Reggae vibes and golden dusted beaches, nowhere does the island life better than Jamaica. This small Caribbean gem offers delights such as the BBQ jerk flavor and world-class coffee, alongside the natural beauty of this tropical paradise. There are 1488 endemic species in Jamaica; from birds and mammals to snakes and commonly encountered spiders in Jamaica.
Jamaica is not often described as a dangerous place even though there are some frightening animals that you may encounter. Every tourist gracing the sandy shores and turquoise waters of this paradise should know what creepy crawlies lurk in the shadows.
Yes, there are several spiders in Jamaica, over 180 species in fact. Some are dangerous and can give a nasty bite, however, most of these eight-legged creatures do their best to avoid humans and keep themselves to themselves. Do you want to know more about these Jamaican arachnids? Here are the nine most commonly seen spiders in Jamaica.
Brown Recluse Spider
Latin Name: Loxosceles Reclusa
Also known as the violin spider, brown recluse spiders are the most dangerous spiders in Jamaica. They have been given this safe-sounding nickname due to the coloring on the brown body. The violin shape does vary greatly from each individual, so other key features are also used for identification, such as:
- Dark brown body and lighter colored legs
- Six eyes in pairs (unlike a typical eight-eyed arachnid)
- Fine hairs across body and legs
- The body is no larger than 1/2 inch in width
This dangerous spider can be found in quiet and typically undisturbed places across Jamaica. So be cautious if you are clearing out the attic or garage, moving dusty boxes from dark places, or shifting rock piles. You may just uncover a residing brown recluse spider.
Brown recluse spiders pack a powerful bite. The venom is 15 times more toxic than a cobra, containing a hemotoxic venom can that can cause large painful wounds and potentially even death if left untreated. In fact, this spider was responsible for a bride’s near-death experience while on her Jamaican honeymoon in 2017.
Widow Spiders
Jamaica has three variations of widow spiders: the black widow, the brown widow, and the red widow. All three are venomous spiders and some of the most dangerous animals in Jamaica.
Black Widow Spider
Latin Name: Latrodectus Mactans
One of the world’s most venomous spider species, the black widow spider is the most iconic and feared arachnid. These spiders are easily recognizable with the red hourglass on the back of the black shiny body; the size ranges from 3mm to 10mm. Black widows can be found in rock piles and dark crevices.
A black widow bite causes nausea, muscle pain, and breathing difficulties. If bitten, medical treatment is advisable and full recovery is possible. Medical treatment in Jamaica is limited, so do your best to avoid a bite from a black widow.
Brown Widow Spider
Latin Name: Lactrodectus Geometricus
Brown widow spiders are twice as venomous as the black widow variety and are commonly found across Jamaica. This is the most venomous spider in Jamaica. However, unlike the aggressive black widow, the brown widow spiders generally withdraw and hide from confrontation.
As the name suggests, these spiders are brownish in color and they have an orange hourglass on the underside. Brown widows pack a powerful neurotoxic venom that can cause death; 15 minutes after a bite, the victim will experience muscular pain throughout the body. This is then followed by muscle cramps, breathing difficulties, anxiety and disorientation, headaches, and seizures.
Red Widow Spider
Latin Name: Lactrodectus Bishopi
The last of the widow spiders in Jamaica, the red widow spider is extremely similar to the black widow species. The venom is of similar potency and has the same side effects. They are more of a reddish-brown and have a triangular hour-glass on the abdomen.
Red widow spiders will only bite humans if they feel threatened or are protecting the nest. This is the largest of the widow spiders, females typically measure between 1.5 – 2 inches across the body.
Banana Spider
Latin Name: Phoneutria Fera
Also known as Brazilian Wandering Spiders, banana spiders are aptly named due to the female’s bright yellow coloring and choice of nesting places. Yes, that is right, banana spiders can be found among banana trees, mostly found on the leaves. Banana trees and banana spiders are common across Jamaica.
Females can grow up to 80mm in body length. The males are tiny in comparison, generally only reaching 0.5mm in body length. Typically, the banana spider stays outdoors, so you don’t need to worry about checking your Jamaican hotel room for these guys.
Banana spiders are poisonous and have peculiar side effects on humans if bitten. The venom attacks the nervous system causing salivation, irregular heartbeat, and prolonged painful erections in men.
Yellow Sac Spider
Latin Name: Cheiracanthium Inclusum
Yellow sac spiders are poisonous and you could get bitten if this spider gets caught up in your clothes. This spider’s venom is cytotoxic which destroys and damages cell function throughout the body. While this venom can be painful, its effects on humans are not severe and will not lead to death.
