • Average Price Range: n/a 

Cat-faced spiders are active in Wyoming in the summer and fall seasons. As an orbweaver, females build circular webs to inhabit, but males wander around looking for a mate.

After mating this spider dies shortly after, and winter for this species is spent in eggs. When spring comes this spider will hatch, and disperse into the wild by ballooning.

Cat-faced spiders are named after their abdomen, which looks like the face of a cat. Small dimples on their dorsal look similar to a cat’s eyes, and they have two humps that protrude from their abdomen that are like cat ears.

This spider has a tan-to-orange coloring and dark bands on their legs. Males and females both have cat-like abdomens, but males are slightly smaller.

The silk of this prey is used to catch small insects that roam about in vegetation. Flying insects like flies, gnats, and moths are the prey they feed on most.

It is common for this spider to make its web near lights that attract bugs.

7. Starbellied Orbweaver

Starbellied Orbweaver (Acanthepeira stellata) on a stem somewhere in Florida, USA
Starbellied Orbweaver (Acanthepeira stellata) on a stem somewhere in Florida, USA. – Source
  • 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 

In Wyoming, the star-bellied orb weaver is one of the many species of Araneidae that live in the state. Meadows and grasslands are the habitats this spider appears in most.

Spring to early fall is when you may spot this species regularly. Webs are made by the female starbellied orbweaver, usually spanning 6 to 10 inches large.

Starbellied orb weavers have star-like points that come out of their abdomen. This spider has a tan, to dark brown coloring, and in total, they have around 12 points that come out of them.

Males have smaller abdomens, which makes their spikes look larger. Dark bands run down this spider’s legs, and they are covered in small hairs.

Various shades of brown can appear on the starbellied orbweaver. Males of this species have longer legs since they do not build webs. The males’ longer legs make it easier for them to catch prey, and traverse different areas.

Insects like beetles, flies, wasps and moths are common prey for this spider. Wasps are also a predator this spider faces, as the wasp will paralyze them, and feed them to their young.

Venom from this species is not dangerous to humans, but bites may cause some discomfort.

8. Spinybacked Orbweaver 

Spinybacked Orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis) in its web up a tree near Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Spinybacked Orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis) in its web up a tree near Miami Beach, Florida, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate 
  • Family: Araneidae 
  • Scientific Name: Gasteracantha cancriformis
  • Other Names: crab-like orbweaver 
  • Adult Size: 2 to 9 mm (0.07 to 0.35 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 1 year 
  • Average Price Range: n/a 

Woodlands, gardens, and edged forests habitats are some of the places the spiny-backed orbweaver lives in Wyoming. Females of this species build large circular webs, with a diameter that gets up to 70 cm.

The summer and fall are when this spider is active most, and breeding seasons occur in the fall. Females lay between 101 to 256 eggs that are covered in yellow silk.

Spinybacked orbweavers come in various colors like white, yellow, red, and orange on their dorsal side. The top of their oval-shaped abdomen is covered in dimples.

This spider gets its name from the large spikes that come out the sides and top of its abdomen. In total this spider has around 6 spines, that are either black or red.

Male spiny-backed orbweavers are much smaller than females, and while they have similar colors they lack the spikes on them. Males of this species spend their time wandering around and are seen most in the months of October.

Insects like flies, whiteflies, and other small bugs are what this spider eats. They will paralyze their prey, and consume their liquified insides.

9. Arrowhead Spider

Arrowhead Orbweaver (Verrucosa arenata) hanging in its web somewhere on Staten Island, New York, USA
Arrowhead Orbweaver (Verrucosa arenata) hanging in its web somewhere on Staten Island, New York, USA. – Source
  • 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

Arrowhead spiders are native to North America, and they can be found in vegetated areas. Females of this species build webs supported by trees, and bushes.

They are found mostly in late summer, and they prefer open habitats. Places with lots of moisture, and the sunlight is where this spider prefers to live.

The arrowhead spider is named after its triangle-shaped abdomen. The dorsal spider of their abdomen has either a yellow, or white color.

Yellow coloring helps this spider attract more prey to their webs, but will also work to attract more predators. Triangle spiders with white coloring are seen most often in the breeding season.

This spider’s body is either red, reddish brown, black, or gray. They have dark bands on their legs and a mottled pattern on their underside. Males of this species are smaller in size, and their abdomens are more rounded.

The circular webs this spider makes are used by, and they will ambush prey that falls into their trap. This spider uses venom to neutralize its prey, and the tiny spacings in their web make it possible for them to feed on tiny insects.

10. Banded Garden Spider

Banded Garden Spider (Argiope trifasciata) in its web in grass somewhere in Wyoming, USA
Banded Garden Spider (Argiope trifasciata) in its web in grass somewhere in Wyoming, USA. – Source
  • 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 native to North and South America. Gardens, meadows, and other vegetated habitats are where this spider lives.

Summer and fall are when this spider is most active. They prefer warm and moist environments.

Large circular webs are made by the female banded garden spider, creating them up to 60 cm large. Down the center of the web is a zig-zag stabilimenta.

Banded garden spiders get their name from the bands that appear on their body. Females of this species have large round abdomens, with spindly legs.

They have a silver coloring, with black and yellow bands that appear on their body. Males are much smaller than females and are around ⅓ of their size of them. This spider has spindly legs with black and yellow bands on them.

Unlike most other orbweavers the banded garden spider is active during the day. This spider feeds on flying bugs like butterflies, wasps, and flies. They will wrap their prey in silk, and inject them with venom.

11. Black and Yellow Garden Spider

Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia) hanging in its web with prey in Wyoming, USA
Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia) hanging in its web with prey in Wyoming, USA. – Source
  • 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

All across the United States is where the black and yellow garden spider lives, and they can be found in every state except Alaska. In Wyoming, this spider is active in the warm summer and fall months.

