Common Spiders in the Northwest

Spiders live regionally around the United States based on a number of factors, including how hot or cold a region is and the amount of rain it receives. There are a number of common spiders that can be found in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

  1. Crab Spider

    • The crab spider does not weave a web but rather waits in ambush inside flowers for other insects that fly into them. The crab spider can also change colors to blend into its surroundings. These spiders can be either yellow or white, though the younger spiders can change colors much faster than the older ones. These crab spiders are most prevalent in the spring, when flowers in the Pacific Northwest are in full bloom.

    European Cross Spider

    • With the identifying mark of the white cross on the back of its abdomen, the European cross spider weaves spectacular webs in the shape of orbs between branches of trees or long grasses, always against the prevailing winds, so that insects will blow into their its web. While these spiders are not poisonous to humans, they have venom that immobilizes their prey so they can wrap it in silk. This spider is one of the most common spiders in the entire Pacific Northwest region.

    Wolf Spider

    • Wolf Spiders are prevalent all across North America but especially so in the Pacific Northwest. These spiders also do not make webs but rather hide in small holes, springing out quickly to attack, kill and eat prey. They are stalkers of their food, hence the wolf spider name, and have no nest, the female often carrying her egg sac around until it hatches. These spiders are also not poisonous and should be allowed to live in parts of your house if you so desire, as they eat a large number of pesky insects you would never want in your home.