Table of Contents
Striped Fishing Spider
The striped fishing spider is a distinctive arachnid thriving in various parts of Minnesota. Belonging to the nursery web spider family, it is predominantly found in the Midwest and southern regions of the country. Encounters with these spiders are probable in habitats like grasslands, woods, and near water bodies such as lakes, streams, and ponds. Adult females can grow up to 25 millimeters, while males are slightly smaller at around 13 millimeters. Sporting shades of grey and tan with white stripes, these spiders, like others in their category, don’t build webs. Instead, they rely on speed and agility, running swiftly on water surfaces to catch prey.
Shamrock spider
Shamrock spiders, named for the shamrock-shaped marks on their abdomens, thrive in Minnesota’s forested areas. Typically black or brown, these less aggressive spiders are unlikely to attack unless provoked.
Cat-Faced Spider
The cat-faced spider, also known as the jewel spider, is another Minnesota resident found in the state and some Canadian provinces. Adults reach up to 25 millimeters for females and 9 millimeters for males. With unique chestnut brown to light yellow bodies and dark brown leg bands, they earn their name from the cat face-shaped markings on their abdomens. Beneficial for consuming insects, they are not venomous, causing only mild pain and allergic reactions if they bite.
Northern Black Widow
The northern black widow is an iconic and potentially dangerous spider in Minnesota, inhabiting grasslands, forests, and woodlands. Females can grow up to 11 millimeters, and males up to 6 millimeters. Recognizable by their hourglass markings, the northern black widow’s bite can have severe effects on the central nervous system, causing muscle spasms, vomiting, nausea, pain, and difficulty breathing.
Barn Funnel Weaver spider
Marpissa grata
Encountering the unique Marpissa grata spider is a distinctive experience in the great lakes region, particularly in Minnesota. Endemic to this area, it’s a lesser-known species with adult females growing up to 7 millimeters and males reaching about 4 inches. Sporting a light brown abdomen with dark stripes, these spiders exhibit speed and agility in hunting, relying on these attributes rather than building webs. While their bite poses minimal harm, it’s advisable to avoid them due to potential bacterial transmission leading to severe infections.
Slender Sea Crab Spider
In the diverse arachnid world of Minnesota, the Slender Sea Crab Spiders, members of the running crab spider family, are a common sight. With females reaching up to 10 millimeters and males up to 7 millimeters, these spiders boast elongated slender bodies and long legs, distinctly tan in color. Unlike web-building spiders, they rely on ambush tactics, utilizing their agility to catch prey. Though their bite is insignificant, the transfer of bacteria raises the possibility of infections, making it essential to stay vigilant during your encounters.
Black and Yellow Garden Spider
The captivating Black and Yellow Garden Spider, distributed across North America, stands out with its adult females reaching 28 millimeters and males 9 millimeters. Recognizable by black, silver, and yellow markings on their abdomen, these spiders construct large circular webs for catching prey. Intriguingly, female spiders often cannibalize males after mating, adding a unique aspect to their behavior.
Northern Cupboard Spider
In household settings in Minnesota, the Northern Cupboard Spider, known for its glossy appearance and distinctive markings, may be encountered. Often mistaken for black widow spiders, these spiders, with females growing up to 7 millimeters and males slightly smaller at about 4 millimeters, carry bacteria and are capable of biting. Their venom can affect vital organs, leading to symptoms like difficulty breathing, blurred vision, and sweating.
Giant Lichen Orb Weaver
Belonging to the orb weaver family, the Giant Lichen Orb Weaver is a sizable species found in Minnesota, the eastern United States, and parts of Canada. Recognizable by black and orange bands on their legs and greyish abdomens with white markings, they form large webs in areas with high moisture. While their bites may not cause severe side effects, the potential transmission of dangerous infections due to their bacterial load emphasizes the need for caution.
Ground Wolf Spider
Famous across Europe, the Ground Wolf Spider is also present in southern Canada and the northern United States, offering a distinctive sight. With females growing up to 14 millimeters and males reaching 9 millimeters, these spiders, identified by short lines on the carapace and light marks on the abdomen, vary in appearance based on the region.
Star-bellied Orb Weaver
Thriving in the wooded areas of Minnesota, the Star-bellied Orb Weaver spider is a small yet iconic species. Recognizable by star-shaped markings on their abdomens, these spiders, about a quarter of an inch in length, display various colors such as yellow or white markings on black or brown bodies.
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