Spiders are considered creepy creatures, and people don’t appreciate them much. but they are way more than that. They are skilled hunters, good climbers, and great web builders, which makes them highly appreciable and attractive. Have you wondered about the spiders that live in Washington State?
Washington is not only a city of monuments and memorials, but it also holds a great biodiversity, which makes this state distinct. While searching for spiders, I learned about the different spider species found in Washington. These spider species are so interesting that you will be astounded to learn about their incredible stories.
I got spellbound by learning about these enchanting creatures. Here is a list of 31 spiders found in Washington, according to Spider ID. So let us begin this fantastic voyage with spiders.
Table of Contents
All Spiders in Washington
1. Alopecosa kochi
Scientific name
Alopecosa kochi
Size
6.6 to 11 mm
Identification
It has a broad white central band down the middle of its carapace
Diet in the Wild
Crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, flies and other spiders
2. Cross Orb-weaver
Scientific name
Araneus diadematus
Size
5.5 to 20 mm
Identification
It has white markings on its abdomen and a cross-pattern
Diet in the Wild
Primarily Flying insects
3. Cat-faced spider
Scientific name
Araneus gemmoides
Size
0.2 to 0.98 inches
Identification
The center pattern on the abdomen forms the face-like pattern
Diet in the Wild
Insects, Other Arachnids, and cannibalism are also seen
4. Araneus saevus
Scientific name
Araneus saevus
Size
14 to 15 mm
Identification
They have median lines and humps on their abdomen on the dorsal side
Diet in the Wild
flies and other forest insects
5. Six-spotted Orb-weaver
Scientific name
Araniella displicata
Size
4 to 8 mm
Identification
They have six black spots, which are lined with lighter colors and are present on the abdomen
Diet in the Wild
small insects like beetles, plant bugs, and flies
6. Banded Garden Spider
Banded Garden Spider
Scientific name
Argiope trifasciata
Size
4 to 20 mm
Identification
It has silvery setae that are present on its back
Diet in the Wild
aphids, flies, grasshoppers, and Hymenoptera
7. Callobius severus
Scientific name
Callobius severus
Size
up to 19 mm
Identification
They have reddish-brown legs and cephalothorax
Diet in the Wild
Invertebrates like pill bugs
8. Long-legged Sac spider
Long-legged Sac spider
Scientific name
Cheiracanthium mildei
Size
7 to 10 mm
Identification
The groove on the Carapace is absent and the first pair of legs are the longest
Diet in the Wild
flies, moths, crickets, and insects
9. Woodlouse Hunter
Scientific name
Dysdera crocata
Size
9 to 15 mm
Identification
They have tightly arranged six eyes and long fangs
Diet in the Wild
woodlice, silverfish, earwigs, millipedes, burying beetles and crickets
10. Candy-striped spider
Scientific name
Enoplognatha ovataÂ
Size
up to 6 mm
Identification
They have translucent legs and creamish white abdomen with different color markings
Diet in the Wild
Pollinating Bees and Flies
11. Hobo spider
Scientific name
Eratigena agrestis
Size
8 to 15 mm
Identification
They have a herringbone pattern on the dorsal side of the abdomen
Diet in the Wild
House flies, Cockroaches, Silverfish, Beetles, Praying mantises, Black and yellow dauber wasps
12. Giant house spider
Giant house spider
Scientific name
Eratigena atrica
Size
12 to 18 mm
Identification
Have swollen palps at their leg ends
Diet in the Wild
crickets, flies, moths, invertebrates, and small birds
13. Eratigena duellica
Eratigena duellica | Credit: John Blackwall (commons.wikimedia)
Scientific name
Eratigena duellica
Size
10 to 18 mm
Identification
They have yellow median stripes that are present all across the body
Diet in the Wild
Flies, moths, crickets, invertebrates, small birds, bedbugs, cockroaches, and earwigs
14. Western Parson spider
Scientific name
Herpyllus propinquus
Size
up to 8.42 mm
Identification
They have a white or silvery stripe on the back of the abdomen
Diet in the Wild
crickets, ants, grasshoppers, and other invertebrates
15. Larinioides patagiatus
Scientific name
Larinioides patagiatus
Size
5.5 to 11 mm
Identification
They have yellow to brown abdomens with dark folium markings on dorsal side
Diet in the Wild
Chironomids
16. Golden-rod Crab spider
Scientific name
Misumena vatia
Size
3 to 9 mm
Identification
They have white abdomens with two colored stripes