Black and yellow garden spiders build larger circular webs, with a zig-zag pattern that runs down their center. This spider is active during the day and will sit in the middle of its web with its legs in an X shape.

Black and yellow garden spiders get their name from their black and yellow coloring. The abdomen of this spider is round, with white, yellow, and black markings on them.

Their abdomen is spindly, with a black and yellow band pattern. The carapace of this spider is pear-shaped, with a silver color.  Males of this species are much smaller than females and are around ⅓ of their size of them.

Black and yellow garden spiders feed on the insects that get caught in their web. Their sticky webs ensnare prey and are even able to catch larger prey like lizards, or birds.

The bite from this spider kills small animals, but this spider is harmless to humans.

12. Golden Silk Orbweaver

Golden Silk Spider (Trichonephila clavipes) in its web somewhere in Costa Rica
Golden Silk Spider (Trichonephila clavipes) in its web somewhere in Costa Rica. – Source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate 
  • Family: Araneidae 
  • Scientific Name: Trichonephila clavipes
  • Other Names: Banana Spider 
  • Adult Size: 12.7 to 50 mm (0.5 to 1.96 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 6 months to a year
  • Average Price Range: n/a

Golden silk orbweavers get their name from the yellow silk they use to build their webs. Only females build webs, and they can get up to 3 feet in diameter.

Swamps and shady woodlands are the habitats this spider lives in. From July to September when the golden silk orbweaver is active.

Moist and humid environments are required for this spider, and breeding occurs in the fall. Golden silk orbweavers make around 2 egg sacs, each containing several hundred eggs.

The golden silk orbweaver is a sexually dimorphic spider, and males are much smaller than females and are around ¼ of their size. This species has a yellow elongated abdomen, with a white speckled pattern on them.

It is also possible for the abdomen of this species to be black. Their legs are long and spindly.  Red bands appear on their legs, and thick tufts of hair cover them.

Golden silk orbweavers feed on whatever insects get caught in their web including butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, and flies. They have neurotoxic venom used to take out their prey, but their bites are not dangerous to humans.

If bite symptoms like redness, slight pain, and blisters may occur but may disappear in a day.

13. Western Black Widow

Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus) hanging from red stems near Green River, Wyoming, USA
Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus) hanging from red stems near Green River, Wyoming, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate 
  • Family: Theridiidae 
  • Scientific Name: Latrodectus hesperus
  • Other Names: Western Widow 
  • Adult Size: 7 to 15 mm (0.27 to 0.59 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 1 to 3 years 
  • Average Price Range: $20 

The western black widow is the most venomous spider that lives in Wyoming. This species is native to North America and can be found in the western areas of the region.

Western black widows are active in the hot months of summer and fall and are a nocturnal species. This spider builds messy webs in dark and secluded areas, and at night they can be seen suspended from their silk.

During the day this spider will hide nearby its messy web. Under outdoor furniture, kids’ toys, water faucets, and other secluded places usually near ground level.

Western black widows are sexually dimorphic, and only females are the ones that are seen most often. Females have large bulbous abdomens, and spindly legs, and are easily identifiable by the red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen.

Males of this species are much smaller in size. They have a  tan color, with white and red markings on their abdomen.

The male western black widow builds a messy web to live and molt in. When fully mature this spider wanders around and looks for a mate, and is rarely seen.

The bite from a male is harmless, unlike its counterpart. Pheromones are produced by both sexes to initiate mating, and a female can make several sacs within her lifetime.

Up to 200 eggs can be in a sac. Cannibalism is common in this species, and females can be choosy in who they pick to mate with.

Western black widow silk is extremely strong and used to trap prey. They feed on animals like beetles, ants, wasps, bees, flies, and other spiders.

This spider is able to detect the chemical cues of prey and will build its web in areas with lots of available prey.

14. Triangulate Cobweb Spider 

Triangulate Combfoot (Steatoda triangulosa) against a white wall somewhere in Germany
Triangulate Combfoot (Steatoda triangulosa) against a white wall somewhere in Germany. – Source
  • 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

Native to Eurasia, the triangulate cobweb spiders can also be found in North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Russia. This spider builds messy webs, creating them in dark and secluded corners.

Indoors is where this spider is most common, found in homes, warehouses, sheds, and other man-made structures. Active year-round, this spider range is so large since it can comfortably cohabitate with humans.

The triangulate cobweb spider is sexually dimorphic, with females being slightly larger than males. The color of this spider ranges from tan to dark brown.

They have yellow and black bands on their spindly legs. Triangulate cobweb spiders have bulbous abdomens, with a wavy cream pattern on them.

Females triangulate cobweb spiders are able to create about 6 egg sacs in their lifetime. One sac can contain up to 30 eggs, and they are circular-shaped and made with loose silk.

One sac has a diameter of around 5 to 6 mm. Males are nomadic and will search for a female, looking for the chemical pheromones she puts out.

Triangulate cobweb spiders have poor eyesight, and they rely on vibrations to sense the environment around them. Their messy cobwebs are used to catch small insects, and can even feed on more dangerous spiders like the black widow or brown recluse.

The bite from this spider is not threatening to humans, and will only bite if provoked.

15. False Black Widow 

False Black Widow (Steatoda grossa) on a wooden wall making a web somewhere in France
False Black Widow (Steatoda grossa) on a wooden wall making a web somewhere in France. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner 
  • Family: Theridiidae 
  • Scientific Name: Steatoda grossa
  • Other Names: brown house spider, cupboard spider 
  • Adult Size: 10 to 14 mm (0.39 to 0.55 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 2 to 6 years 
  • Average Price Range: n/a 

The false black widow is a species with a large range that stretches across the globe, reaching areas like North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

This species builds messy cobwebs and creates them in dark and secluded areas to live in. False black widows build their webs in man-made structures, gardens, cupboards, and other places that don’t get too much traffic.

