Black, Brown & White Striped Spiders in Minnesota

Minnesota residents frequently encounter spiders in their homes, parks, wooded areas and other places outdoors. Most spiders commonly found in Minnesota are harmless to humans, with the exception of the Northern widow spider and the brown recluse. There are several species of Minnesota spiders that have black, brown and white stripes and other markings.

  1. Jumping Spider

    • More than 4,000 different species of spiders fall into the jumping spider category. These spiders live both indoors and outdoors in Minnesota. People most often find jumping spiders in the sunlight and on windows, ceilings or walls. Jumping spiders are dark brown or black in color, featuring white markings. Consistent with their name, jumping spiders are able to leap great distances to catch prey, although they do not pose a threat to humans.

    Fishing Spider

    • Fishing spiders belong to the genus Dolomedes. These spiders are the largest found in the upper Midwest, with bodies measuring up to 1 inch in length. Fishing spiders typically inhabit swamps, ponds and other damp areas. These spiders are dark brown or gray with white stripes or markings. Fishing spiders move across the water with ease, diving below to catch tadpoles, insects and small fish.

    Wolf Spider

    • Minnesota residents commonly spot wolf spiders outdoors, although they may occasionally venture indoors. These spiders live on forest floors or underground. Wolf spiders measure between 1/4- and 3/4-inches long. Their bodies are dark brown or gray with white markings.

    Parson Spider

    • Parson spiders are a type of Gnaphosid spider that live indoors or outdoors in Minnesota. They hide in loose bark outside or inhabit cracks and crevices indoors. The body of a parson spider measures 1/2-inch in length. Parson spiders are brown with a gray abdomen. This type of spider can be easily identified by the long white stripe that runs the length of its abdomen.

    Grass Spider

    • Grass spiders belong to the genus Agelenopsis. Unlike jumping, fishing, wolf and parson spiders, which scientists consider hunting spiders, grass spiders are web-building spiders. These spiders typically live outdoors in Minnesota. They create large sheet webs on the ground or along low plants and structures. Grass spiders are brown or gray in color. They feature several light and dark stripes near their heads. Grass spiders pose no threat to humans.