5 Of The Biggest Spiders In Wisconsin

The state of Wisconsin is known for its snowy winters and dairy production. Most of Wisconsin is relatively rural, allowing wild animals to thrive in the state. Wisconsin is home to bears, cougars, and wolves, along with smaller critters, including spiders. While most of these arachnids are quite small, some can be intimidatingly large. Continue reading to learn about five of the biggest spiders in Wisconsin.

5. Barn Funnel Weaver

The barn funnel weaver has an elongated body and legs, making it an agile hunter. These spiders are orange, brown, and sometimes beige, with striped legs, two black stripes on their carapaces, and a mottled abdomen. They are famous for their funnel webs, which they construct over a flat surface with the iconic funnel leading back into a sheltered area where the spider waits for prey. Barn funnel weavers are not aggressive and almost always retreat when provoked.

4. Long-bodied Cellar Spider

The long-bodied cellar spider is a long-legged spider that lives in rafters and basements. It has a brownish-gray, tan, or light brown translucent body. They have a dark spot on their carapaces that resembles a skull. These creatures are relatively harmless to humans, only capable of inflicting a mildly painful bite. However, they are effective hunters that can kill larger, deadlier spiders, including black widows. The long-bodied cellar spider’s venom is often believed to be more potent than it is, likely because it eats other spiders. In reality, its venom is not strong.

3. American Nursery Web Spider

The American nursery web spider is a rather common, large arachnid found throughout most of the United States. This spider lives in tall vegetation in forests and fields, but it can also be found in bushes and grass. They measure up to 3 inches long, including their legs, and have a brown body with a darker stripe running the length of the body and a slightly dark patch on the abdomen. Female nursery web spiders create a nursery for their young. Although it is a rare occurrence, females will sometimes eat their mate. especially if they are hungry.

2. Striped Fishing Spider

The striped fishing spider is a large arachnid that can measure over 2 inches long. It is often seen skittering across the water since it can both walk on water and dive below the surface. This species is often found in boats, docks, and piers, where they actively hunt their prey. As their name suggests, these spiders have white stripes on the top of their carapaces as well as running down the entire length of their bodies. They also have a W-shaped pattern on their abdomen.

1. Carolina Wolf Spider

Wolf spiders are considered scary because they are large and fast, scouring the ground for prey rather than placidly waiting in a web. These spiders vary in color from sandy brown to dark brown. They have two thick, dark stripes running down their carapaces and a dark mark on their abdomen. They are often found in basements and attics, bringing them into close contact with humans. Wolf spider bites are painful and cause swelling due to their large fangs. However, their bites are only harmful if the bitten individual is allergic to the venom.