What kinds of spiders can you find in Israel?

Before we begin, I want you to know that the list below is just a fraction of the spider species in Israel. Because of the sheer number of these arachnids, it would be impossible to cover them all. For example, some estimates claim there are over 50,000 kinds of spiders on the planet (and the list is still growing)!

With that being said, I did my best to develop a list of spiders that are MOST often seen and easily identified.

18 COMMON SPIDERS found in Israel!

#1. Red-bellied Jumping Spider

• Philaeus chrysops

Identifying Characteristics:

• Males are very colorful with an abdomen that is bright orange-red that has a black stripe down the middle.
• Females are pale brown or orangish-brown. Look for two whitish stripes on the back of her abdomen.

Unusual for spiders in Israel, males are often bigger than females!

Like other jumping spiders, this species does not make webs to catch prey. Instead, they actively hunt, using their excellent vision to locate their next meal, then jump on them to finish the job. Red-bellied Jumping Spiders ONLY hunt during the warmest parts of the day, so if you observe closely, you may be able to watch them in action!

Look for Red-belled Jumping Spiders in dry, open, warm areas with low vegetation. They are most often seen during the warm spring and summer months.

#2. Mediterranean False Black Widow

• Steatoda paykulliana

• Globular abdomen is shiny black, except for two reddish stripes, although the patterns range in color.
• Males are roughly half the size of females with less distinct markings.

True to its name, this spider closely resembles the infamous Black Widow. But luckily, the venom from a Mediterranean False Black Widow is NOT deadly nor particularly dangerous to humans like the Black Widow.

But that does not mean that you should carelessly handle this spider, as their bite doesn’t come without consequences. Being bitten by a Mediterranean False Black Widow is very similar to getting stung by a bee. Common symptoms include blistering, muscle spasms, pain, fever, sweating, and a general feeling of discomfort lasting for several days.

False Black Widows are considered a cosmopolitan species, which means they are common to find in and around homes. They prefer dark areas, such as under furniture or basement corners. But please don’t live in fear, as these spiders normally don’t bite unless they are accidentally pinched or squeezed.

#3. Middle East Black Tarantula

• Chaetopelma olivaceum

• Females grow to 5cm or larger. Males are roughly half that size.
• Coloration ranges from black, to gray, to dark brown.
• The body is covered in tiny hairs and appears velvety and shiny.

This tarantula is one of the largest spiders in Israel.

In fact, they are so big that they sometimes eat small mice and lizards, although their primary food is insects. During the day, the best place to find a Middle East Black Tarantula is hiding under bark or a rock, as they are most active at night.

I’m sorry to break the news to you, but these huge tarantulas are commonly found inside homes. But despite their appearance, they are not considered dangerous to humans. You may even appreciate them living nearby because they help control pests like cockroaches.

Middle East Black Tarantulas are considered more aggressive than other tarantula species, and they are incredibly fast! It may hurt a bit if you are bitten, but the venom is typically mild. Some people even keep them as pets. 🙂

#4. Walckenaer’s Huntsman

• Eusparassus walckenaeri

• The body grows up to 5cm, which looks even larger because of its long legs!
• Large flat bodies with alternating stripes of shades of browns and tans.

Huntsman spiders are known for their incredible speeds! In addition, their legs are not perpendicular to their bodies like other spiders in Israel. Instead, their legs are twisted and angled, which means they move in a sideways motion, which is similar to a crab.

#5. Mediterranean Recluse

• Loxosceles rufescens

Also called the Fiddleback Spider.

• Both sexes are around 7mm long.
• Yellowish to grayish brown. Long legs.
• The head is often darker, usually with a distinct violin-shaped mark.

This species is one of the most dangerous spiders in Israel!

#6. Camel Spiders

• Order – Solifugae

Camel Spiders, also known as Wind Scorpions, Sun Spiders, or Solifuges, are arachnids, but they are not considered true spiders or scorpions. In fact, the 1,000 or so worldwide species of Camel Spiders are grouped in a separate order – Solifugae. In Israel, Camel Spiders are found in arid, desert habitats.

