Florida Spider Guide: Venomous, Hunters & Rare Species

Florida’s ~900 spider species include dangerous, beneficial, and bizarre. Knowledge replaces fear with caution.

Medically Significant

Widows (Neurotoxic)

• Black, brown, red widows; red abdominal marking.
• Brown/black near structures; red in pine scrub.
• Bites: severe cramps, nausea, sweating; <5% fatality.

Recluses (Cytotoxic)

• Not native but found: brown, Mediterranean, Chilean.
• Venom causes tissue death; slow healing; kidney risk if untreated.

Hunting Spiders

• Fishing spider: Large; aquatic prey.
• Huntsman: Indoor; eats roaches—beneficial.

Unique Types

• Trapdoor: Burrows with silk-hinged doors + tripwires.
• Ogre-faced: Net-casting; huge eyes.

Most spiders are harmless. For infestations or dangerous species indoors, Slug-A-Bug offers professional control.