In Minnesota, there are many types of common spiders. While some of these arachnids are harmless, others can seriously threaten humans. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most common spiders in Minnesota and their behaviors.
We will also discuss what to do if you come into contact with one of these arachnids. By the end of this blog post, you will know how to identify and safely remove spiders from your home.
11 Common Spiders in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to a variety of common spiders. Thanks to the state’s diverse landscape, from the tall-grass prairies of the northwest to the deciduous forests in the southeast, there are several different types of spiders that make their homes in Minnesota. Some of the most common include:
1. Black Widow Spider
Scientific Name: Latrodectus mactans
The black widow spider is one of the most feared spiders in the world. These predators are known for their potent venom, which can cause serious health problems in humans.
Although black widows are found in many parts of the world, they are relatively rare in Minnesota. These spiders prefer warm climates and are most commonly found in the southern United States.
Black widows generally keep to themselves and are not aggressive towards humans. However, if they feel threatened, they will bite in self-defense.
The bites of black widow spiders can be painful, but they are not usually fatal. However, some people may experience more severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing or paralysis. If you suspect you have been bitten by a black widow spider, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
2. Fishing Spiders
Scientific Name: Dolomedes
Fishing spiders are found throughout the United States, including Minnesota. They get their name from their hunting technique, which involves waiting near water for prey to come close enough to catch.
These spiders are large and can be quite intimidating, with some species reaching up to 3 inches in length. They are brown or black in color and have a distinctive pattern of markings on their abdomens.
Although they can bite humans, their venom is not considered dangerous. And while they are not actively aggressive, these spiders will only bite if they feel threatened.
3. Giant Lichen Orbweaver
Scientific Name: Araneus bicentenarius
The giant lichen orb weaver is a type of spider found in wooded areas across the United States. These spiders build large, round webs that can reach up to two feet in diameter. Their webs are often decorated with bits of leaves and other debris.
Giant lichen orb weavers are not aggressive, and their bites are not considered dangerous to humans. However, if you come into contact with one of these spiders, it is vital to remove them from your home immediately. These spiders can cause serious damage to your property if they are left unchecked.
4. Wolf Spiders
Scientific Name: Lycosidae
Wolf spiders are large and hairy, commonly found in wooded areas and fields. They are hunting spiders, meaning they actively search for their prey rather than build webs to catch it. Their diet consists mostly of insects, but they also eat smaller spiders and other arthropods.
Wolf spiders are generally shy around humans and will only bite if they feel threatened. However, their bites can be painful and may cause swelling and redness.
These spiders are usually brown or grey in color, with markings that help them blend in with their surroundings. They range in size from less than an inch to over three inches in length.
Wolf spiders are not considered to be dangerous to humans, but they can be a nuisance if they enter homes in search of food. If you see a wolf spider in your home, it is best to capture and release it outdoors.
5. Banded Garden Spider
Scientific Name: Argiope trifasciata
The banded garden spider is common in gardens and fields across the United States. This spider is a member of the orb-weaver family, which means it builds a classic wheel-shaped web for catching prey.
These spiders are black with a distinctive white or yellow stripe running down their backs. They are relatively small, typically only reaching about half an inch in length.
Banded garden spiders primarily eat insects, although they will also occasionally consume smaller spiders. These arachnids are not considered dangerous to humans, as their venom is not strong enough to cause serious harm. However, they can bite if they feel threatened, so it is best to leave them alone if you come across one.
6. Starbellied Orb Weaver
Scientific Name: Acanthepeira stellata
The star-bellied orb weaver is a type of spider found in wooded areas across the United States. These spiders get their name from the star-shaped markings on their abdomens. They are relatively small, typically only reaching about a quarter of an inch in length.
Star-bellied orb weavers are black or brown in color, with white or yellow markings on their abdomens. These spiders build a classic wheel-shaped web for catching prey. Their diet consists mainly of insects, although they will also occasionally consume smaller spiders.
7. Shamrock Spider
Scientific Name: Araneus trifolium
The shamrock spider is often found in forested areas across the United States. These spiders get their name from the shamrock-shaped markings on their abdomens. They are relatively small, typically only reaching about a quarter of an inch in length.
Shamrock spiders are black or brown in color, with white or green markings on their abdomens. These spiders build a classic wheel-shaped web for catching prey. Their diet consists mainly of insects, although they will also occasionally consume smaller spiders.
8. Furrow Orbweavers
Scientific Name: Larinioides cornutus
The Furrow spider is a hunting spider commonly found in gardens and fields across the United States. These spiders are brown or black in color, with markings that help them blend in with their surroundings. They are relatively small, typically only reaching about half an inch in length.
Furrow spiders are active hunters, preying on small insects and other spiders. They do not build webs to catch prey but instead chase down their victims, using their quick reflexes to capture them. These spiders are not considered to be dangerous to humans, but their bites can be painful.
9. The Arrowhead Spider
Scientific Name: Verrucosa arenata
The Arrowhead Spider is a species found in the tropical rainforests of Central, North, and South America. It gets its name from its body’s shape, which resembles the head of an arrow.
The Arrowhead Spider is a member of the hunting spider family, and it preys on small insects and reptiles. They are brown or black with two rows of eyes and are not considered to be dangerous to humans, but its bite can be painful.
10. Leaf-Curling Sac Spider
Scientific Name: Clubiona
The leaf curling sac spider is a tiny arachnid found throughout Minnesota, especially in wooded areas. This spider is a member of the Sac Spider family, and it gets its name from the leaf-shaped cocoon in which it builds its web, often at the edge of ponds or streams.
The leaf curling sac spider is a light brown or tan color, and it has two rows of eyes, each with six eyes. The spider’s body is only about a quarter of an inch long, but its legs can span up to half an inch.
11. Grass Spider
Scientific Name: Agelenopsis
The Grass spiders are often found in gardens, fields, and other open areas across the United States. These spiders are brown or black in color, with markings that help them blend in with their surroundings. They are relatively small, typically only reaching about half an inch in length.
Grass spiders build webs that are horizontal and have a funnel shape. The web is used to catch prey, which consists mainly of insects. Grass spiders are not considered to be dangerous to humans, but their bites can be painful.
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