These arachnids are feared by many people and are the subjects of many urban legends. One reason for their reputation is that they are incredibly fast, with their top speed coming in at 10 mph (16 km/h). Combine their speed with their spider-like appearance, and you can see how almost anyone can be startled!

Luckily, Camel Spiders are NOT venomous, as they do not have a way to deliver venom like the fangs of a spider. But, their chelicerae (appendages at the front of the mouth) are strong and can penetrate human skin, so bites are reported to be very painful.

Camel Spiders are aggressive hunters and opportunistic eaters. In addition to many types of insects, they have been observed eating birds, rodents, snakes, and lizards. They use their powerful chelicerae to cut larger prey into pieces, which are then liquefied before being consumed.

#7. Brown Widow

• Latrodectus geometricus

Identifying Characteristics:

• The coloring is mottled tan and brown with black accent markings.
• This species has an hourglass similar to the black widow, but it’s often orange or yellow.
• The striped legs are usually dark brown or black with light yellow bands.

The Brown Widow employs a neurotoxic venom, causing pain, muscle rigidity, vomiting, and sweating. However, while deadly to their prey, the bites of the Brown Widow are typically much less harmful to humans than the infamous Black Widow.

Females create webs in isolated, safe locations near houses and branch-heavy woods. Brown Widows frequently choose empty containers like buckets, planters, mailboxes, and entryway corners. So, checking these places thoroughly before disturbing them is a good idea!

One of the easiest ways to identify these spiders in Israel is to look for their egg sacs. They have pointy protrusions and are frequently referred to as “fluffy” or “spiky” in appearance.

#8. Banded Garden Spider

• Argiope trifasciata

Also known as the Banded Orb Weaving Spider.

Identifying Characteristics:

• This species has an oval abdomen and bright body markings. The back of the abdomen is pale yellow with silvery hairs and lateral bands of black stripes. Males are usually paler, sometimes even white.
• Adult females are around 13 to 14.5 mm (0.51-0.57 in) long.
• Males are considerably smaller, reaching only one-third of the females’ length.

The Banded Garden Spider builds an enormous web, typically around 60 cm (23.6″) in diameter. The web itself is sticky and strong, able to hold very large insects like wasps and grasshoppers. One interesting feature of their webs is the so-called “stabilimentum,” a vertical zigzag pattern made from dense silk. Researchers think this feature is a way to attract insects that the Banded Garden spider eats.

The female can usually be found resting at the center of the web, facing downwards. They face their webs east-to-west to take advantage of the rising and setting sun and hang in the center with their dark underside facing south. All this allows them to gain as much warmth as possible, enabling them to stay active later in the year.

These spiders rarely bite humans in Israel and are not aggressive. They may bite in defense if handled and bothered, but it’s unlikely that the bite would cause more discomfort than a bee sting.

#9. Adanson’s House Jumper

• Hasarius adansoni

Identifying Characteristics:

• Females are dark brown and don’t have any noticeable pattern, and are about 8mm (0.31 in) long.
• Males have more colorful bodies, with black abdomen color and two white crescents on their bodies. They grow up to 6mm (0.23 in).
• Both sexes have long legs covered with spines and hairs.

The Adanson’s House Jumper lives in warm climates throughout Israel. Its natural habitats include woodland and low vegetation, but since they are highly adaptable, they can be found in any terrestrial area.

Although they reuse their nests, they usually build new ones each night. Their webs are relatively small, only about twice the size of the spider. The Adanson’s House Jumper is quite sociable and can be seen grouped in bigger numbers.

One of the most interesting traits of this species is its ability to jump incredible distances. They hunt by leaping several centimeters onto their prey, grabbing them, and injecting venom by bite.

#10. Crab Spiders

• Thomisidae

Identifying Characteristics:

• On average, females measure 7–11 mm. Males are much smaller and range between lengths of 2–4 mm.

• Colors range widely based on the specific species. However, the most common colors are pink, yellow, white, green, or brown.

The best places to find crab spiders in Israel are near flowers.

Crab spiders don’t use webs to catch their prey. Instead, they sit and wait inside flowers or other vegetation that is low to the ground for something to eat. Once a suitable victim comes by, they use their long forelegs to ambush it and make the kill. When insects are in short supply, such as during bad weather, they eat pollen and nectar to avoid starvation.

