Spiders of Alberta
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Of the 39 species found in our database, the following are established in Alberta. Our
current understanding of each spider's distribution is drawn from numerous scientific
publications and online spider submissions in order to be as accurate as possible. It is
important to remember that spiders are not bound by the territorial lines decided on by
humans, therefore their distribution is subject to change. Occasionally, spiders can be
found well outside of their known range due to being intentionally or accidentally
transported by humans in cars, luggage, and other belongings.
Species Found in Alberta
Agelenopsis spp.
(Grass Spiders)
Adult Female
Adult Male
Summary
“Grass Spiders” are represented by 13
species collectively found throughout most of
the U.S. and southern Canada, and northern
Mexico. Like all members of the funnel
weaver family Agelenidae, they spin dense, non-sticky, sheet-like webs with a funnel-like retreat
where the spider hides.
Araneus diadematus
(Cross Orbweaver)
Adult Female
Adult Male
Summary
This spider is named for the pattern of white
spots on the abdomen that form a cross in
most specimens. Native to Europe, it was
introduced to North America long ago. It
spins the classic wheel-like orb web, usually sitting head-down in the hub (center), at night as well
as during the day.
http://www.spiders.us/species/filter/alberta/[6/28/2014 2:22:00 PM]
Spiders of Alberta
Argiope trifasciata
(Banded Garden Spider)
Adult Female
Adult Male
Summary
Females are large, silvery spiders with legs
banded in black and yellow. Look for this
species in late summer and fall in fields,
prairies, gardens, and meadows. The circular
webs are built close to the ground amid tall grasses and weeds, often with a zigzag band of silk
running through the center.
Castianeira longipalpa
(Ant Mimic Spider)
Adult Female
Adult Male
Summary
This strikingly patterned species is a
wandering hunter, often catching prey at
night as well as during the day. They live
close to the ground, under rocks and logs or in leaf litter, but are also occasionally found on (or in)
buildings. Their movements are often ant-like, earning them the nickname “antmimic.”
Cheiracanthium mildei
(Longlegged Sac Spider)
Summary
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Adult Female
Adult Male
Spiders of Alberta
“Longlegged Sac Spiders” are pale green,
tan, or yellow nocturnal hunting spiders with
very long front legs. Native to southern Europe, this spider has made its way into North America,
where it is now fairly widespread. It is commonly found indoors, where it prowls walls and ceilings
at night, looking for prey or mates.
Dolomedes triton
(Six-spotted Fishing Spider)
Adult Female
Adult Male
Summary
A large and strong hunting spider, this
species is more closely associated with water
than any of the other Nearctic fishing spiders.
Find it among aquatic vegetation at the margins of streams and rivers, as well as floating around in
lakes and residential pools. It eats aquatic insects, small fish, or even small amphibians!
Eratigena agrestis
(Hobo Spider)
Adult Female
Adult Male
Summary
The “Hobo Spider” builds a funnel-shaped
web on or near the ground, usually under
stones and other low-lying debris. It is
especially common near man-made structures here in North America, but is more of a field spider
in its native Europe. Recent research has shown that it may not be a spider of medical concern as
was once thought.
Eratigena atrica
(Giant House Spider)
Summary
The leg span of this large funnel weaver can
reach 4 inches or more! Native to Europe,
the “Giant House Spider” is now wellhttp://www.spiders.us/species/filter/alberta/[6/28/2014 2:22:00 PM]
Adult Female
Adult Male
Spiders of Alberta
established in the Pacific Northwest. The webs can be found in dark corners of rooms, garages,
sheds, under rocks and logs, etc. May be mistaken for a Hobo Spider on occasion.
Herpyllus ecclesiasticus
(Eastern Parson Spider)
Adult Female
Adult Male
Summary
This a hunting spider that does not spin
a web to capture prey. It gets its common
name from the black and white color pattern
reminiscent of the garb worn by old-time clergymen. Common east of the Rocky Mountains, it
sometimes strays indoors in the course of prowling for a meal or seeking a mate.
Misumena vatia
(Goldenrod Crab Spider)
Adult Female
Adult Male
Summary
This spider is an ambush hunter, lying
patiently in wait on flowers for an insect to
come within striking range. Adult females
may be overall yellow or white, with the ability to change back and forth. This species can conquer
surprisingly large prey like bees and butterflies.
Parasteatoda tepidariorum
(Common House Spider)
Adult Female
Adult Male
Summary
This species is abundant and widespread
across the entire world, and is closely
associated with buildings and other man-made structures. The teardrop-shaped, papery brown egg
sacs can aid in their identification. The spider’s color and body shape cause them to be mistaken
for “brown widows” on occasion.
Phidippus audax
http://www.spiders.us/species/filter/alberta/[6/28/2014 2:22:00 PM]
Adult Female
Adult Male
Spiders of Alberta
(Bold Jumper)
Summary
The “Bold Jumper” is one of the largest and
most common species of jumping spider in
North America. The spider is mostly black
with a conspicuous white, orange, or red triangular patch in the center of its abdomen. Take a close
look at this spider’s chelicerae (jaws), as they have a gorgeous, iridescent sheen to them and come
in a variety of colors!
Pholcus phalangioides
(Longbodied Cellar Spider)
Adult Female
Adult Male
Summary
The Longbodied Cellar Spider is thought to
be native to Europe, but can be found
globally after having traveled nearly
everywhere as a stowaway in commerce. Their long, thin legs and elongated abdomen make them
relatively easy to identify. Find them on ceilings, in basements, storage sheds, old wells, caves, and
other dry locations with low light.
Salticus scenicus
(Zebra Jumper)
Adult Female
Adult Male
Summary
The zebra-like color pattern makes this
species one of the easier jumping spiders to
identify in the field. It is most common
around urban and suburban areas where it hunts by day on fences, rock walls, the exterior of
buildings, and similar situations. Thought to be native to Europe, it is also now established in the
U.S., southern Canada, and Asia.
Tegenaria domestica
(Barn Funnel Weaver)
Summary
http://www.spiders.us/species/filter/alberta/[6/28/2014 2:22:00 PM]
Adult Female
Adult Male
Spiders of Alberta
Today, this species occurs nearly everywhere
people live, having spread with international
commerce. The sheet-like webs of this spider
are conspicuous in dark corners of barns,
cellars, sheds, garages, cabins, and other man-made structures. Adult males frequently get caught
in bathtubs or sinks at night.
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