Spiders In Arizona – 9 Common Species & Identification Guide

Here, we take a look at common spiders in Arizona to help readers become more knowledgeable of pests they’re likely to come across.

If you live in Arizona but wonder just how many spider species there are, this article should be of help.

Arizona Spiders: Common Species & Identification

The Grand Canyon State as it’s popularly called is home to a host of creatures ranging from reptiles to insects and arachnids of varying kinds or species.

With the state of Arizona having an arid climatic condition, it’s easy to see why there are different species of predatory arachnids ranging from scorpions and spiders.

We’ll be focusing on the latter.

Most of the Spider Species are Harmless

Although there are some poisonous spider species in Arizona, most of the others are harmless. These spiders are a common sight around Arizona and easily encroach into personal spaces.

Because they’re mostly considered creepy, people will do whatever it takes to get rid of them.

So, what spider species can one find in Arizona? There are lots of them! We won’t be listing every one of these species due to the number involved.

For example, wolf spiders alone have about 86 sub-species, orb spiders have 58 sub-species while cobweb spiders have about 88 sub-species.

These are only a few of many broad categories of spider species found in the Grand Canyon State. For want of space and time, let’s take a look at some of the most common spider species found here.

This should help narrow down our focus to spiders most relevant to our discussion.

Spider Species in Arizona

Common spider species found in Arizona include Wolf Spiders, Brown Recluse Spider, Black Widow Spider, Giant Crab Spider, Western Spotted Orbweaver, and Desert Blonde Tarantula.

Others include the Tucson Blonde Tarantula, Grand Canyon Black Tarantula, and Western Parson Spider.

There are more spider species such as the Green Lynx Spider, the Marbled Cellar Spider, The Western Parson Spider, and the White-Banded Crab Spider. These are only a few of many spider species in Arizona.

Let’s briefly discuss each of these spider species, shall we?

• Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders are mostly known to prey on other spider species as well as bugs. If you have fears about them harming humans, you don’t need to. These spiders pose no harm to humans.

They look menacing due to their large sizes and enter into homes in search of prey (other bugs).

Although these spiders won’t go out of their way to cause harm, you need to be extra cautious when dealing with them as they could bite when they feel threatened.

Luckily, they aren’t venomous and won’t cause much harm apart from the itch and the small red bump that appears.

• Brown Recluse Spider

Another common spider species found in Arizona is the brown recluse.

True to its name, the brown recluse has a light brown to tan body coloration. Members of this species are quite solitary. They make their dwellings around homes and commercial buildings.

As solitary creatures, these arachnids need to stay out of sight. As such, they build their nests or webs around attics, foliage, and other hidden locations.

Areas with accumulated debris easily attract these spider species.

Lest we forget, it’s important to state that brown recluse spiders are venomous.

• Black Widow Spider

Another venomous spider species you’ll find in Arizona is the black widow spider. Their presence is easily recognized by their messy webs woven close to the ground and typically among the debris.

They pose a clear threat to humans as their bites can be dangerous.

Black widow spiders can be identified by hourglass-shaped red markings below their abdomen as well as a small body. Symptoms resulting from black widow spider bites include nausea, muscle pains, as well as cramping.

You’ll need to call for professional treatment when you notice their presence.

• Giant Crab Spider

Also called golden huntsman spiders, giant crab spiders truly have a large size.

They’re easily distinguishable by their large size. A fully developed giant crab spider will perfectly fit into the palm of an adult. Of course, this size excludes the legs.

Golden huntsman spiders mostly prefer arid or desert areas. However, there are several cases of these spiders wandering into homes.

• Western Spotted Orbweaver

The western spotted orb weaver is another common spider species found in Arizona.

Also called zig-zag spiders, they’re well known for weaving circular webs. Their brown bulb-shaped abdomens have yellow markings or patches on them.

You’ll mostly find western spotted orb weavers in open fields, empty logs, parks, as well as gardens.

• Desert Blonde Tarantula

The desert blonde tarantula is a burrowing spider that’s quite common during the summer rainy seasons. Body colorations vary between male and female members of this species.

Males tend to have black legs, a red abdomen, as well as a copper headspace, while females mostly appear tan.

Desert blonde tarantula spiders tend to burrow deep down into the soil to survive the harsh climatic conditions of Arizona. These nocturnal arachnids prey on insects and other spiders.

• Tucson Bronze Tarantula

To identify the Tucson bronze tarantula spider species, you’ll need to look for the black hairs on their legs as well as their typical body colorations.

This spider species have a brown to black appearance. Tucson bronze tarantula spiders mostly hide in logs, within burrows found in tree trunks, as well as underneath stones.

• Grand Canyon Black Tarantula

These large and hairy spider species are among the common spiders you’ll find in Arizona. The females tend to be larger than male members of the species.

Grand Canyon black tarantula spiders tend to have a brown to black coloration. They mostly hide in burrows which are difficult to come across.

• Western Parson Spider

These medium-sized nocturnal spider species are best known for their hunting habits. They seldom rely on their webs to prey on insects. Their fast movements help with ambushing prey.

Although you might stumble across them in homes, their most preferred habitats are woodland areas.

These are some common spider species found in Arizona. Some of these stray into homes and will have to be professionally removed.

You have to be extra cautious when dealing with venomous spider species as such could cause harm.