Hundreds of spiders call Oklahoma home, but some are more common than others. Most spiders in Oklahoma are harmless since there are only two species of venomous spiders in the state.
The other species may look creepy but are helpful because they eat countless insects and are an important food source for birds and other animals. This article highlights some of the most common spiders residing in Oklahoma.
10 Common Spiders in Oklahoma
1. Brown Recluse
Scientific Name: Loxosceles reclusa
The brown recluse is also known as the fiddleback spider because of the tell-tale violin shape on its back. Its color ranges from light to dark brown.
As the name suggests, this species is very reclusive, preferring quiet, undisturbed places. While not aggressive, the brown recluse is venomous.
A brown recluse bite is typically painful and causes tissue to die and slough away. If bitten, you should seek medical attention to prevent severe complications.
2. Black Widow
Scientific Name: Latrodectus mactans
The other venomous spider species in Oklahoma is the black widow. These venomous females are shiny black spiders recognizable by a reddish hourglass on the underside of their abdomen.
These spiders prefer hidden places such as under the eaves of a house, under low bushes or rocks, or in damp underground areas like burrows or water meter casings.
Like brown recluses, black widows are not aggressive, but if you are bitten, it is important to seek medical attention because the females are highly venomous.
3. Oklahoma Brown Tarantula
Scientific Name: Aphonopelma hentz
There are over 30 species of tarantula in the United States, but only one calls Oklahoma home. The Oklahoma Brown Tarantula has a leg span of 4 to 5 inches and burrows into the ground rather than spin webs.
These arachnids prefer arid regions, which are more common in the southwestern part of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma brown tarantula might be intimidating, but it is a docile spider and only bites if provoked; fortunately, its bite is not venomous to humans.
4. Wolf Spiders
Scientific Name: Hogna aspersa
Wolf spiders grow up to two inches in length and are typically brown or gray. One unique aspect of the wolf spider is that it carries its young on its back.
The mother wolf spider carries an egg sac around with her, but once the babies emerge, they crawl onto her back to stay until they are old enough to be on their own.
5. Triangulate Cobweb Spider
Scientific Name: Steatoda triangulosa
This small spider is commonly found around windows and lights or in dirty corners of areas with low traffic, such as garages. Triangulate cobweb spiders are covered in tiny hairs and are yellowish-orange with yellow legs. Though commonly found inside homes in Oklahoma, these spiders are not venomous and are not usually aggressive.
6. Bold Jumping Spider
Scientific Name: Phidippus audax
The bold jumping spider is one of the smallest species of spider in Oklahoma. The bold jumping spider is black with white markings on its abdomen and legs.
Jumping spiders are small hunting spiders that do not use webs to catch their food. Instead, it bounces on its prey to catch it. Bold jumping spiders can be found indoors or out, move erratically, and, as the name suggests, can jump up to six inches.
7. Spotted Orbweaver
Scientific Name: Neoscona crucifera
Orbweavers get their name from the orb-shaped webs they weave. The spotted orbweaver can grow up to ¾ of an inch and range in color from tan to brown. Red and white bands adorn their eight legs, and they have bristly hair all over their bodies and legs.
Spotted orbweavers are found in wooded areas and the eaves of barns and houses. They are also nocturnal, so you are more likely to see them at night.
8. Green Lynx Spider
Scientific Name: Peucetia viridans
This unique spider is bright green with chevron-shaped markings on its abdomen and is the third largest common spider in Oklahoma. Black spikes stick out down the length of each of its eight legs.
The green lynx spider gets its name from how it pounces on its prey like a lynx cat. Instead of building webs to catch prey, the green lynx spider jumps onto its prey to capture it.
9. Spined Micrathena
Scientific Name: Micrathena gracilis
The spined micrathena is technically an orbweaver spider, but it has a unique difference. This species has thorny spikes and bumps on its abdomen, making it less desirable to predators.
Colors range from brown to black and white depending on whether the spider is male or female. Like most orb weavers, the spined micrathena builds a new nest every day and is most active at night. This species is primarily found in dense forests.
10. Common House Spider
Scientific Name: Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Perhaps the most common spider in Oklahoma is the common house spider, also known as the American house spider. These spindly-legged creatures spin wispy cobwebs reminiscent of Halloween decorations. They can be found residing in windows and undisturbed areas of houses.
These small spiders are typically brown with white or black speckles on their bulbous abdomens. These spiders are not aggressive and tend to keep to themselves.