Lastly, many crab spiders have developed a mutualistic relationship with certain plant species since these spiders feed on and help deter harmful insects. Some plants even release an emission after being attacked that helps attract crab spiders in hopes they eat the intruder.

#11. Lobed Argiope

• Argiope lobata

Identifying Characteristics:

• The female’s abdomen has black and white stripes and appears jagged or, as many say, “lobed.”

• Males have the same coloration but don’t have the lobes on the abdomen.

• Females are large and grow up to 25 mm long. Males are much smaller and only measure around 6 mm.

It’s hard to miss a female Lobed Argiope if you come across one. In addition to being incredibly large, they have a unique body shape and coloration that make them stand out. Look for them in bushes in warm rocky areas that are dry and sunny.

Make sure to look at the center of their web, as you should see a zigzag stabilimenta, which is a silk-shaped web decoration. Scientists aren’t exactly sure what the purpose is of having a stabilimenta, but the dominant theory is that it helps attract insects to the web by reflecting UV light. Interestingly, it is said that after E. B. White observed a stabilimenta in a spider’s web, he was inspired to write the book Charlotte’s Web.

Despite its intense appearance, the venom from a Lobed Argiope bite is NOT dangerous to humans.

#12. Pantropical Jumping Spider

• Plexippus paykulli

Identifying Characteristics:

• Adult females range from 9 to 12 millimeters long, while adult males range from 9 to 11 millimeters long.
• Females are brownish gray and darker on their back and head, especially around the eyes, and have a broad tan stripe that extends onto the abdomen.
• Males are black with a broad white central stripe and two white spots near the rear of the abdomen.

Pantropical Jumping Spiders are often found near buildings or other areas inhabited by humans. They cleverly spend time around light sources that attract insect prey.

Unlike many other spiders in Israel, Pantropical Jumping Spiders do not construct a web to catch their prey. Instead, they actively hunt, relying on their athletic abilities to find food. You may be able to find their silken retreats, though, which are often found in the corner of a ceiling or other elevated position. They use this retreat to rest and hide between hunting.

Although they look dangerous, Pantropical Jumping Spiders will only bite if handled roughly. Their bites are relatively harmless and, at worst, may resemble a bee sting.

#13. Napoleon Spider

• Synema globosum

Identifying Characteristics:

• Large, circular abdomen that can be red, yellow, or white with a black pattern.

• Males reach 2–4 mm, while females are 7–8 mm long.

I want you to look closely at the black pattern on the back of the Napoleon Spider. If you use your imagination, can you see the silhouette of Napoleon wearing his iconic hat? Whether you agree or not, this is how the species got its name!

To find these spiders in Israel, look for them on flowering plants waiting for their prey. Napoleon Spiders don’t make webs but instead use their two pairs of elongated front legs for hunting and immobilizing their victims.

#14. Wolf Spiders

• Lycosidae

Wolf spiders are found everywhere and in almost any habitat. I know that I see them often when flipping over rocks or logs. There are many individual species of wolf spider found in Israel, and it would be impossible to list them here, especially since most of them look very similar.

Interestingly, wolf spiders do not make webs to catch their prey. Instead, they wait for an insect to walk by and then chase it down! Some wolf spiders will make a burrow and then wait inside for dinner to walk by. Most individuals wander without a permanent home, and they always live and hunt alone.

When it comes to arachnids, these spiders have incredible eyesight. They also have retroreflective tissue in their eyes, which produces a glow if you flash a light at their faces.

Wolf Spiders will bite if provoked, but they do not always inject venom. Therefore, they are not considered dangerous to humans. Bite symptoms are minimal and may cause itching, swelling, and mild pain.

#15. Cross Orbweaver

• Araneus diadematus

Also known as the European Garden Spider, Cross Spider, Orangie, or Pumpkin Spider.

Identifying Characteristics:

• Colors range from extremely light yellow to very dark grey.

• All individuals have white markings across the top of the abdomen, with four or more segments forming a cross (LOOK AT THE PICTURE ABOVE).

