White spiders stand out among their predominantly black or brown counterparts, making them an unusual sight. Compared to other spider species, there are fewer types of spiders with white bodies, which adds to their uniqueness.
However, their pale coloration can lead to confusion, as they might be mistaken for other bugs or insects. Whether it’s a tiny white spider or a larger, cream-colored one, encountering any white arachnid scurrying across the floor can evoke feelings of terror.
When getting close to a white spider, the question of its evil nature often arises. Like all spider species, white spiders possess a small amount of venom. The most common white spider, the goldenrod crab spider, is indeed venomous and capable of delivering a stinging bite. But fear not, as their venom is not harmful to humans. Their taste typically results in a sharp pain akin to a bee sting.
How to Identify White Spider
White spider can be identified by their eight legs, creamy-white abdomen and cephalothorax (head), six or eight eyes, and distinctive mouthparts. They often have bulbous white bodies, but some may have colored markings, black spots, or spiny legs.
Unlike insects, spiders have eight legs and two body segments in the class Arachnida. They lack antennae and wings, and their eyes are simple.
Identifying white spider species can also involve observing the type of web they spin. Some create messy tangle webs, while others craft beautiful circular orb webs or protective funnel webs.
Are white spiders always dangerous to humans and pets?
White spiders, despite their seemingly harmless appearance, do possess chelicerae, which are their fangs or pincers used for biting when provoked. As with all spiders, white spiders have the potential to sting and cause pain, similar to a bee sting. The initial sensation can be intense and achy, followed by a burning feeling.
While most white spider species are not considered highly dangerous to humans and pets, their bites can still be uncomfortable and irritating. For example, yellow sac spiders, commonly found hiding under leaves and stones in gardens, may cause bites during summertime gardening activities. Sometimes, their bites can be more severe than those inflicted by brown recluse spiders.
9 Types Of White Spiders (with Pictures) Characteristics
1. Zebra Jumping Spider (Salticus scenic)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Appearance | Small size with a black and white striped pattern on the abdomen |
| Habitat | Gardens, forests, urban areas |
| Primary Food Source | Small insects |
| Jumping Abilities | Remarkable, can leap several times its body length |
| Eyes | Large, forward-facing eyes |
| Web-building | Does not build traditional webs, actively hunts for prey |
| Behavior | Stalks and pounces on prey with agility and precision |
| Photography Appeal | Favorite among macro photographers and nature enthusiasts |
The Zebra Jumping Spider (Salticus scenic), a member of the Salticidae family, gets its name from the striking white and black pigment that adorns its body. Covered in tiny white hairs with distinctive white markings and stripes, this spider displays a pattern reminiscent of a zebra’s appearance. Both males and females are similar in size, measuring between 0.19 to 0.35 inches (5 to 9 mm). Known for their agility, these jumping spiders can leap rapidly, navigate their surroundings quickly, and jump distances of more than 2 feet (0.6 m).
2. Caribbean Crab Spider (Misumessus)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Appearance | Female spiders: Bright white with an enlarged, bulbous abdomen, relatively small head, crab-like legs <br> Male spiders: Half the size of females |
| Size | Around 0.4” (10 mm) for female spiders; males are smaller |
| Camouflage | Notable characteristic – immature spiders emerge white but can change color based on flower habitat <br> Can turn yellow on yellow flowers then return to bright white |
| Habitat | Commonly found in gardens and natural habitats |
| Behavior | Active predators, ambush their prey using camouflage |
| Web-building | Do not construct webs to catch prey |
| Food Source | Primarily feed on small insects |
| Range | Found in various regions globally, including the Caribbean |
| Photogenic Appeal | Attractive to macro photographers and nature enthusiasts |
The Caribbean Crab Spider (Misumessus) is a strange-looking white spider featuring a flattened tear-shaped body, translucent greenish-white head and legs, and tiny chelicerae. Measuring between 0.16” to 0.23” (4 – 6 mm) long, females are generally larger than males.
These spiders are commonly found throughout the United States, with a significant presence in Florida, where they inhabit gardens, parks, and woodlands. Their distinguishing characteristic includes four long forelegs and four short hind legs.
3. Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Appearance | Female spiders: Bright white with an enlarged, bulbous abdomen, relatively small head, crab-like legs <br> Male spiders: Half the size of females |
| Size | Around 0.4” (10 mm) for female spiders; males are smaller |
| Camouflage | Notable characteristic – immature spiders emerge white but can change color based on flower habitat <br> Can turn yellow on yellow flowers then return to bright white |
| Habitat | Commonly found in gardens and natural habitats |
| Behavior | Active predators, ambush their prey using camouflage |
| Web-building | Do not construct webs to catch prey |
| Food Source | Primarily feed on small insects |
| Range | Found in various regions globally, including the Caribbean |
| Photogenic Appeal | Attractive to macro photographers and nature enthusiasts |
The Goldenrod Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) stands out as a unique species with its color-changing ability, crab-like appearance, and exceptional hunting skills. Female goldenrod crab spiders boast large round abdomens and two elongated crab-like front legs, while males remain small, never exceeding 0.19 inches (5 mm) in size, while females can grow up to 0.39 inches (10 mm).
