What Spiders Are in Hawaii?
WouterA little over two hundred species of spiders live in Hawaii. These insects have an important role in the ecosystem of the islands. They are typically found in forests and gardens. Some are invasive, while others are native to the islands. While some species are dangerous, many are not.
One of the most common spiders in Hawaii is the Grey House Spider. This species resembles a crab and is usually found in a web. The female is larger than the male.
Another interesting species in Hawaii is the Hawaiian happy-face spider. It is an orb weaver. It can be found in a variety of colors. Mostly, it eats small flies. During the day, it will cling to the underside of large plant leaves. At night, it will forage for food.
Although it’s not poisonous, the bite of the Bold or Daring Jumping Spider can cause swelling. If you are attacked by one of these spiders, you should not try to move.
Another dangerous species is the Southern Black Widow. Though not as deadly as the black widow, its venom is still very powerful. Like the black widow, the Southern Black Widow has been found in Hawaii.
Hawaii has some other interesting spider species, including the spiny-backed orb weaver and the Kauai cave wolf spider. Both are blind creatures that eat rotting plant matter.
There is also the Kauai cave amphipod, a crustacean that is harmless to humans. When the creature sees a meal, it will use its special hairs to detect it.