Members of the Steatoda genus like this species are often confused for the black widow. Females have a similar body shape to the black widow and have a coloring that ranges from dark brown to purple, and black. The false black widow has cream markings that appear on its abdomen.

Males have smaller abdomens that are around the same size as their cephalothorax. They have black coloring, with white markings on their abdomen.

Their legs are tan and long. This species molts around 6 times before becoming fully mature.

Because the false black widow lives indoors this species is able to be active year-round. Females can live up to six years, while males only live for no longer than 1.5 years. With even nutrients, a healthy female can create three or possibly more egg sacs, containing between 40 to 100 eggs. 

The false black widow’s venom is not nearly as potent, but its venom does cause mild symptoms. Muscle spasms, fever, sweating, and malaise are symptoms of their bite.

This spider’s bite is rarely severe, and Latrodectus antivenom is treating bites. False black widows feed on small insects that get caught in their sticky silk and have even been seen eating spiders like black widows.

16. Rabbit Hutch Spider 

Rabbit Hutch Spider (Steatoda bipunctata) walking along its web upside-down somewhere in Luxembourg
Rabbit Hutch Spider (Steatoda bipunctata) walking along its web upside-down somewhere in Luxembourg. – Source
  • 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 hutches of rabbits and other animal pens are a common area where the species Steatoda bipunctata is regularly found, hence its name. This spider builds messy webs to live in.

They can also be found in other man-made structures like basements, sheds, and garages. This spider prefers to live in outdoor structures, but can also be found in vegetated areas like gardens.

The rabbit hutch spider is sexually dimorphic. Females have large bulbous abdomens, with spindly legs.

Males have smaller abdomens, long legs, and larger fluffy pedipalps. These spiders have brown coloring, with a cream stripe that runs down the center of their abdomen.

They have dimples on their abdomen. Females have a slightly lighter color and a glossy appearance. Rabbits are not the main thing that attracts this spider to their hutch, but this species is attracted to insects.

This spider is not a threat to rabbits, or humans, and is not aggressive. They will only bite if provoked, and their fangs are too small to pierce human skin.

Fleas, mosquitoes, woodlice, and other spiders are what this species eats. They can be helpful in reducing pests, and make the rabbits they live with feel more comfortable since they get rid of the annoying pests.

This species is nocturnal and spends this time waiting for insects to get caught in its messy web.

17. Common House Spider

Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) hanging in its web from a thread somewhere in Frankfurt, Germany
Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) hanging in its web from a thread somewhere in Frankfurt, Germany. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner 
  • Family: Theridiidae 
  • Scientific Name: Parasteatoda tepidariorum
  • Other Names: American House Spider 
  • Adult Size: 3 to 5 mm (0.11 to 0.19 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
  • Average Price Range: n/a

The common house spider has a global range and is one of many spiders in Wyoming that live in homes. As a cobweb spider, this species builds messy webs to inhabit.

Basements, cupboards, attics, garages, sheds, and warehouses are places this species is commonly found. They are also seen outdoors in gardens and backyards. Common house spiders are nocturnal and are active year-round.

Like most spiders, this species is sexually dimorphic. Females grow to be a bit larger than males, but they have similar body shapes and coloring.

Common house spiders have a tan, white, brown, or reddish coloring. They have spindly legs, with a round abdomen. Their legs have dark bands on them, while their bodies are covered in a mottled pattern that helps them camouflage into their environment.

Common house spiders have unique egg sacs with a papery appearance. Their egg sacs tend to be around 6.35 mm large and contain anywhere from 150 to 200 eggs.

In her lifetime a female produces anywhere between 15 to 20 egg sacs. When mating it is common for males and females to cohabitate in a web together. 

Small insects are the main food source for this species. Grasshoppers, flies, ants, wasps, and roaches are some of the prey this spider eats.

Other spiders like jumping spiders and insects like the assassin bug are this spider’s main predators. Vibrations are used to know when the prey has fallen into their trap.

Common house spiders have poor vision, only able to see around 4 inches in front of them. Not an aggressive species, their bites are harmless to humans. 

18. Long-bodied Cellar Spider 

Long-bodied Cellar Spider (Pholcus phalangioides) on a white wall somewhere in Oklahoma City, USA
Long-bodied Cellar Spider (Pholcus phalangioides) on a white wall somewhere in Oklahoma City, USA. – Source
  • 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 

In Wyoming, the long-bodied cellar spider is a very common species and is one of the most common spiders in the Pholcus genus. This spider builds loose webs, creating them in areas that get little foot traffic.

Basements, cellars, garages, caves, warehouses, and other quiet spots like the sides of houses are where this species lives. You may see the long-bodied cellar spider live together, inhabiting a communal web.

This spider is also called the daddy long-leg since their legs are thin and long, making up most of the spider. This species should not be confused with the harvestmen, which also holds this title.

Long-bodied cellar spiders have tan coloring, with dark bands on the joints of their legs. They have a pill-shaped abdomen, and some call this species the skull spider since their cephalothorax looks like a skull.

Long-bodied cellar spiders are active year-round. Mating occurs throughout the year, and a female can make around 3 egg sacs in her lifetime.

In each egg sac, there are around 13 to 60 eggs. It can take around 1 year for this spider to mature, and they can live a year after that.

The messy webs of this spider are used to catch insects like flies, moths, and even other spiders. Their nimble legs make them able to navigate their web quickly.

When something falls into their web they will immediately ambush their prey and begin to wrap them up in silk, then proceed to inject them with venom. After feeding the spider cleans its web, and drops any used meals to the ground.

The bites from this spider are harmless to humans, and their fangs are too weak to puncture the skin. Some keep these spiders nearby since they are so harmless and prey on more dangerous spiders.

19. Hobo Spider

Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis) walking through twigs and straw somewhere in Hungary
Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis) walking through twigs and straw somewhere in Hungary. – Source
  • 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 lives in Wyoming and is found in other parts of western North America. Central Asia and Europe are where this spider’s range stretches to.

