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Desert Spiders in Arizona

Many species of spiders inhabit the deserts of Arizona. While most species are completely harmless, two within the Arizonan deserts can cause potential harm. The black widow and Arizona brown recluse contain venom that can cause mild to severe symptoms. These spiders generally will only bite as a defense mechanism, when they feel threatened or if startled.

  1. Tarantula

    • Female tarantulas can live for more than 30 years.

      The tarantula is the most common spider you will encounter in the Arizonan deserts. Tarantulas have a furry exterior and can grow to 4 inches in length. While scary in appearance, serious harm resulting from a bite from this spider hasn't been documented, according to Jeff Schalau of the University of Arizona. Tarantulas will rear up on their hind legs as a warning to potential enemies. Only when you continue to aggravate the tarantula will it resort to biting.

    Arizona Brown Recluse

    • The Arizona brown recluse is related to the brown recluse. Unlike other spiders that have eight eyes, recluse species only have six eyes that appear in the shape of a crescent, according to the University of Arizona. The Arizona brown recluse lives within debris around the desert, though they can find their way into residential settings. The bites from one of these spiders can result in permanent damage of your tissue when left untreated.

    Black Widow

    • The female black widow has a conspicuous red hourglass on her abdomen. The male lacks the coloration of the female, having a coffee-colored or dark brown abdomen. The female will create crackly webs, usually around outdoor faucets and potted plants. Rarely will a black widow bite result in death, though you can develop symptoms including nausea and abdominal cramping, according to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

    Funnel Web Spider

    • Funnel web spiders develop funnel webs to help catch prey. The funnel web spider relies on sensitive vibrations felt through its web. When the spider feels its prey, it will retrieve its catch and take it into the depths of its web. Funnel webs also serve as an adaptation tool for the spider, allowing it to retreat from the intense heat during the summer months.

    Other Spiders

    • The giant crab spider inhabits saguaros and rocks within the desert. It can have a leg span of up to 2 1/4 inches and walk sideways. When found around residential settings, the giant crab spider will flatten itself within cracks and wait until night to catch prey. The labyrinth spider builds its web amongst prickly pear cactus. The web is disorganized and includes debris, in which the spider can hide. The labyrinth spider hunts prey that are attracted to the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. Unlike the labyrinth spider, the green lynx spider doesn't rely on a web to snare prey. The spider, which is green, uses camouflage to hide amongst cactus and ambush prey.

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