What kinds of spiders can you find in Mongolia?

Many people are terrified of spiders and find them extremely creepy. This is unfortunate because not only are most spiders completely harmless, but they benefit our environment by controlling the insect population. In fact, without spiders, our food supply would be in serious jeopardy.

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

In today’s article, I did my best to develop a list of spiders you’re most likely to see.

5 common SPIDERS that live in Mongolia!

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#1. Wasp Spider

• Argiope bruennichi

Identifying Characteristics:

• Striking yellow and black markings across its body.

• The legs also have stripes.

• Females are around 17 mm (0.66 in). Males measure less than 5 mm (0.19 in).

This species is one of the most recognizable spiders in Mongolia!

These spiders get their name from their unique coloration, which is meant to resemble a wasp. Predators tend to leave them alone since they think they will be messing with a fierce stinging insect. 🙂

Wasp Spiders make beautiful orb-shaped webs in the morning. Interestingly, they construct a distinctive zig-zag pattern called a Stabilimentum in the center of the web, which is thought to help attract insects by reflecting UV light. Look for them in sunny, open fields or gardens.

Despite their bright coloring, Wasp Spiders are not dangerous to humans. They are not aggressive and will only bite if seriously provoked.

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#2. Long-bodied Cellar Spider

• Pholcus phalangioides

Also known as Daddy Longlegs, Skull Spider

Identifying Characteristics:

• The cephalothorax (head) and abdomen are different shades of brown.

• Females have a body length of around 8 mm (0.31 in), with males slightly smaller.

• Legs are long and about 5 to 6 times the length of the body.

Do you know the spider that always seems to be in the corner of your basement? Well, it’s most likely the Long-bodied Cellar Spider! These long, thin, and delicate spiders are commonly found in homes and buildings as they prefer warm habitats. I know that every time I clean my basement with a vacuum, a few of these spiders end up getting sucked inside.

Some people find cellar spiders beneficial because they are known to hunt down and kill other types of spiders. But unfortunately, they will also eradicate native spider species. Interestingly, these spiders will leave their webs to hunt for other spiders! Once they find one, they subdue their victim, using their long legs to avoid being bitten in retaliation.

Despite their proximity to people, they are not dangerous and are not known to bite humans.

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#3. Common House Spider

• Parasteatoda tepidariorum

Identifying Characteristics:

• Both sexes can appear anywhere from nearly black to a variety of colors.
• They sometimes have patterns of different colors on their body.
• Females are larger than males, but females have a bulb-like abdomen, and males do not.

These spiders are found in Mongolia NEAR PEOPLE!

I know that I always find them in my garage! It always surprises me how small Common House Spiders really are, as they are generally only between 5-6 millimeters (0.20-0.24 in) long.

Even though there are probably a few of them in your house right now, you shouldn’t hate or fear Common House Spiders. They are actually helpful because they feed on small insects and pests in your house, like flies, ants, and mosquitos.

Even though they are relatively docile, bites do occur, mostly due to their proximity to humans. But have no fear; their venom is not dangerous in the least.

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#4. Triangle Crab Spider

• Ebrechtella tricuspidata

Identifying Characteristics:

• Females have a whitish-yellow abdomen with red markings. The rest of the body and legs are light green.

• Males are light brown, but their abdomen is pale green.

• Females reach a body length of 5–6 mm (0.19-0.23 in). Males are smaller, reaching a body length of 2.5–3.5 mm (0.09-0.13 in).

The best places to find Triangle Crab Spiders are inside flowers and on other vegetation in dry and sunny meadows and forest edges. Look closely because they blend in well with their surroundings!

These spiders don’t make webs but instead wait patiently for their prey to come to them. Then they use their long first and second legs to overpower their victim.

Did you know that crab spiders get their name from the unique way they can walk sideways, forwards, and backward, similar to a crab?!

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#5. Pantropical Huntsman Spider

• Heteropoda venatoria

Identifying Characteristics:

• Adults are between 2.2 and 2.8 cm (0.86-1.10 in) long with a leg span of 7-12 cm (2.8-4.72 in).
• Females have larger bodies, and males have longer legs.
• Both sexes are brown with yellow or cream markings and distinct black spots on their legs.

The Pantropical Huntsman Spider is native to Mongolia but is a bit of a world traveler! They’re often called banana spiders because they hitch a ride in tropical fruit imports, making their way to other parts of the world. These fearsome-looking spiders thrive in areas with warm climates but are occasionally found in greenhouses and heated buildings in temperate climates.

Because of their need for warmth, Pantropical Huntsman Spiders slip into small cracks and crevices around homes, barns, and sheds. Luckily, they’re most active at night, so your chances of disturbing one are fairly low. Additionally, their venom is not dangerous to humans. However, they can deliver a painful bite that might swell and turn red.

As you may have guessed from their name, this species is an accomplished predator. Instead of trapping prey in webs, they rely on their speed and strength, grabbing prey with their jaws and injecting venom into it. In fact, people in many tropical countries like them because they feed on cockroaches and other pests.

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Check out these other guides about animals found in Mongolia!

• The 16 MOST Common Birds in Mongolia!

• The 8 Types of Snakes That Live in Mongolia! (ID Guide)

• VENOMOUS SNAKES that live in Mongolia

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Which of these spiders have you seen before in Mongolia?

Leave a comment below!