Venomous spiders in Utah
How to recognize them
Black widowMedically significant172 records, 18 counties
TarantulaPainful, rarely serious67 records, 10 counties
Black widow Latrodectus mactans, L. variolus, L. hesperus
- Shiny black female with a round abdomen
- Red hourglass or two red marks under the abdomen
- Messy, strong web low to the ground, often in garages, wood piles and water meters
Tarantula Aphonopelma spp.
- Large, hairy, brown to black spider
- Lives in a burrow with silk around the entrance
- Males wander in late summer and fall looking for mates
Almost all spiders have venom, but very few can hurt people. We list the ones with medically significant bites plus a few that people often worry about.
Counties with records
- None recorded
- 1 species
- 2
- 3 to 4
- 5 or more
Active months
Harmless spiders people mistake for them
Quick answers
- Not here Are there brown recluses in Utah?
- Lives here Are there black widows in Utah?
- Lives here Are there tarantulas in Utah?
Questions
How many venomous spiders are in Utah?
2 species live in the state: Black widow and Tarantula.
Which venomous spiders in Utah are dangerous?
Black widow: bites or stings need medical care.
When are venomous spiders most active in Utah?
Most open records fall in August to October.