Diet in the Wild
insects
17. Eared Dome sheet-web spider
Scientific name
Neriene digna
Size
3.5 to 5 mm
Identification
They have a pair of large discs near mouthparts that look like ears
Diet in the Wild
Pollen and nectar-feeding insects
18. Sierra Dome spider
Scientific name
Neriene litigiosa
Size
5 to 8 mm
Identification
They have a white abdomen with a black median stripe all across it
Diet in the Wild
On some flies
19. Phanias harfordi
Scientific name
Phanias harfordi
Size
Up to 5 mm
Identification
It has a white margin on its abdomen
Diet in the Wild
Insects and other small arthropods
20. Bold jumper
Scientific name
Phidippus audax
Size
6 to 15 mm
Identification
They have big eyes and are iridescent blue Jaws
Diet in the Wild
Insects and other spiders
21. Johnson Jumping spider
Scientific name
Phidippus johnsoni
Size
9 to 14 mm
Identification
They have a bright red abdomen
Diet in the Wild
 flies, bugs, moth caterpillars, and other spiders
22. Long-bodied Cellar spider
Scientific name
Pholcus phalangioides
Size
6 to 10 mm
Identification
They have thin and elongated legs
Diet in the Wild
insects, other spiders, and other small invertebrates
23. Zebra jumper
Scientific name
Salticus scenicus
Size
4 to 7 mm
Identification
They have black or brown abdomen with white markings that give them a zebra-like appearance.
Diet in the Wild
Other spiders, moths, mosquitoes, and other arthropods
They have a triangle-shaped pattern on the dorsal side of the abdomen
Diet in the Wild
ticks, spiders (like brown recluses), pill bugs, and Small insects
31. Trochosa terricola
Scientific name
Trochosa terricola
Size
7 to 14 mm
Identification
It has two short lines on its carapace
Diet in the Wild
Insects like other small spiders, ants, and grasshoppers
Conclusion
Here I conclude our article on all the spider species found in Washington. As you can see, Washington is not only known for its incredible landscapes, but it is also the home of many spider species.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post. So next time you encounter these animals, don’t get scared of them. Instead, pay close attention to them and discover the mysteries they conceal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1) Are there poisonous spiders in Washington?
Ans. Black Widow, Hobo spider (Eratigena agrestis), and Cheiracanthium inclusum (Black-footed Yellow Sac Spider) are some of the poisonous spiders found in Washington.
Q2) What is the most common spider in Washington State?
Ans. Hobo spiders, jumping spiders, Yellow sac spiders, Funnel weavers, and black widow spiders are the most common species found in Washington.
Q3) Are spiders common in Washington?
Ans. Yes, spiders are very common in Washington state. The five most common spiders found in Washington are Hobo spiders, Jumping spiders, Yellow sac spiders, Funnel weaver, and black widow spiders.
Q4) What spiders does Washington State have?
Ans. According to Spider ID, there are 31 species of spiders found in Washington state, including Wolf spiders, Giant house spiders, cellar spiders, and hobo spiders, etc.
Q5) Do wolf spiders bite?
Ans. Yes, wolf spiders can bite but they are not that aggressive. They usually do so when they feel threatened or cornered.
Q6) How bad is a black widow’s bite?
Ans. Black Widow spider is highly venomous and it’s venom directly or indirectly affects the nervous system of the victim. It leads to various complications like serious pain, swelling, redness, etc.
Q7) Are there a lot of spiders in Seattle?
Ans. Yes, there are a lot of spiders in Seattle. Some of them are Cross Orb Weaver, Zebra jumping spiders, Giant house spiders, Sierra dome spiders, etc.
Q8) Are American house spiders harmless?
Ans. American house spiders are harmless to humans; their bite doesn’t cause any serious or severe symptoms, it is similar to the typical insect bite. They are not that aggressive and only bite when it is provoked.
Q9) Are there big spiders in Washington?
Ans. Yes, Big spiders are also present in Washington state, like Giant house spider, hobo spider, Ground wolf spider, Long-legged cellar spider, Trapdoor spider, etc.
Being a zoology student I’m always been fascinated toward animals especially insects. I love to do research and learn about different animals. As a writer I want to share my thoughts about nature through my articles. Apart from this you can find me exploring the new places and voice notes.
