15 Spiders Found in Minnesota (With Pictures)

Talking about spiders probably isn’t the most popular topic with people who have arachnophobia or fear of these eight-legged creatures. However, they are beneficial for the environment because they get rid of pests and insects. You may not associate Minnesota with spiders, but the state has quite a few, over 500 to be exact.

You can put spiders into two main groups, web-building and hunting. There are seven species of poisonous spiders in Minnesota among them. Of course, spiders, like many animals, can sometimes find their way outside of their range, a term scientists call vagrants. We’ll cover some of the most common and unusual species of the state.

The 15 Spiders Found in Minnesota

1. Grass Spider

The grass spider is a common species throughout North America, from Canada to Central America. You’re most likely to encounter it in vegetation, whether it’s forests, grasslands, or wetlands. As with many species, the female is the larger of the two sexes. Don’t let its relatively small size fool you. It can take prey up to 200% of its size.

2. Barn Spider

The barn spider stands out as the inspiration for E.B. White’s classic tale, Charlotte’s Web. It is a relatively large arachnid that is surprisingly cold-tolerant and long-lived, with a lifespan of up to two years. This spider is a beneficial part of the ecosystem, although it is venomous. It gets its name for the place you might likely find them.

3. Cellar Spider

The cellar spider lives up to its name, seeking secluded, low-light areas to live and build its webs. You’ll also find them in forests and caves in the wild. This spider is typically a solitary creature that will feed on insects and even other spiders. It is a common species found throughout the country, including Minnesota.

4. Common House Spider

The common house spider is appropriately named since it lives across the globe. It builds elaborate webs, reinforced throughout its construction. They show some intelligence because they’ll move them if they aren’t catching prey. They can take larger insects than their body size. These spiders typically live indoors and are active year-round

5. Banded Argiope

The banded argiope is a type of garden spider, which gives you a clue about where you’d find them. They tend to seek out the warmer sunny areas. They are large arachnids if you include the length of their legs. That can explain why they can take larger prey, even bees and wasps. These spiders aren’t as long-lived in Minnesota as they are in more temperate climates.

6. Black and Yellow Argiope

The black and yellow argiope is one of two common species found in the state. They share many characteristics, although this spider is the more colorful of the two. While it is venomous, its bite is similar to getting stung by a bee. It’s a shy arachnid that usually poses no harm to people. It is beneficial in grassland environments, where it will take grasshoppers.

7. Marbled Orbweaver

The marbled orbweaver is an attractive spider with a colorful body. It is a hardy species and quite cold-tolerant. It lives in a wide range of places, from mountains to forests to farm fields. Surprisingly, these spiders don’t survive after mating, making them short-lived creatures. Its name refers to the type of web they build.

8. Shamrock Orbweaver

The shamrock orbweaver is another striking spider that you can’t help but notice. It is colorful with white banded legs. If you don’t see the arachnid, you’ll certainly spot its large web. Like other related species, it can bite and is venomous. It lives in all 50 states. It’s primarily found outdoors, where it will eat a wide variety of flying insects.

9. Jumping Spider

The jumping spider is probably one of the more frightening species if just because of its locomotion. Its name speaks to its ability to get airborne. Minnesota is the northernmost part of its range. It is a species of spe­cial con­cern in the state.  It is an adaptable species that is capable of living in various habitats, including human dwellings. It is also known to hitchhike onto people and animals.

10. Yellow Sac Spider

The yellow sac spider is an elusive creature that you may find lurking under rocks or debris. Unfortunately, it is venomous and will likely cause a reaction if you get bit. They don’t build webs. Instead, they hunt for prey by springing on their victims from a hiding place. They are nocturnal arachnids. Interestingly, this spider also feeds on nectar.

11. Eastern Parson Spider

The eastern parson spider is a fast-moving arachnid that prefers hunting at night. During the day, it hides where it can be left alone. Its bite is painful and may cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Fortunately, it lives primarily outdoors and out of sight. It lives in all 50 states and Canada in various habitats, from grasslands to forests.

12. Nursery Web Spider

The nursery web spider is a common species throughout North America and Europe. It prefers living outdoor in a wide range of habitats, including water environments. It can even walk the surface to escape predators. It will both hunt and build webs to catch prey. It will take insects and amphibians if given a chance.

13. Dark Fishing Spider

The dark fishing spider lives in aquatic environments, as its name suggests. It’s a large arachnid that can take amphibians and small fish. It is also the largest spider species in the state. It can reach sizes up to 4 inches in length if you include its legs. It detects prey by feeling vibrations on the surface of the water. It can then race across it to catch them.

14. Sowbug Spider

The sowbug spider is not a native species to the state. Instead, it was introduced and is now widespread throughout Minnesota. It differs from others of its kind in that it only has six eyes. It is a nocturnal hunter that feeds on the prey that gives it its name. This spider doesn’t build a web for hunting, per se. It uses it as a lair when not active.

15. Wolf Spider

The wolf spider lives in various habitats, including human dwellings and gardens. Even though they are large, these arachnids aren’t particularly aggressive. Like other hunting spiders, they are quick, which adds to the fear factor. They prefer to look for prey when it’s warm, whether it’s night or day. They are shy, often hiding underneath rocks or logs when not active.

Conclusion

While spiders may not rank high on your list of favorites, they are beneficial to the environment in ways you may not notice. They often feed on pests that would otherwise damage crops and your garden plants. Perhaps the best way to view spiders is from a distance. Many are quite shy and prefer to be left alone. The fact that many are venomous is another reason to steer clear of them.

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Featured Image Credit by Wawies Wisnu, Shutterstock

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