Hobo spiders live in crevices, and crackers, and build a funnel-shaped web for them to inhabit. Dark and moist areas are places where this spider prefers to live.

Hobo spiders commonly inhabit cellars, basements, windows, the sides of houses, and fences. The months from June to September are when this spider is active most.

Hobo spiders have tan to orangish coloring, with males and females looking very similar. Males only have a smaller, more pointed abdomen, and bigger pedipalps.

Females have large round abdomens and are slightly more robust. The hobo spider has a mottled coloring of yellowish and gray on their abdomen, which can help identify them from other similar species.

Bites from the hobo spider are debated whether to be venomous or not to humans. In the 90s, the CDC came to study the hobo spider claiming them to be mildly necrotic, but today they are considered not medically significant to humans. The large fangs of the hobo spider do deliver a painful bite, but this species is not aggressive.

Insects like roaches, flies, ants and other invertebrates are what this spider eats. They hide in their funnel retreat, and will quickly grab their prey once they feel them near.

Hobo spiders use the vibrations of their silk to know when prey is near.

20. Barn Funnel Weaver 

Barn Funnel Weaver (Tegenaria domestica) walking on a kitchen surface somewhere in Russia, Europe
Barn Funnel Weaver (Tegenaria domestica) walking on a kitchen surface somewhere in Russia, Europe. – Source
  • 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 not seen often, since they spend their time in their funnel web retreat. Found in Wyoming this spider was introduced to North America.

Barn funnel weavers also live in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia. Barn funnel weavers build funnel-shaped webs in meadows, gardens, on the sides of buildings, and in woodlands. The spring to summer is when this spider is most active.

The barn funnel weaver has tan coloring, with a mottled pattern on them. Their abdomens are round, with a blotched pattern that appears on them.

Velvety hairs cover this spider’s body, and its legs are long with bands covering them. Barn funnel weavers are sexually dimorphic, with males having longer legs and smaller abdomens.

Males are seen most often in the summer and spend this time looking for a mate. After mating males usually die or are eaten right away.

Females lay around 50 eggs and usually survive the winter with their young. Barn funnel weavers that live indoors are able to survive much longer than those outside. 

The funnel-shaped web of this spider is used to catch prey, and they rely on vibrations to know when something is on their silk. Aphids, grasshoppers, and smaller spiders are some of the animals they feed on.

Extremely quick this spider will ambush prey that passes over its funnel, jumping out from its retreat.

21. American Grass Spider

Grass Spider (Agelenopsis) on a rocky concrete surface in Moorcroft, Wyoming, USA
Grass Spider (Agelenopsis) on a rocky concrete surface in Moorcroft, Wyoming, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginners 
  • Family: Agelenidae 
  • Scientific Name: Agelenopsis
  • Other Names: funnel weavers 
  • Adult Size: 9 to 20 mm (0.35 to 0.78 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 1 to 2 year
  • Average Price Range: n/a

The American grass spiders live in Wyoming and can be found all across the United States. This species builds its webs on lawns, in weeds, and in bushes.

American grass spiders build funnel webs on top of plant life that gets tons of insect traffic. This species is active mostly in the spring, and fall months.

American grass spiders only live for around a year, and both sexes typically die after mating. The warm months of late summer and fall are the mating season for this species, and eggs are laid to hatch in the spring.

American grass spiders look very similar to wolf spiders but can be told apart by the spinneret at the end of their abdomen, used for spinning their funnel webs. This spider has tan coloring and is covered in thick black hair.

Their carapace is pear-shaped, with two bold stripes that run near its edge. Their abdomen has black lines, and a mottled pattern on them. Males and females are similar, but males have sleeker bodies and long legs.

Grass spiders build their webs in places like lawns to prey on the insects that pass by. They wait in their funnel to retreat and ambush prey that passes by.

They feed on insects like moths, and aphids, injecting their venom into their prey to neutralize them. This spider is a fast mover and uses its speed to quickly pull prey into its retreat.

American grass spiders are harmless to humans, and if spotted will most likely flee.

22. Leaf-curling Sac Spider

Leaf-curling Spider (Clubiona) making its web near a curled leaf somehwere in Australia
Leaf-curling Spider (Clubiona) making its web near a curled leaf somewhere in Australia. – Source
  • 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 is one of many types of sac spiders that live in Wyoming. This spider should not be confused with the leaf-curling spider (Phonognatha graeffei) that lives in Australia.

Leaf curling sac spiders live in gardens, meadows, and urban habitats like parks. This species is active mostly in the spring and fall months and is found all through the United States.

Leaf curling sac spiders are a small species, with a round bulbous abdomen, and thin legs. Their eyes are arranged with two on top, and six on the bottom.

Leaf curling sac spiders have a large plump abdomen, with gray coloring, and velvety hairs covering them. They have large black fangs that give a painful bite.

Spending most of its time in vegetation, the leaf curling sac spider spends its time feeding on pest insects that eat plants. Aphids, moths, ants, and woodlice are some of the insects this spider eats.

This species is nocturnal and will curl a leaf to hide in or lay eggs to hide to hatch in the spring.

23. Northern Yellow Sac Spider 

Northern Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium mildei) on a white background somewhere in Germany
Northern Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium mildei) on a white background somewhere in Germany. – Source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate 
  • Family: Clubionidae
  • Scientific Name: Cheiracanthium mildei
  • Other Names: 
  • 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 very common species in Wyoming and other parts of the United States. This spider is native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, and is a species introduced to the Americas.

Northern yellow sac spiders live in woodlands, urban, and other vegetated habitats. Northern yellow sac spiders are nocturnal, and during the day they will create a silk sac for them to rest in.

They also commonly make their way indoors looking for food or shelter. Inside homes, you may see them climbing on walls, or hiding under things like dirty laundry.

