Common Spiders Found in North Carolina

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One of the most well-known venomous spiders, the Black Widow is shiny black with a distinctive red hourglass on its abdomen. Females are more dangerous than males and typically stay hidden in dark, undisturbed areas like woodpiles, crawl spaces, and garages. A bite can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, and nausea, requiring medical attention.

• Appearance: Shiny black body with a round abdomen and a red or orange hourglass marking underneath.
• Size: About 1.5 inches including legs.
• Behavior: Reclusive and non-aggressive unless disturbed.
• Where They Hide: In dark, quiet areas like woodpiles, sheds, crawl spaces, garages, and underneath outdoor furniture.
• Danger Level: High – their venom can cause muscle cramps, pain, and nausea. Bites require medical attention.

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The Brown Recluse is light to medium brown with a violin-shaped marking on its back. It prefers secluded, dry, and dark environments like closets, attics, or behind furniture. While bites are rare, they can result in serious skin damage or systemic reactions, especially if untreated.

• Appearance: Light to medium brown with a dark, violin-shaped marking on its back.
• Size: Roughly the size of a quarter including legs.
• Behavior: Shy and prefers to avoid contact with humans.
• Where They Hide: In dry, undisturbed places like attics, behind wall hangings, in closets, under furniture, and inside shoes or clothing left on the floor.
• Danger Level: High – venom can cause serious skin damage. Bites should be evaluated by a doctor.

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Large and fast-moving, Wolf Spiders can look intimidating but are not considered dangerous. They don’t spin webs and are active hunters, often found indoors in basements or garages. Bites are uncommon and typically cause mild irritation.

• Appearance: Brown to gray with darker markings, hairy, and large-bodied.
• Size: 1 to 2 inches, with some appearing even larger.
• Behavior: Hunts prey instead of spinning webs. Fast-moving and may appear to “chase” if startled.
• Where They Hide: Near doors, in garages, basements, under leaves, or in tall grass outside.
• Danger Level: Low – bite may cause mild irritation but they are not aggressive.

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Jumping Spiders are small, fuzzy, and known for their quick, jerky movements and excellent vision. They often have bright or iridescent coloring. These spiders are harmless and more curious than aggressive, frequently seen on windowsills or walls hunting for insects.

• Appearance: Compact body, often black or brown with iridescent or white markings. Large front-facing eyes.
• Size: 1/4 to 3/4 inch.
• Behavior: Active during the day. Known for sudden jumping movements when hunting.
• Where They Hide: On windowsills, door frames, houseplants, or walls—usually chasing small insects.
• Danger Level: None – curious but harmless.

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Often confused with harvestmen (which are not true spiders), Cellar Spiders have long, thin legs and small bodies. They thrive in damp, dark places like basements and crawl spaces. Harmless to humans, they are beneficial in reducing populations of other insects and spiders.

• Appearance: Very long, thin legs with a tiny gray or beige body.
• Size: Leg span can be up to 2 inches.
• Behavior: Builds loose, irregular webs in corners. Vibrates rapidly in place when disturbed.
• Where They Hide: In basements, crawl spaces, ceiling corners, and under sinks.
• Danger Level: None – completely harmless to humans.

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Orb-Weavers are garden dwellers known for their intricate, circular webs. They come in various colors and patterns and are usually seen outdoors in shrubs, gardens, and between trees. These spiders are non-aggressive and pose no threat to humans.

• Appearance: Often bright-colored with distinctive patterns; large, rounded abdomen.
• Size: ½ to 1 inch body, legs much longer.
• Behavior: Builds large, wheel-shaped webs outdoors, often seen at night or early morning.
• Where They Hide: In gardens, on porches, between trees, or along fence lines.
• Danger Level: None – beneficial and non-aggressive.

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Pale yellow or beige, Sac Spiders build silk sacs instead of webs and are active at night. They often hide in wall voids, ceiling corners, and behind baseboards. Their bite can cause mild skin irritation, though it is rarely serious.

• Appearance: Pale yellow or beige, slender body.
• Size: Around 1/4 to 3/8 inch.
• Behavior: Active at night; doesn't spin webs but builds silk sacs where it hides during the day.
• Where They Hide: Ceiling corners, under baseboards, inside window frames, and under leaves.
• Danger Level: Mild – bites may cause minor skin irritation.