They can be found in grass, on leaves, and under stones, but they do prefer to be indoors. So watch out for the silken tubes spun by these spiders in wardrobes and room corners. Sizes range from 0.12 inches to 0.6 inches.
Variations of the yellow sac spider can be found across the globe. Typically, these spiders are a pale yellow color.
Wolf Spider
Latin Name: Lycosidae
Wolf spiders are found across the world, including the paradise island of Jamaica and even the Arctic Circle! They are named after the fierce canine due to their hunting, prey stalking, and pouncing characteristics. Typically these spiders are fairly small, not exceeding an inch, and are dark brown with body hair.
These spiders can be found in an assortment of places including both outdoor and indoor spaces, generally under rock piles and leaf litter.
Wolf spiders are venomous, however, the venom is not dangerous to humans (unless you are specifically allergic). If you are bitten, you can expect mild pain, swelling, or itchiness around the bite that shouldn’t last long.
Black House Spider
Latin Name: Badumna Insignis
The black house spider is your classic looking spider – about 1 cm in length, thick dark brown legs, a solid charcoal-grey body, and some feature white indistinct markings on the abdomen. These spiders can be found in an assortment of places across Jamaica:
- tree trunks, logs, and rock walls
- buildings exteriors, in window frames and crevices
- sheds and fences
Interestingly, the females do not leave the nest and eggs until the young have hatched. The spiderlings then leave the nest. The female spiders remain and repair the same web over and over, resulting in some appearing grey and wooly from constant silk addition.
Black house spiders are poisonous but there have not been any reports of fatalities. The biggest risk would be if the bite wound gets infected.
Daddy Long Legs
Latin Name: Pholcidae Phalangioides
Daddy long legs are the most common arachnid in Jamaica. They are also the most venomous, however, due to our size in comparison to the 7-9mm spider, they pose no threat to us and cannot bite humans.
These spiders are often seen in houses and garages. They spin loose webs in sheltered spaces. Besides the annoyance of the web, these spiders are harmless. Daddy long legs feed on other insects and are actually a gardener’s blessing.
Funnel Web Spider
Latin Name: Atracidae
Funnel web spiders are feared across the world, and for good reason too. These are one of the most deadly and poisonous spiders in the world. If a bite is left untreated with an antidote, then death is a strong possibility.
These are large, bulky spiders often growing over 35mm in body size. They have a glossy black head with a dark brown, almost purple, abdomen. The legs also have extremely fine hairs.
Its main diet typically consists of insects, although items as large as frogs and lizards are also on the menu. Funnel web spiders will bite humans if provoked, disturbed, or if they feel threatened. Best to keep your hands to yourself if you come across a funnel web spider in Jamaica!
Huntsman Spider
Latin Name: Sparassidae
Last but not least, we have the largest spider found in Jamaica – the huntsman spider. Some individuals reach a whopping 160mm in leg span. However, despite the scarily large size of these spiders, they are generally inoffensive to humans and stay out of the way. That being said, huntsman spiders are poisonous, though their bite is not fatal to humans.
Huntsman spiders eat a variety of insects, arthropods, small lizards, and frogs. The prey is not captured in a web like most spiders but is actively stalked and run-down with stealth and speed. These spiders are found Jamaica-wide and are usually on tree trunks, under banks, beneath stones, or on the walls of houses.
Identifying a huntsman is fairly straight forward. The body is large and the two back pairs of legs are shorter than the ones at the front. The legs fan out sideways enabling them to walk forwards and sideways often giving them a crab-like appearance, giving them a local nickname of the “crab spider”. Colors vary between brown, black, and grey.
Spider Bite Prevention Tips
- Check your hotel room over when you first check in
- Wear heavy gloves if you need to move things that have been stored for a long time
- Shake out shoes and clothes before wearing them, especially when it’s been kept in a dark place
- Be cautious when working outdoors, moving rock piles or leaf litter
FAQs:
Are there poisonous spiders in Jamaica?
Jamaica does have poisonous spiders hiding in the shadows, along with many other non-poisonous species. This paradise island is home to three variations of widow spiders as well as the funnel web spider. It is best to avoid bites from all spiders in Jamaica with these species in particular.
Are spiders common in Jamaica?
Jamaica is a tropical island where spiders thrive. It is common to see spiders throughout Jamaica, especially in any outdoor setting. While spider sightings are common, spider bites are not so common as they tend to be scared of humans and do their best to avoid contact.
What is the largest spider in Jamaica?
The huntsman spider is the largest type found in Jamaica. These arachnids are often feared due to their alarming size, however, they are not considered as dangerous as other spider species in Jamaica. Huntsman spiders can grow up to 160 mm in leg span and have the unique feature of being able to move sideways, giving them the nickname of ‘Crab Spider’ in Jamaica.
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