Northern yellow sac spiders are active mostly in the fall months. This spider can produce around 5 egg sacs in their lifetime, each containing around 30 to 48 eggs. Their egg sacs are small and paper-like, and the female will guard them till her eggs hatch.

The yellow sac spider is often confused for the brown recluse due to its body type, but this spider is not brown and lacks the violin marking on their cephalothorax.

Yellow sac spiders have a yellow or beige hue. Their fangs are large and black, giving painful bites.

This spider’s bite is mildly necrotic, but symptoms are mild, and usually, only a small lesion occurs. They spend their night hunting small insects, and other spiders.

Yellow sac spiders bite humans more often than other species since they regularly make their way indoors.

24. Red-spotted Ant-mimic Spider

Red-spotted Ant-mimic Sac Spider (Castianeira descripta) walking up a wall among rocks in Quealy, Wyoming, USA
Red-spotted Ant-mimic Sac Spider (Castianeira descripta) walking up a wall among rocks in Quealy, Wyoming, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate 
  • Family: Corinnidae 
  • Scientific Name: Castianeira descripta
  • Other Names: n/a 
  • Adult Size: 13 mm (0.51 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
  • Average Price Range: n/a 

The red-spotted ant mimic spider is a common species found across the United States.

This species is regularly seen in urban habitats like parks, gardens, fields, and around homes. Red-spotted ant mimic spiders are active mostly in the spring and are one of the few spiders in Wyoming that is an ant mimic.

Some may confuse this species for a black widow because of its coloring, but the red-spotted ant mimic has a body shape more similar to a ground spider. This species’ carapace and abdomen are jet black, and on the back of their abdomen is a red marking.

Males and females look similar, but males’ abdomens are smaller. The front legs of this spider have tan coloring.

The red-spotted ant-mimic spider will lift its front legs to look like an antenna, and move slowly to mimic an ant. Copying an ant helps this spider get close to prey, and quickly ambush them.

This spider is harmless to humans, and if spotted will run away.

25. Bold Jumping Spider

Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax) on a wooden surface in Tennessee, USA
Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax) on a wooden surface in Tennessee, USA. – Source
  • 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 found in most of the United States and is a native species to North America.

Jumping spiders like this species is active during the day, and at night they find a secluded area to rest. This species will create a sac for it to hide in, made in places like on bark, under loose dirt, and in other hidden areas.

Bold jumping spiders live in a variety of habitats like grasslands, gardens, and near urban areas. They spend their time on vertical surfaces like large plants, trees, and the sides of houses.

The bold jumping spider gets its name from the bold colors that appear on its body. This spider is dark black, with white tufts of hair on their legs.

Bold jumping spiders have three spots on their abdomen arranged in a triangle pattern. Their spots are orange when young, as they molt their spots turn white. The chelicerae of this spider are bright green, with an iridescent hue.

Bold jumping spiders are able to leap far distances and have excellent eyesight. This species spends its day hunting for small insects and invertebrates, pouncing on the prey it sees. When moving around the bold jumping spider will use a silk tether, and attach it to surfaces to prevent falling to their death.

Jumping spiders in the Phidippus genus are some of the largest types of Salticidae and make good pets. They can be easily kept in a small terrarium, and are a docile species.

Jumping spiders are easily handled when cautious, and they only bite if they feel threatened.

26. Zebra Jumping Spider 

Zebra Jumping Spider (Salticus scenicus) on a rocky surface in Powell, Wyoming, USA
Zebra Jumping Spider (Salticus scenicus) on a rocky surface in Powell, Wyoming, USA. – Source
  • 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

North America, Europe, and Asia are where the range of the zebra jumping spider extends, and they are one of the many spiders in Wyoming.

Zebra jumping spiders are a diurnal species, and at night they rest in a silk sac. Zebra jumping spiders and other Salticidae species can jump up to 20 times their body length.

The zebra jumping spider gets its name from the black and white coloring on them, with a zebra-like pattern. This species has the body shape of other jumping spiders letting them leap far distances and is covered in many small hairs.

Zebra jumping spiders have excellent eyesight and have nearly a 360-degree range of vision. The two front eyes of the jumping spider that are larger than the rest help these species have great depth perception.

Zebra jumping spiders spend their day hunting small insects, and small invertebrates. They pounce on their prey and stalk them like a cat till the moment is right.

Zebra jumping spiders are harmless to humans, with bites no more threatening than a bee sting.

27. Red-backed Jumping Spider

Red-backed Jumping Spider (Phidippus johnsoni) on a leaf near Colter Bay Village, Wyoming, USA
Red-backed Jumping Spider (Phidippus johnsoni) on a leaf near Colter Bay Village, Wyoming, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner 
  • Family: Salticidae 
  • Scientific Name: Phidippus johnsoni
  • Other Names: Johnson’s Jumping Spider
  • Adult Size: 9 to 14 mm (0.35 to 0.55 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
  • Average Price Range: $35 

The red-backed jumping spider is a species that lives in Nevada, common in woodland and wetland habitats.

This species is active during the day, seen most in the spring and fall months. Red-backed jumping spiders spend their time on vertical surfaces like walls, fences, trees, and windows.

At night this species rests in a silk sac, which they also use to molt and lay eggs. This species can lay up to 300 eggs and will guard them till they hatch.

The red-backed jumping spider is a sexually dimorphic species. Females of this species are larger, while males have smaller abdomens.

Males have a completely red back, while females have a black oval marking on their red abdomen. The rest of this spider is jet black, and they are covered in small hairs.

Small insects, usually 0.079 to 0.39 inches in size are what this spider eats. They spend their day hunting, and this spider has even been taken to space in 2012, to see how they hunt in zero gravity.

The eyesight and leaping ability of this spider is what makes them effective hunters.

