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10 Common Spiders in Oklahoma (ID Pictures)

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

Brown recluse on a rock
Brown recluse on a rock | image by Johnny BlueJacket via Flickr | CC BY-ND 2.0

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

Black Widow Spider
Black Widow Spider | image by CanyonlandsNPS via Flickr

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

Oklahoma brown tarantula on plastic surface
Oklahoma brown tarantula on plastic surface | image by Thomas & Dianne Jones via Flickr | CC BY 2.0

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

A wolf spider at night
A wolf spider at night | Image by lolaclinton from Pixabay

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

Triangulate cobweb spider
Triangulate cobweb spider | image by u278 via Flickr

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

daring jumping spider on a leaf
Bold Jumping Spider on a leaf | image by glennberry via iNaturalist

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.

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7. Spotted Orbweaver

Spotted orbweaver
Spotted orbweaver | image by Judy Gallagher via Flickr | CC BY 2.0

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

Green lynx spider
Green Lynx Spider by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southwest Region via Flickr

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

Spined Micrathena playing web
Spined Micrathena playing web | image by Judy Gallagher via Flickr | CC BY 2.0

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

common house spider on artificial plant
Common house spider in artificial plant | image by Fyn Kynd via Flickr | CC BY 2.0

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.

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