• Females range in length from 6.5 to 20 mm, while males range from 5.5 to 13 mm.

Cross Orbweavers are one of the most well-known spiders in Israel.

These spiders are common in many habitats, including forest clearings, hedgerows, meadows, and gardens. They are also seen near humans, such as near buildings or lighted stairwells. Cross Orbweavers typically hang upside down at the center of their spiral webs.

Interestingly, when approached, they start shaking and vibrating their web in hopes of startling the perceived intruder. If this fails, the spider will typically drop straight down out of sight. Luckily, Cross Orbweavers are not aggressive and typically only bite when accidentally grabbed. Bite symptoms include mild pain, redness, and swelling that may last a few days.

Believe it or not, these common spiders build a new web EVERY DAY. So, yes, they eat the entire web every night and then begin construction on a new one. And lastly, if you are a male Cross Orbweaver, you must be careful with females, as you will often be eaten directly after mating!

#16. European Nursery Web Spider

• Pisaura mirabilis

Identifying Characteristics:

• Slender abdomen with LONG legs (the fourth one is the longest).

• Colors range from light to reddish brown and from gray to black. A lighter stripe is visible down the middle of the back.

• The male is between 10 and 13 mm, while the female is 12 to 15 mm.

These spiders are commonly found in Israel in tall grass, shrubs, or along the edges of woodlands.

Looking similar to wolf spiders, European Nursery Web Spiders get their name for how females protect their egg sacs. After carrying the egg sac in her mouth for a bit, she hides it under a leaf and spins a protective silk enclosure around the egg sac. From there, she sticks around to protect the babies until after their first molt. 🙂

European Nursery Web Spiders have a fascinating mating ritual! First, males find a gift, such as a dead insect, to offer to a prospective female. Then, after presenting the gift, the female will bite onto the gift if she is interested. From there, the male will move to deposit sperm with his pedipalps. WATCH THIS BEHAVIOR BELOW (and see if the male survives)!

Interestingly, during copulation, the male almost ALWAYS keeps a leg on the gift, just in case the female decides to run away with it or attack him. If the female does change her mind about mating and starts to show aggression, the male typically will pretend to play dead until she calms down, at which point he may try mating again. The things spiders will do for love!

#17. Cellar Spiders

• Pholcidae

Identifying Characteristics:

• Legs are thin, long, and fragile.

• Black and white circles wrap around the leg joints.

• The bodies of both sexes range in size from 5-7.5 mm.

The best place to find cellar spiders in Israel is in your house!

They are commonly found living in the corners of basements and attics. You have nothing to fear, though, as even though they have venom to subdue their prey, their jaws are not strong to bite a human.

These spiders display an interesting behavior where individuals will join together and share an existing web. In addition, most spiders will migrate to many different webs over their lifetime. It’s been observed that cellar spiders living together in groups have smaller abdomens, which means they are probably eating less than if they were by themselves. But the trade-off is that they don’t have the energy costs of making their own web.

It has been very hard for researchers to figure out the lifespan of cellar spiders because of their habit of migrating to new webs!

#18. Harvestmen

• Opiliones

Identifying Characteristics:

• Colors vary; most are dull brown or dull gray, but some may be yellowish, greenish-brown, or reddish.
• Single body region, only two eyes that do not see well.

The Harvestman might be the most recognizable spider in Israel!

I know many people find them hiding underneath rocks or logs. They are also very social so you will many times find them in large groups.

But here’s the crazy thing: Even though Harvestmen look just like spiders, these arachnids are technically NOT spiders! They are in the Order Opiliones and have no venom, lack fangs, and do not bite.

In addition, Harvestman can actually swallow solid food, which allows them to eat small insects, fungi, dead organisms, bird dung, and other fecal matter. This differs from spiders that only eat their prey after turning them into a liquid.

Their long legs play a vital part in their life. They use their legs for breathing, walking, smelling, and capturing prey. Males have longer legs than females, which they will groom by licking with their mouthparts. Seriously, you can watch this behavior below!

Learn about other animals found in Israel:

• 27 Common Birds That Live in Israel!

• 13 Types of Snakes You Can Find in Israel.

Which of these spiders have you seen before in Israel?

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