28. Eastern Parson Spider

Eastern Parson Spider (Herpyllus ecclesiasticus) on a grey wall on Prince Edward Island, Canada
Eastern Parson Spider (Herpyllus ecclesiasticus) on a grey wall on Prince Edward Island, Canada. – Source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate 
  • Family: Gnaphosidae 
  • Scientific Name: Herpyllus ecclesiasticus
  • Other Names: n/a 
  • Adult Size: 5 to 12.7 mm (0.2 to 0.5 inches)
  • Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
  • Average Price Range: n/a 

The Eastern parson’s spider is found in the eastern United States and is a native spider to North America. This species can be found in Wyoming, and are most common in forest habitats.

The eastern parson’s spider is active at night, and in the day will hide in a silk sac. They can be found under rocks, logs, and other debris. It is common for this spider to make its way indoors looking for shelter or food.

The eastern parson’s spider is a terrestrial species and has a body shape similar to other ground spiders. The abdomen and carapace of this spider are black.

Their legs are brown and black. The eastern parson’s spider has a spinneret on the end of its abdomen that looks like a tail. A white marking can appear on their abdomen that looks like a nuke. 

This species spends its night hunting for woodlice, beetles, and other spiders. The easer parson spider is harmless to humans, but their bites can be painful.

Bites from spiders like this species are only dangerous if you are allergic to their venom.

29. Spitting Spider 

Common Spitting Spider (Scytodes thoracica) on a white wall somewhere in Italy
Common Spitting Spider (Scytodes thoracica) on a white wall somewhere in Italy. – Source
  • 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 globe and is a spider you may see in Wyoming.

Spitting spiders live in tropical woodland habitats, and they are a nocturnal species. This spider is able to spit up to 0.7 inches from itself, and it can shoot its substance at a speed of up to 28 meters per second.

Spitting spiders have round bodies, and heads, with a tan coloring. They have dark bands on their legs, and a dark mottled pattern covers their body. This spider has thin legs, and their two front ones are longer than the rest, which is useful for helping them aim.

Spitting spiders spit a mix of liquid silk and venom. They trap their prey with their spit and begin to wrap them up.

Flies, moths, and small bugs are what this spider feeds on. Spitting spiders aren’t dangerous to humans, but their saliva is corrosive to the prey they feed on.

30. Deadly Ground Crab Spider

Deadly Ground Crab Spider (Xysticus funestus) walking up a green wall somewhere in Oklahoma, USA
Deadly Ground Crab Spider (Xysticus funestus) walking up a green wall somewhere in Oklahoma, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner 
  • Family: Thomisidae
  • Scientific Name: Xysticus funestus
  • Other Names: n/a
  • Adult Size: 5 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 1 year 
  • Average Price Range: n/a 

Deadly ground crab spiders can be found across North America. This species lives in forest and woodland habitats.

They are terrestrial, and when not active this spider hides under rocks, logs, and other natural debris. Summer and fall are when the deadly ground crab spider is most active.

The deadly ground crab spider has large crab-like legs and a rounded abdomen. This species has a tan to orange coloring, with a mottled pattern on them.

Deadly ground crab spiders are sexually dimorphic, and males have much smaller legs. The coloring of this species helps them camouflage in dirt and tree habitats.

While deadly is in their name, this spider is harmless to humans. They sit and wait to hunt, and will ambush their prey.

Deadly ground crab spiders will grab their prey with their front legs, and inject them with venom to neutralize them. Animals like birds, lizards, and larger spiders are what prey on this species.

31. Running Crab Spider

Running Crab Spider (Philodromus spp.) on a silver surface somewhere in Teton County, Wyoming, USA
Running Crab Spider (Philodromus spp.) on a silver surface somewhere in Teton County, Wyoming, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner 
  • Family: Philodromidae 
  • Scientific Name: Philodromus spp.
  • Other Names: n/a 
  • Adult Size: 38 mm (1.5 inches)
  • Lifespan: 1 year 
  • Average Price Range: n/a

Running crab spiders live in Wyoming, and get their name from their crab-like legs. This species lives in wooded habitats and urban areas.

Running crab spiders are nocturnal, and during the day they hide in a secluded area. This species is not a member of the Thomisidae crab family, but of the Philodromidae.

Running crab spiders have tan, cream, or brown coloring. They are covered in thick hairs and have a mottled pattern on them.

Their legs are very long and spread out the sides of their body like a fan. The pattern and coloring of this spider help them blend into the variety of habitats they live in.

These spiders are very quick, and they use their speed to take down their prey.

32. Ground Crab Spider 

Ground Crab Spider (Xysticus sphericus) climbing up a twig in dirt somewhere in Germany
Ground Crab Spider (Xysticus sphericus) climbing up a twig in dirt somewhere in Germany. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner 
  • Family: Thomisidae 
  • Scientific Name: Xysticus sphericus
  • Other Names: n/a
  • Adult Size: 3 to 9 mm ( 0.11 to 0.35 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 1 year 
  • Average Price Range: n/a

Ground crab spiders live in Wyoming and are found in forest habitats.

This species spends its time on the floor, and when not active will hide under natural debris. This species is also found near vegetation and spends its time hunting for small insects. 

Ground crab spiders get their name from their crab body shape. They have tan coloring, with a mottled pattern on them, making it easy for them to blend into dirt or brown surfaces.

The size and body shape make it easy for this spider to be confused for a tick. Their camouflage is useful in letting prey get near without them noticing.

Their front legs are powerful and used to take down prey when they are least expecting it.

33. Goldenrod Crab Spider

Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) clinging onto white flowers in Teton County, Wyoming, USA
Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) clinging onto white flowers in Teton County, Wyoming, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginner 
  • Family: Thomisidae 
  • Scientific Name: Misumena vatia
  • Other Names: Flower crab spider 
  • Adult Size: 5 to 10 mm (0.20 to 0.39 inches)
  • Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
  • Average Price Range: n/a 

Goldenrod crab spiders are native to North America and are a Wyoming species that are active in the summer and fall. Goldenrod crab spiders live in meadows, gardens, and field habitats.

