Web of Wonders: Meet the Spiders of North Carolina
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Extension
Web of Wonders: Meet the Spiders of North Carolina (October 26, 2026)
Staff
5-min. read
Jumping spider (Phidippus mystaceus; family Salticidae). (Photo by Matt Bertone)
From the black widow to the brown recluse, spiders have garnered a reputation. But whether you’re an arachnophobe or an avid tarantula collector, these eight-legged creatures are here to stay.
In North Carolina, over 1,000 spider species across 50+ families can be found in diverse natural habitats, from forests to fields to the coast, as well as in our gardens, homes, and other structures.
Spiders of North Carolina, a new NC State Extension publication, sheds light on these often-misunderstood arachnids. While some bite in defense, bites on humans are rare. Spiders play a crucial role in the ecosystem, preying on mosquitoes, wasps, cockroaches, and flies.
"From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina boasts a rich diversity of spiders. Some build webs to catch prey, others hunt on flowers for insects, and many dwell in the ground. Despite the fear they may instill, most North Carolina spiders are harmless and provide significant benefits to ecosystems, agriculture, and home landscapes. Instead of inducing terror, North Carolina’s hundreds of spider species should inspire awe and wonder."
Related:
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Spiders of North Carolina (Publication)
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Explore six North Carolina spiders and learn about their habitats, diets, and web-spinning habits.
Ghost spiders (Wulfila albens; family Anyphaenidae). (Photo by Matt Bertone)
These small to medium-sized spiders, found throughout North Carolina, are mostly nocturnal hunters. They hide under dead leaves and bark, on leaf surfaces, and sometimes in people’s homes. They don’t construct traditional webs but rather use silk for egg sacs and retreats. They hunt by wandering in search of prey.
Golden silk spider (Trichonephila c.