Found across North America and Europe, female goldenrod crab spiders prefer to perch on flowering plants throughout their lives, camouflaging themselves in blooms like goldenrod or daisies. Their pearl-white coloring can transform to yellow when they inhabit yellow host flowers.
4. Yellow Sac Spiders (Cheiracanthium)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Appearance | Small to medium-sized spiders with pale yellow or light green coloration |
| Size | Approximately 0.2 to 0.5 inches (5 to 12 mm) |
| Body Shape | Cylindrical body shape with a distinct sac-like retreat for shelter |
| Habitat | Commonly found in grassy areas, gardens, and shrubbery |
| Web-building | Construct small, flat, silk sacs for shelter and egg-laying, often hidden in vegetation |
| Behavior | Active hunters, mostly active at night |
| Venom | Venomous, but their bites are usually not harmful to humans |
| Prey | Feed on small insects and other arthropods |
| Range | Found in various regions globally, including North America and Europe |
| Notable Species | Cheiracanthium inclusum (Yellow Sac Spider commonly found in North America) |
Yellow Sac Spiders (Cheiracanthium) are easily recognizable by their yellowish-white, sometimes tan bodies and long legs. This common house spider features spindly legs that neither point outward nor inward, adding to its distinctive appearance. The oval body of the spider is adorned with white speckling and a greenish mark on its back. Despite their small size, yellow sac spiders measure an average between 0.2” to 0.4” (5 – 10 mm).
Frequently found in homes, yellow sac spiders can deliver a potent bite. Their yellowish and white coloring sets them apart from non-venomous brown recluse spider, aiding in identification. A bite from these whitish spiders can lead to pain, swelling, and blistering. As such, homeowners should exercise caution and seek medical attention if bitten by these tiny yet potentially bothersome arachnids.
5. Shortbodied Cellar Spider (Spermophora senoculata)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Appearance | Small spider with a light brown or grayish body, slender legs, and distinct dark spots on the abdomen |
| Size | Approximately 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm) |
| Body Shape | Cylindrical body shape with a compact and short appearance |
| Habitat | Often found in dark, damp areas such as basements, cellars, and crawl spaces |
| Web-building | Constructs irregular, tangled webs for capturing prey |
| Behavior | Passive hunters, wait for prey to become entangled in their webs |
| Venom | Venomous, but their bites are usually not harmful to humans |
| Prey | Feed on small insects and other spiders |
| Range | Found in various regions globally, including North America and Europe |
The Shortbodied Cellar Spider (Spermophora senoculata) is a tiny whitish-tan spider characterized by its round abdomen, thin white legs, and tiny cephalothorax. This little white spider is easily identified with a rounded white body adorned with faint brown coloration or dark marks. Measuring a mere 0.08 inches (2 mm) in length, these minuscule spiders are genuinely tiny.
Originally native to Asia, the short-bodied cellar spider can now be found throughout the Mediterranean region and the southern states of the US. As its name suggests, this whitish spider prefers to inhabit caves, damp and dark rooms, spaces under stones, and cellars. Its ability to thrive in such obscure locations showcases its adaptability and resourcefulness.
6. Ghost Spiders (Anyphaenidae)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Appearance | Small to medium-sized spiders with pale coloration and elongated legs |
| Size | Varies depending on species, typically ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 inches (2.5 to 10 mm) |
| Body Shape | Cylindrical body shape with a somewhat flattened appearance |
| Habitat | Found in diverse environments, including vegetation, leaf litter, and sometimes indoors |
| Web-building | Construct small, irregular, and tangled webs for hunting and shelter |
| Behavior | Active hunters, use silk draglines to locate prey and retreat to safety |
| Venom | Venomous, but their bites are usually not harmful to humans |
| Prey | Feed on small insects, including pests like mosquitoes and flies |
| Range | Found in various regions globally, including North America, Europe, and Asia |
| Notable Species | Anyphaena calcarata (Notable species found in North America) |
Ghost Spiders, belonging to the family Anyphaenidae, are small to medium-sized spiders known for their pale coloration and elongated legs. They typically range from 0.1 to 0.4 inches (2.5 to 10 mm) in size and have a cylindrical body shape with a somewhat flattened appearance.
These spiders are found in diverse environments, including vegetation, leaf litter, and sometimes indoors. They construct small, irregular, and tangled webs for hunting and shelter.
Ghost Spiders are active hunters and use silk draglines to locate prey and retreat to safety. They are venomous, but their bites are usually not harmful to humans. They primarily feed on small insects, including pests like mosquitoes and flies.
The family Anyphaenidae has a global distribution, with notable species like Anyphaena calcarata found in North America. Due to their unique appearance and behavior, they are attractive subjects for macro photographers.