Females of this species make their home on flowering plants like milkweed, and goldenrod. Males spend their time wandering around, looking for a mate.

Crab spiders like this species get their name from their body shape and crab-like movements. Goldenrod crab spiders can have yellow, or white coloring, and can change their shade between the two.

Goldenrod crab spiders change their color very slowly, and it takes around a month for their shade to change. Females have large bulbous abdomens, while males of this species are smaller. The sides of this species may have pink or red markings.

This species sits and waits on vegetation for insects like butterflies, bees, and flies are what this spider feeds on. Pollinator insects are their primary food source, and they spend their time on plants that attract insects.

This species will grab its prey with its front legs, and bite them to kill them.

34. American Nursery Web Spider 

American Nursery Web Spider (Pisaurina mira) climbing up a leaf in Ontario, Canada
American Nursery Web Spider (Pisaurina mira) climbing up a leaf in Ontario, Canada. – Source
  • Experience Level: Beginners 
  • Family: Agelenidae 
  • Scientific Name: Pisaurina mira
  • Other Names: funnel weavers 
  • Adult Size: 9 to 20 mm (0.35 to 0.78 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 1 to 2 year
  • Average Price Range: n/a

The American nursery web spider lives in woodlands, meadows, and urban habitats. This spider lives in vegetation like tall grass and shrubs.

They are active at night and are seen most in the spring and summer. American nursery web spiders mate during these seasons and are sometimes seen carrying their egg sac in their mouths. This species gets its name from the nursery they build in vegetation, and will guard their eggs until they hatch.

American nursery web spiders have tan to orange coloring. This spider’s abdomen is pointed, and they have sleek legs.

This species has a bold wavy stripe that runs down the center of its abdomen and carapace. They are covered in hydrophobic hairs and are water resistant like the fishing spider.

The American nursery web spider is a nocturnal hunter. This spider feeds on small insects and has eyesight that is great at detecting motion.

As a natural form of pest control, this species is regularly found feeding on the pests in gardens.

35. Dark Fishing Spider

Dark Fishing Spider (Dolomedes tenebrosus) on a wooden surface somewhere in Missouri, USA
Dark Fishing Spider (Dolomedes tenebrosus) on a wooden surface somewhere in Missouri, USA. – Source
  • 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 species found in woodlands, and forest habitats near water.

Wetlands and habitats near other freshwater are where this species is found since they are partly aquatic species. The dark fishing spider is a nocturnal spider, and in the day hides under leaf litter, logs, and other debris.

Dark fishing spiders are active mostly in the autumn months. This species of fishing spider may move inward, and not be found near water.

Dark fishing spiders have a color that ranges from tan to gray. This spider has bands that appear on its legs, and W-shaped markings that appear on its abdomen.

The dark fishing spider is sometimes confused with the wolf spider but has a sleeker appearance. Females of this species are more robust than males. Dark fishing spiders are commonly found on trees, and their coloring helps them camouflage into their habitat.

Dark fishing spiders is a nocturnal hunter and hunts for terrestrial insects and other spiders. Birds, larger spiders, and small rodents are these spiders’ main predators.

Dark fishing spider bites are not deadly to humans and are similar to that the sting of a wasp.

36. Banded Fishing Spider

Banded Fishing Spider (Dolomedes vittatus) climbing up a rocky wall somewhere in Texas, USA
Banded Fishing Spider (Dolomedes vittatus) climbing up a rocky wall somewhere in Texas, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate 
  • Family: Pisauridae
  • Scientific Name: Dolomedes vittatus
  • Other Names: n/a 
  • Adult Size: 6.8 to 25.4 mm (0.27 to 1 inch)
  • Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
  • Average Price Range: n/a 

The banded fishing spider is one of eight fishing spider species that live in North America and can be found in Wyoming. This species lives in forest areas near creeks, rivers, and wetlands.

They do not build webs but spend their time wandering. Banded fishing spiders are nocturnal, and during the day they will hide under rocks, logs, and other debris.

Banded fishing spiders are seen most in the summer and fall months. Females are very protective of their eggs and will stay with them in a nursery when ready to hatch. Like other fishing spiders, they will carry their egg sacs in their mouth, and guard them in a secluded place.

Banded fishing spiders have bands that cover their legs, and their coloring ranges from light to dark brown. Hydrophobic hairs appear on this spider making it possible for them to glide over the water’s surface.

Banded fishing spiders spend their night hunting, able to move quickly over both land and water. Fishing spiders are able to dive underwater and can stay submerged for around 30 minutes.

Banded fishing spiders feed on insects, tadpoles, and small fish. They have excellent night vision, and quickly take out their prey similar to wolf spiders.

Larger spiders, fish, and birds are these spiders’ main predators.

37. White-banded Fishing Spider

White-banded Fishing Spider (Dolomedes albineus) on wood somewhere in Florida, USA
White-banded Fishing Spider (Dolomedes albineus) on wood somewhere in Florida, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate 
  • Family: Pisauridae 
  • Scientific Name: Dolomedes albineus
  • Other Names: n/a
  • Adult Size: 18 to 23 mm (.7 to .9 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 2 years 
  • Average Price Range: $40 

The white-banded fishing spider inhabits Wyoming and is one of the few fishing spiders that live in the state. These spiders live in wetlands and other forested habitats near water.

The summer months are when this species is active most. Like other similar species, this spider is able to skim on the top of the water, and they are primarily a nocturnal species.

White-banded fishing spiders are very hairy and have a body shape similar to other fishing spiders. They have a white or grayish, or nearly black coloring, with a mottled pattern covering them. White-banded fishing spiders have bands on their legs, and they help them walk across the water’s surface. 

Able to travel across the surface of water let this species feed on small prey like tadpoles, small fish, and aquatic insects. Being in the water also leaves them vulnerable to prey like water birds, or big fish.

