5 of the Biggest Spiders in Virginia

Spiders are a common part of the ecosystem in Virginia, which is home to over 50 different spider species. Although many of the spiders found in Virginia are harmless to humans, the only spider with medically significant venom commonly found in Virginia is the black widow (Latrodectus), which is not large enough to make the list of the five biggest spiders in Virginia. Continue reading to learn about the biggest spiders in Virginia and their bites.

5. Southern House Spider

The Southern house spider is a brown spider with a long, bulbous abdomen. However, most of its total length comes from its long legs, especially true of males. Still, both males and females can reach about 2 inches across in size, and they are known for taking up residence in the small crevices inside homes.

These spiders have a reputation for being aggressive, but they won’t bite humans in most cases. However, if handled or disturbed, this species may deliver a mildly painful bite.

4. Black and Yellow Garden Spider

The black and yellow garden spider goes by a few different names, including the writing spider. These creatures are known for making a large and intriguing web that measures a few feet across and has a long, thick, zigzag line running through it.

That thick line is called a stabilimentum, which has several potential uses. The stabilimentum serves as a visual warning to birds, as well as a form of camouflage for the spider.

The black and yellow garden spider has a body up to 0.75 inches long, with a silvery cephalothorax and an abdomen featuring black, yellow, and gray patterns with white spots. Its legs are brown or brownish-red, becoming banded with black or entirely black toward the ends.

Black and yellow garden spiders may look exotic and dangerous, but they aren’t harmful. They are known for investigating disturbances to their webs, and they may bite when provoked or startled. Their bite causes mild pain and swelling.  

3. American Nursery Web Spider

The American nursery web spider isn’t as brightly colored as other members of this list. This spider is a reddish brown or brown color with a dark brown pattern running the length of its body. Their legs are the same light brown color as their bodies, with dark brown chevrons on the femur that become banded brown and dark brown near the tibia.

American nursery web spiders can have a 3-inch leg span. Females of the species are known for making a specialized nursery web for their eggs. American nursery web spiders are not confrontational and are not likely to bite. On the rare occasion that this species delivers a bite, associated pain and swelling are mild and fleeting.

2. Speckled Wolf Spider

The speckled wolf spider is among the largest wolf spiders in the United States. Its body can measure up to an inch long, with a leg span typically reaching up to 2.5 inches, though rare individuals may approach 3 inches.

You’ll find these spiders living in tall grass, wooded areas, and near outbuildings, especially in the winter. They don’t use webs to hunt their prey. Instead, they chase them down.

Speckled wolf spiders are often dark brown or black, with a light brown line running down the cephalothorax. Their bodies and legs are hairy and have light-colored patterns or chevrons on the latter.

Wolf spider bites can be painful and cause redness and swelling. Their bites are unpleasant, but they are not medically significant in humans.

1. Dark Fishing Spider

The dark fishing spider is the biggest spider species in Virginia, with a leg span of 3.5 to 4 inches. The Dolomedes genus is common around bodies of water, where they spend significant amounts of time hunting for food.

Dark fishing spiders are more likely to flee than bite. Their bite is said to cause pain similar to that of a bee sting.