10 Spiders To Watch For In Iowa

Spider Types

1. Argiope Aurantia (Black & Yellow Garden Spider)

These spiders are commonly found in gardens, fields, and old farms. They typically don’t bite, and if they do, the bite shouldn’t affect a healthy adult.

2. Argiope Trifasciata (Banded Garden Spider)

These spiders are commonly found in open fields with tall grass. Being bitten is highly unlikely and shouldn’t affect a healthy adult – it would feel like a bee sting.

3. Cheiracanthium Mildei (Long-legged Sac Spider)

This spider is nocturnal and is either light yellow, tan, or green. It is typically found indoors on walls and ceilings. It is a fast runner. This spider may bite – the bite may be painful and slow to heal, but other effects are usually mild.

4. Dolomedes Tenebrosus (Dark Fishing Spider)

This large spider does not spin a web. It is typically found on vertical surfaces like tree trunks or walls and typically lives in wooded areas. Although this spider is able to bite humans, it is a shy spider that will run from people. Bites are typically no more severe than a bee or wasp sting.

5. Dolomedes Triton (Six-spotted Fishing Spider)

Typically found near water – streams, riverbanks, lakes, and residential pools – this spider is not aggressive to people and rarely bites.

6. Dysdera Crocata (Woodlouse Hunter)

This spider is typically found under logs, rocks, bricks and leaves. They have been known to bite humans if handled. Verified bites have caused no major medical problems.

7. Hogna Carolinensis (Carolina Wolf Spider)

This species of wolf spider is the largest in North America and one of the largest worldwide. While the appearance of these spiders is pretty scary, they are not likely to bite. They will generally only bite if they feel threatened or are unable to escape. They are poor climbers, so they typically remain on the ground.

8. Latrodectus Mactans (Southern Black Widow)

Easily recognized by the red or orange hourglass pattern on it’s belly, the black widow spider venom is harmful to humans but rarely fatal in healthy adults.

9. Loxosceles Reclusa (Brown Recluse)

The brown recluse is one of only a few spiders in North America whose bite is “medically significant”. The spider is rarely aggressive, and usually only bites when pressed against the skin (such as when tangled in clothes, towels, bedding, etc.). They typically build their webs in woodpiles and sheds, closets, garages, and other spaces that are dry and generally undisturbed. When found indoors, they tend to prefer cardboard or clothing that is rarely disturbed.

10. Tegenaria Domestica (Barn Funnel Weaver)

This spider builds a funnel-shaped web to catch its prey. They are often found in windowsills, attics, and other areas that are rarely disturbed. They rarely bite. If they do, it is painless.