You’ve seen them around, and depending on how you feel about spiders, you either ignore them, get curious, or panic. However, a little knowledge can make all the difference. Discover six black spiders commonly found in Florida and find out which ones pose a danger!
6 Black Spiders Crawling Around Florida
1. Southern Black Widow
Scientific name: Latrodectus mactans
The southern black widow is one of Florida’s most infamous spiders. With its glossy black body and the signature red hourglass marking on its abdomen, it’s instantly recognizable. Though these spiders prefer to stay hidden in undisturbed areas like woodpiles and sheds, their venom is potent. A bite can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, and other symptoms requiring medical attention. Fortunately, they are not aggressive and typically bite only in self-defense.
2. Red-Femured Spotted Orbweaver
Scientific name: Neoscona domiciliorum
This striking black spider stands out due to its red femurs and intricate web designs. It is primarily nocturnal, spinning large, circular webs to catch flying insects. While their appearance may seem intimidating, these orbweavers are harmless to humans. They are commonly found in gardens and forests throughout Florida.
3. Spinybacked Orbweaver
Scientific name: Gasteracantha cancriformis
The spinybacked orbweaver is one of the most unique-looking spiders in Florida. Though small, it has a hard, spiky abdomen that acts as a natural deterrent to predators. These spiders often display black and white coloration, with some variations in red or yellow. They weave large, circular webs and are completely harmless to humans.
4. Bold Jumping Spider
Scientific name: Phidippus audax
Jumping spiders are some of the most entertaining arachnids to watch, and the bold jumper is no exception. This small, black, fuzzy spider is known for its bright green or blue iridescent chelicerae (mouthparts). It doesn’t build webs to catch prey; instead, it stalks and leaps on its targets. These spiders are non-venomous to humans and are often welcomed by homeowners as natural pest controllers.
5. False Widow Spider
Scientific name: Steatoda grossa
Often mistaken for the black widow, the false widow spider is less dangerous. It has a dark, glossy body but lacks the distinctive red hourglass marking. While it can bite, its venom is much milder than that of a true widow spider and rarely causes severe reactions. These spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed locations like garages, basements, and sheds.
6. Twin-Flagged Jumping Spider
Scientific name: Anasaitis canosa
This small, energetic spider is another jumping species commonly found in Florida. With a black body and white markings, it is often mistaken for other similar-looking spiders. The twin-flagged jumping spider is harmless to humans and plays an essential role in controlling insect populations in Florida’s ecosystems.
Are Any of These Spiders Dangerous?
Most black spiders found in Florida are harmless to humans. However, the southern black widow is the one to watch out for due to its potent venom. While bites are rare, they can cause severe symptoms requiring medical attention. The false widow may also bite, but its effects are usually mild. The other spiders on this list pose no threat and actually help keep insect populations in check.
So, next time you spot a black spider in Florida, take a closer look—you may have just encountered one of nature’s tiny, fascinating predators!
