Spiders are found on every continent across the globe except Antarctica. With over 47,000 described species, spiders demonstrate an incredible diversity in their anatomy, behavior, and habitat preferences. Here is an overview of spider diversity across major regions of the world.
Spiders in North America
North America is home to around 3,400 described spider species. Some of the most notable spider families in North America include:
- Jumping spiders (Salticidae) – Known for their large front eyes and ability to leap onto prey. Numerous colorful species like the daring jumping spider.
- Orb-weavers (Araneidae) – Build intricate circular webs. Include garden spiders and the enormous golden silk orb-weaver.
- Widow spiders (Theridiidae) – Venomous spiders like the black widow.
- Wolf spiders (Lycosidae) – Large, hairy spiders that actively hunt instead of building webs.
- Crab spiders (Thomisidae) – Ambush predators that can camouflage themselves.
- Tarantulas (Theraphosidae) – Largest spiders in North America, including the famous southwestern species.
Many widespread North American genera like black widows, cobweb spiders, and funnel weavers also occur in the Palearctic region of Eurasia.
Spiders in South America
South America, especially the Amazon rainforest, contains the world’s highest diversity of spider worldwide species. Over 5,000 species are found here, including:
- Wandering spiders (Ctenidae) – Large, fast-moving nocturnal hunters like the Brazilian wandering spider.
- Huntsman spiders (Sparassidae) – Quick predators that hunt without webs.
- Parawixia – Colorful species like Gould’s pinktoe tarantula.
- Pelican spiders (Archaeidae) – Odd-looking arachnids with jaws that extend away from their heads.
In addition to many endemic South American families, mygalomorph spiders like tarantulas and trapdoor spiders thrive in this region.
Spiders in Europe
More than 3,000 spider species inhabit Europe. Many belong to widespread families like orb-weavers, crab spiders, funnel weavers, and ground spiders. Unique European spiders include:
- Nursery web spiders (Pisauridae) – Fishing spiders that carry egg sacs on their spinnerets.
- Giant house spiders (Eratigena sp.) – Huge, fast-running spiders that live in houses and sheds.
- Wasp spiders (Argiopidae) – Orb-weavers with striking black-and-yellow patterns.
- Redbacks (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) – European black widow spiders.
- Zebra jumping spiders (Salticus scenicus) – Tiny jumping spiders with bold stripes.
Spiders in Africa
Africa harbors around 2,900 described spider species, especially in tropical regions. Many African spiders have evolved chemical defenses like venomous tarantulas. Notable groups include:
- Baboon spiders (Harpactirinae) – Heavy-bodied tarantulas found in scrublands.
- Sac spiders (Cheiracanthiidae) – Nocturnal wandering spiders with painful bites.
- Golden orb-weavers (Nephilinae) – Large, colorful orb-weavers like the giant wood spider.
- Spitting spiders (Scytodidae) – Hunting spiders that spit silk and venom.
- Rain spiders (Palystes) – Hairy mygalomorphs that emerge in rainy season.
Spiders in Asia
Asia contains over 2,300 described spider species. Tropical forests harbor the greatest diversity, especially in south and southeast Asia. Some noteworthy Asian spider groups are:
- Net-casting spiders (Deinopidae) – Build unique webs to trap prey.
- Tailless whip scorpions (Amblypygi) – Whip-like front legs and no venom.
- Huntsman spiders (Sparassidae) – Enormous fast-moving species like the giant wood spider.
- Cyclosa – Orb-weaving spiders famous for building decoys in their webs.
- Jumpers (Salticidae) – Many colorful species like the face-patterned jumping spider.
Spiders in Australia and Oceania
Australia harbors over 2,900 spider species due to its isolation. Many display unique traits like colorful body patterns and unusual web structures. Some examples include:
- Huntsman spiders (Sparassidae) – Massive, fast species like the giant huntsman spider.
- Funnel-web spiders (Atracidae) – Venomous mygalomorphs like the notorious Sydney funnel-web.
- Peacock spiders (Maratus sp.) – Tiny jumpers with elaborate courtship dances.
- Orb-weavers like St Andrews cross spiders and golden orb-weavers.
New Zealand’s unique spider fauna includes cave weta spiders and the spiny orb-weaver. Pacific islands host many endemic species like Hawaii’s happy face spiders.
Conclusion
This overview highlights the impressive diversity of spiders across different continents and ecosystems. From tiny jumping spiders to giant tarantulas, spiders have adapted to fill ecological roles across the planet while evolving specialized traits. Continued documentation of species and habitats will provide an even clearer picture of global spider biodiversity.