It is also common for this species to move away from the water, and hunt terrestrially.

38. Carolina Wolf Spider 

Carolina Wolf Spider (Hogna carolinensis) on dry ground near Radar Base, Texas, USA
Carolina Wolf Spider (Hogna carolinensis) on dry ground near Radar Base, Texas, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate 
  • Family: Lycosidae 
  • Scientific Name: Hogna carolinensis
  • Other Names: n/a 
  • Adult Size: 19 to 25 mm (0.7 to 0.98 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 1 to 4 years 
  • Average Price Range: n/a 

The Carolina wolf spider is native to North America and can be found in habitats like woodlands, gardens, and dry shrublands. This species prefers to live in flat, and open areas since they have the poor climbing ability.

They are active at night and will inhabit burrows made by other animals, or they will dig out their own. The shape of the burrow varies in shape and size, and since this species has no special digging parts it is easier for them to inhabit other animals’ holes.

Out of all the members of the Lycosidae family, the Carolina wolf spider is the largest of them all. Extremely hairy, this species has tan, brown, or dark gray coloring.

They have a mottled pattern on them, and males of this species have orange coloring on their sides. Females of this species are very protective of their young, and can sometimes be seen carrying their egg sacs in their mouths.

When her spiderlings hatch she will carry them on her back until they are ready to disperse into the wild. This spider can have up to 100 babies, and they all rely on their mom for survival.

The night is when these species hunt and they will pounce on nearby prey, or attack them from their burrow. Insects like grasshoppers, cricketers, roaches, and other small invertebrates are what they feed on.

39. Schizocosa Wolf Spider

Schizocosa Wolf Spider (Schizocosa mccooki) on rocks and sand in Los Angeles, California, USA
Schizocosa Wolf Spider (Schizocosa mccooki) on rocks and sand in Los Angeles, California, USA. – Source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate 
  • Family: Lycosidae 
  • Scientific Name: Schizocosa mccooki
  • Other Names: n/a
  • Adult Size: 10 to 80 mm (0.39 to 3.14 inches) 
  • Lifespan: 1 to 3 years 
  • Average Price Range: n/a

Schizocosa mccooki is one of the few species of Lycosidae that live in Wyoming.

This species is native to North America, and is most common in woodlands, and edged forest habitats. This spider may inhabit a burrow previously built by another animal, or hide under rocks, leaf litter, or other natural debris.

Wolf spiders in Wyoming are active mostly in the summer months from June to August. This wolf spider species has tan to dark brown coloring.

They have long legs that stretch out the sides of their body and help them move extremely quickly. Their abdomens have a mottled pattern on them, and their carapace has two bold marlins with a stripe down its middle.

Wolf spiders are active at night and spend the majority of their time hunting. It is not uncommon for this spider to make its way indoors looking for food, or shelter.

Wolf spiders pounce on their prey like wolves and use their excellent night vision to spot prey. The eyes of the wolf spider glow when shined with a light in the dark, due to the tissue in their eyes that lets them see better in the dark.

40. Trapdoor Spider 

Trapdoor Spider (Ummidia) on wood and dirt in Texas, USA
Trapdoor Spider (Ummidia) on wood and dirt in Texas, USA. – Source
  • 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 not seen often in Wyoming. This spider lives in a burrow they create, and has special chelicerae that help them dig.

A lid is created out of dirt and silk, and they line the surrounding area with silk. Trapdoor spiders build their burrow less than 5 inches deep, and their homes have a diameter of around one inch in diameter.

Trapdoor spiders have robust bodies, with coloring that ranges from tan to black. They have a glossy appearance and are covered in small hairs.

Trapdoor spiders have a round bulbous abdomen, with a large carapace. Their fangs are also big, helping them take down their prey.

Being nocturnal, at night this species will wait at the edge of its burrow for prey to pass by. Animals like grasshoppers, small mice, other spiders, and small rodents are what this spider eats.

Using the vibrations from their surrounding silk they know when prey is nearby, and will pounce out at their prey. 

FAQ

What are the largest spiders in Wyoming? 

The Carolina wolf spider is the largest species of Lycosidae and is also one of the biggest spiders in Wyoming. This species is able to get a body size of up to 1.3 inches and can have a leg span that gets close to 4 inches. 

Other types of large spiders that you may come across in Wyoming include fishing spiders, trapdoor spiders, and garden spiders. Each spider is different, but for most species, females are typically larger than males.

Are there any dangerous spiders that live in Wyoming?

The western black widow is the most dangerous spider that lives in Wyoming.

This species has a powerful neurotoxic venom that can cause symptoms like swelling, nausea, chills, and vomiting. Older people and children with weaker immune symptoms are more affected by black widow bites, but this spider’s bite is usually not deadly.

The sickness brought on by the black widow’s venom is called Latrodectism, and anti-venom is available to help with treatment. If you are allergic to spider venom, you can have a severe reaction to a species that is not considered dangerous.

Most spiders have a bite similar to a bee sting. 

In Wyoming when are spiders most active? 

The months from spring to fall are when most spiders are active in Wyoming. Spiders prefer warm temperatures, and mating typically occurs in the summer and fall months.

As the cold comes older spiders die, while their young and eggs overwinter until spring. Species that live in homes, and other man-made structures are able to survive winter and are active year-round since they live in a climate-controlled setting.

Wrapping up

The spiders in Wyoming are essential in keeping a balanced ecosystem.

With so many spiders that live in the state, you can find many that make a good pet. Keeping a pet spider is simple, as they require a suitable terrarium and the right food.

Even though most spiders are short-lived, keeping some as a pet can be a fun way to examine them with a much closer perspective than coming across them in the wild.

Wyoming has ample habitats like wetlands, and forests, perfect for spiders to thrive in. The majority of spiders you come across are harmless but can be fun to learn about due to the differences in their unique lifestyles.

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