7. Yellow Ghost Spider (Hibana velox)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Appearance | Small to medium-sized spiders with a pale yellow coloration and elongated legs |
| Size | Approximately 0.2 to 0.3 inches (5 to 8 mm) |
| Body Shape | Cylindrical body shape with a somewhat flattened appearance |
| Habitat | Found in diverse environments, including grasslands, forests, and gardens |
| Web-building | Construct small, irregular, and tangled webs for hunting and shelter |
| Behavior | Active hunters, use silk draglines to locate prey and retreat to safety |
| Venom | Venomous, but their bites are usually not harmful to humans |
| Prey | Feed on small insects and other arthropods |
| Range | Found in various regions globally, including North America and Asia |
| Notable Species | Hibana velox (Yellow Ghost Spider, the type species of the genus Hibana) |
The Yellow Ghost Spider (Hibana velox) is a small to medium-sized spider known for its pale yellow coloration and elongated legs. It typically measures approximately 0.2 to 0.3 inches (5 to 8 mm) in size and has a cylindrical body shape with a somewhat flattened appearance.
These spiders are found in diverse environments, including grasslands, forests, and gardens. They construct small, irregular, and tangled webs for hunting and shelter.
Yellow Ghost Spiders are active hunters, using silk draglines to locate prey and retreat to safety. They are venomous, but their bites are usually not harmful to humans. They primarily feed on small insects and other arthropods.
The species Hibana velox is the Yellow Ghost Spider and is the type species of the genus Hibana. It has a global distribution, including regions in North America and Asia. Due to their unique appearance and behavior, they are attractive subjects for macro photographers.
8. Garden Ghost Spider (Hibana gracilis)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Appearance | Small to medium-sized spiders with a pale coloration and elongated legs |
| Size | Approximately 0.2 to 0.3 inches (5 to 8 mm) |
| Body Shape | Cylindrical body shape with a somewhat flattened appearance |
| Habitat | Found in gardens, grasslands, forests, and other outdoor environments |
| Web-building | Construct small, irregular, and tangled webs for hunting and shelter |
| Behavior | Active hunters, use silk draglines to locate prey and retreat to safety |
| Venom | Venomous, but their bites are usually not harmful to humans |
| Prey | Feed on small insects and other arthropods |
| Range | Found in various regions globally, including North America and Asia |
| Notable Species | Hibana gracilis (Garden Ghost Spider) |
The adult female Garden Ghost Spider is distinguishable by its bulbous creamy-white abdomen adorned with dark brown spots. This white ghost spider showcases spiny legs, two rows of simple eyes, and dark stripes on its tan or beige head, adding to its unique appearance. Measuring approximately 0.28 inches (7 mm) in length, these spiders are relatively small in size.
Commonly inhabiting the northeastern United States, the Garden Ghost Spider’s yellow-to-white body, featuring longitudinal dark stripes and dark spots, along with its brown chelicerae, aids in its identification. This striking combination of features sets the Garden Ghost Spider apart, making it an intriguing arachnid species to observe in its natural habitat.
9. White Florida Crab Spider (Gasteracantha cancriformis)
| Characteristics | Description |
| Appearance | Small-sized spider with a bright white abdomen and black or red spots |
| Size | Approximately 0.2 to 0.3 inches (5 to 8 mm) |
| Body Shape | Distinctive crab-like shape with spines on the sides of the abdomen |
| Habitat | Commonly found in Florida and other southeastern states of the United States |
| Web-building | Constructs small, orb-shaped webs to capture prey |
| Behavior | Passive hunters, wait for prey to get caught in their webs |
| Venom | Venomous, but their bites are usually not harmful to humans |
| Prey | Feed on small insects and other arthropods |
| Range | Found in Florida and other southeastern states of the United States |
| Notable Features | Bright white abdomen with striking black or red spots |
The White Florida Crab Spider (Gasteracantha cancriformis) is a small-sized spider known for its bright white abdomen and distinctive crab-like shape. The waistline is adorned with striking black or red spots, adding to its unique appearance.
These spiders are approximately 0.2 to 0.3 inches (5 to 8 mm) in size and have spines on the sides of the abdomen, giving them their crab-like appearance.
White Florida Crab Spider is commonly found in Florida and other southeastern states of the United States. They construct small, orb-shaped webs to capture their prey, and they are passive hunters, waiting for insects and other arthropods to get caught in their nets.
While they are venomous, their bites are usually not harmful to humans. They primarily feed on small insects and other arthropods.
The White Florida Crab Spider’s distinctive coloration and appearance make it an attractive subject for macro photographers.
FAQs
1. Are white spiders dangerous to humans and pets?
While some white spiders may possess venom, most are not harmful to humans or pets. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and avoid handling any unfamiliar spiders. If bitten, it’s best to seek medical attention to rule out any potential allergic reactions or complications.
2. Can white spider change their color?
Certain white spiders, such as the Goldenrod Crab Spider, can change their color. They can adapt their pigment to match the flowers they inhabit, providing effective camouflage for hunting and survival.
3. Are white spiders commonly found in the United States?
Yes, many white spider species are commonly found in the United States. Some are native to specific regions, while others have been introduced and have established populations in various states.
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