What Are the Biggest Spiders in Kansas?
The biggest spiders in Kansas all grow about 2 inches or more in total leg length. In fact, Kansas is home to a fair number of big spiders that measure 3 inches or more. We’ll tell you about the largest spiders that call this state home, show you what they look like, and consider whether they are dangerous to human beings. By the time we’re done, you’ll know that they may look scary, but they aren’t that dangerous!
5. American Funnel Web Spider
Despite its very scary-sounding name, another name for this creature is the grass spider. This spider can measure up to 2 inches long, and is known for patterns that somewhat resemble those of wolf spiders. For example, these spiders will often have three light lines of brownish yellow and two dark lines of black that cover their cephalothorax, and two light lines on their cephalothorax. American funnel web spiders have extra-long spinnerets at the end of their abdomen, and some people confuse them for pincers. They’re not, though. Grass spiders are found across the U.S., and they spin horizontal webs on all sorts of vegetation. They can bite human beings, but they don’t cause very much harm. Instead, you’ll be left with some irritation and redness, but otherwise unharmed.
4. Black and Yellow Garden Spider
The black and yellow garden spider is a widely known creature that lives up to its scientific name by having a silvery cephalothorax. It has an abdomen that is covered in yellow, black, and sometimes silver-gray markings. This spider is known for spinning a rather large web that measures up to 2 feet in diameter or even more in some cases. It builds an extra-thick, zig-zag-shaped portion in the middle of the larger web called a stabilimentum. That’s often where you’ll find this spider waiting for prey to fall victim to its web. It may be hard to imagine these spiders are being the biggest spiders in Kansas. However, they do have long legs that help make up for their somewhat short bodies. Their coloration and webs make it easy to spot these spiders, and so does their habit of living near human settlements. They’ll build their webs in vegetation like bushes, tall grass, shrubs, and in the eaves of a home. Although they may rush out to see what is disturbing their web should you run into it, they can’t hurt you much. A bite from this spider results in pain and swelling, but little else.
3. Carolina Wolf Spider
The Carolina wolf spider’s legs are slightly shorter or equal to that of the dark fishing spider. That makes it one of the biggest spiders in Kansas. This spider often instills fear in people because it is big, sometimes dark, and may get into people’s houses. It finds shelter in the dark recesses of your home, and it often finds prey there too. These wolf spiders can be black, gray, brown, tan, and white. They have a distinct cephalothorax that features a lighter brown or gray color on the outside followed by two dark stripes on the interior, and a much smaller light stripe running down the middle. The abdomen is practically the opposite with dark marks on the outside, two lighter bands, and a darker pattern in the middle. The Carolina wolf spider can bite humans, and that bite causes pain and swelling in most cases. Some people are allergic to these bites, and they can suffer more serious side effects. Most of the time, it’s easy to avoid these spiders, but it’s never run seeing one run in your peripheral vision!
2. Dark Fishing Spider
Like other members of the Dolomedes genus, the dark fishing spider is very large. These spiders have a total leg length that measures close to 4.5 inches! That size makes many people afraid of them when they spot these creatures by water or trees, where they can often be found. However, they are very hesitant to bite anything as large as a human without coaxing. If you get bitten by a dark fishing spider, it will hurt as though you received a bee sting. Dark fishing spiders have beautiful colors, often light and dark brown in a mottled pattern. You will find a few distinct W-shaped markings on their abdomen. That’s if you can get close to these fast spiders. They’re hunters, after all, and they don’t like to stick around in one spot unless they’re feeding. That goes double when humans are around.
1. Texas Brown Tarantula
The Texas brown tarantula is the biggest spider in Kansas. This tarantula sometimes has common names that identify it such as the Oklahoma tarantula. Either way, it’s a large, brown spider with a heavy body and a large abdomen. The spider’s carapace is usually reddish brown or a lighter brown than the rest of the body. The legs and abdomen are best described as a chocolate brown color. Texas brown tarantulas are usually found under some kind of large object, like rocks or logs. That way, they can hide and ambush their prey, something they do with surprising quickness. If you don’t want where you’re putting your hand, you can get bitten by one of these spiders. A tarantula bite will hurt because they have fairly large fangs. You’ll experience pain and swelling along with the possibility of an infection from the punctures. Other than that, you’ll be okay. The biggest spiders in Kansas are not going to do any lasting damage to humans. However, the brown recluse and black widow are truly dangerous species that can inflict serious wounds on people. The yellow sac spider can also cause some serious harm, but not as bad as the brown recluse and black widow. Learn how to identify these spiders in Kansas and make sure you stay away from them. That way, you, your pets, and your family can stay safe.
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