If you’re a resident of Maine or just visiting, understanding the different types of spiders you might encounter can help ease any fears and foster appreciation for these fascinating creatures. This list covers the most common spider species found across Maine, detailing their appearance, habits, and whether they pose any threat. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a homeowner, or simply curious, knowing what spiders are native to Maine can enhance your understanding of local wildlife.
1. Cross Orb-Weaver (Araneus diadematus)
The Cross Orb-Weaver is one of Maine’s most recognizable spiders, easily identified by the distinctive white cross-shaped markings on its abdomen. These spiders are typically about 0.5 inches long and are most active from late summer to fall. They build large, circular webs in gardens, forests, and around homes, playing a crucial role in controlling insect populations. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, cross orb-weavers are harmless to humans and are beneficial garden allies.
2. Barn Spider (Araneus cavaticus)
The Barn Spider is a large, brownish spider often found in barns, sheds, and other outbuildings across Maine. It can grow up to 1.5 inches including leg span and features a rounded abdomen with various markings. Known for their strong, sturdy webs, barn spiders are nocturnal hunters that primarily feed on moths and flies. They are harmless to people, and their presence often indicates a healthy insect ecosystem around structures.
3. American Nursery Web Spider (Pisaurina mira)
This spider is commonly seen in Maine during the warmer months, often perched on plants or shrubs. It has a slender body, about 0.75 inches long, with long legs that give it a spindly appearance. Unlike orb-weavers, nursery web spiders do not spin large webs but instead hunt actively and sometimes carry their egg sacs with them. They are non-aggressive and pose no threat to humans, making them beneficial for pest control.
4. Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax)
The Bold Jumping Spider is a small but striking spider, measuring about 0.5 inches, with a black body and iridescent green or blue chelicerae (mouthparts). They are common in Maine gardens, forests, and even inside homes. These spiders are known for their incredible jumping ability, which they use to hunt prey and evade predators. Despite their intimidating appearance, jumping spiders are harmless and curious, often looking at humans with interest.
5. Cellar Spider (Pholcus phalangioides)
Also known as daddy long-legs, cellar spiders are frequently found in Maine basements, cellars, and dark corners of homes. They have tiny bodies about 0.25 inches long with extremely long, delicate legs that can span up to 1 inch. Their cobweb-like webs are often seen hanging in corners. They are harmless to humans and help control other insect pests, making them beneficial visitors in human structures.
6. Spiny Orb-Weaver (Araneus gemmoides)
The Spiny Orb-Weaver is notable for its distinctive spiny or tubercled appearance, with a body length of about 0.25 to 0.5 inches. Its coloration varies from yellow to orange and brown, often with a pattern that helps it blend into foliage. These spiders create small, intricate webs, often in shrubbery or low-growing plants. They are harmless and play a vital role in local insect populations.
7. Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus)
While less common than other species, the Northern Black Widow has been documented in parts of Maine, especially in rural or undisturbed areas. Females are shiny black with a distinctive red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen, though the variolus species may display different markings. They are venomous, but bites are rare and seldom dangerous to humans. Black Widows prefer secluded spots and are generally not aggressive unless provoked.
8. Woodlouse Spider (Dysdera crocata)
This unique spider, about 0.5 inches long, is easily recognized by its large, curved jaws and pale, reddish-brown body. It primarily preys on woodlice (pill bugs), which are common in damp, decaying wood and leaf litter. Woodlouse spiders are harmless to humans, and their presence indicates a moist, decaying environment that supports other beneficial insects.
9. Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis)
The Hobo Spider, often mistaken for the aggressive recluse, is a ground-dwelling spider found in Maine’s basements and sheds. It has a brown or grayish body with a pattern of markings that help it blend into soil or leaf litter. Once feared as a venomous spider, recent studies suggest its bites are less dangerous than once thought. They are shy and prefer dark, undisturbed areas.
10. Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia)
The Yellow Garden Spider is a striking, large orb-weaver recognized by its vibrant yellow and black markings and distinctive zigzag pattern (straw) in the center of its web. It measures up to 1.5 inches in body length and is commonly seen in Maine gardens from late summer into fall. These spiders are beneficial for pest control, feeding mainly on flying insects, and their webs are often a beautiful addition to outdoor spaces.
How to Choose
When selecting or identifying a spider, consider factors like size, coloration, web type, and habitat. Safety is important—if you encounter a potentially venomous species like a black widow, exercise caution or contact a pest professional. Most Maine spiders are harmless and beneficial, so understanding their behavior and appearance helps you appreciate them rather than fear them. If you’re interested in attracting helpful spiders to your garden, focus on providing native plants and minimal pesticide use.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Maine spiders dangerous to humans? Most are harmless, but species like black widows can be venomous. Still, bites are rare and seldom serious.
- What is the most common spider in Maine? The Cross Orb-Weaver is one of the most prevalent, especially in gardens and wooded areas.
- Do spiders in Maine bite? They can bite if provoked, but most bites are minor and occur when handling or accidentally disturbing them.
- How can I keep spiders out of my house? Seal cracks, keep your home clean, and reduce clutter where spiders may hide. They are generally beneficial, so a balance is best.
- Are all spiders in Maine beneficial? Not necessarily, but most help control pest insects and are an important part of the local ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
Maine hosts a diverse array of spider species, each playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Recognizing the common types, understanding their behaviors, and knowing which are harmless can help reduce fear and foster coexistence. Whether you appreciate their beauty, their pest-control abilities, or simply want to learn more about local wildlife, these spiders are an integral part of Maine’s natural landscape. Embrace the diversity and remember: most spiders are harmless and beneficial visitors in your environment.
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