British Spiders that Bite

Bad news for arachnophobes, there are actually over a dozen species of spiders native to the UK that are capable of inflicting a painful bite! Granted that’s not many considering there are in the region of 650 species of spider found in the UK. Whilst most of these species are completely indigenous there are several that have been unintentionally introduced and have gained a foothold, the prime example being the false widows.

All spiders are venomous to some degree, they use it to immobilise their prey. What will define the severity of the bite is the potency of the venom, how much is delivered and how deep the fangs penetrate. The majority of spiders simply don’t have large enough fangs to pierce human skin. The list below contains species that have all be recorded as biting a person in the UK. All reports show only mild symptoms and no more pain than a wasp sting for any on the list.

British biting spiders

Tube web spider (Segestria florentina)

This large, glossy black spider with green iridescent fangs is one of the UK’s most powerful biters. Originally from southern Europe, it now thrives in the south of England, often making tubular webs in walls or gaps in masonry. Its bite can be painful, like a bee sting, but is not medically significant.

Garden spider (Araneus diadematus)

Recognisable by the white cross on its back (aka cross spider), this brown or orange orb-weaver is very common in UK gardens and hedgerows. It spins large circular webs in late summer and early autumn when it can become quite large. Bites are extremely rare and generally harmless, causing only mild redness or irritation if they occur.

Lace weaver spider (Amaurobius similis)

This brown spider with a mottled abdomen is often mistaken for the false widow. It is commonly found in walls, sheds, and under logs. It spins messy lace-like webs – hence the name. Bites are rare but can cause mild pain or redness, especially if the spider is trapped against the skin.

Woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata)

Easily identified by its reddish body and large fangs, this spider is certainly one of the scariest looking British spiders. It uses those fangs to prey on woodlice. The woodlouse spider lives under stones, logs, and plant pots in damp areas. It can bite if handled, and the bite may feel sharp due to its strong fangs, but it’s not dangerous.

Black lace weaver spider (Amaurobius ferox)

Closely related to the lace weaver, but darker, with a shiny black head and larger body. This spider is often found in crevices around buildings. Females are protective of their egg sacs, and bites can happen if disturbed. Pain is mild and short-lived.

Walnut orb-weaver spider (Nuctenea umbratica)

This flat, dark brown spider with a wrinkled, leaf-like abdomen, hides under bark and windowsills by day, emerging at night to hunt. It is widespread across the UK. Bites are rare but may cause slight localised pain or itching.

Mouse spider (Scotophaeus blackwalli)

With a greyish, velvety body and long legs, the mouse spider gets its name from its fast, mouse-like movements. It lives in homes and sheds and hunts at night. Bites are uncommon and mild, sometimes causing a slight sting.

Bark sac spider (Clubiona corticalis)

This small, pale orange or brown spider lives under loose bark and in leaf litter. It’s name comes from the silken sacs it builds to rest in. It may bite if provoked, but the bite is mild, with symptoms similar to a nettle sting that fade quickly.

Wasp spider (Argiope bruennichi)

With bright yellow and black stripes, the female wasp spider stands out in the meadows and grasslands of southern England. It is not aggressive and only bites when mishandled. The bite is rare and comparable to (you guessed!) a mild wasp sting.

Stone spider (Drassodes lapidosus)

A ground-dwelling hunter, this brownish-grey spider hides under stones or in leaf litter. It is fast-moving and nocturnal. It can bite if disturbed, causing a small prick or slight irritation, but it’s not considered harmful.

Rustic wolf spider (Trochosa ruricola)

A sturdy, brown spider with a stripe down its body, the wolf spider lives in grassy areas, gardens, and woodland edges. It doesn’t spin webs but instead hunts on foot. Bites are rare and result in minor symptoms if they occur.

Fen raft spider (Dolomedes plantarius)

The raft spider merits a place on our list on size alone; of the UK’s largest spiders, it can measure 7cm across. It is found in wetland areas like fens and marshes, especially in parts of East Anglia and South Wales. It can walk on water and catch small aquatic prey such as tadpoles and even small fish. Bites are extremely rare and not harmful to humans.

Money spider (Linyphiidae)

This group includes many tiny spiders often seen on clothes or plants. Usually glossy black or dark brown and less than 5mm long, they’re found across the UK. The name comes from the idea that these little spiders are bringers of good fortune. However, it has been suggested that these little critters can bite, although reports are mixed.

Giant house spider (Tegenaria gigantea)

Often seen indoors in autumn, this large, very fast-moving brown spider causes alarm due to its size. However, it prefers to avoid people, hiding in corners, sheds, and basements. Bites are very rare and not serious – usually no worse than a mild scratch.

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Generally speaking you would have to be pretty unlucky to be bitten by a spider. All the years of persecuting spiders as a child I was never bitten even if I deserved it for turning a few into ‘raisins’ (sorry about that!). There are no spiders native to Great Britain that can be considered aggressive. They will not attack you only biting as a last resort if they are mishandled or trapped in clothing. So forget all those stories of spiders jumping at their unwary victims and chasing them!

Whilst none of the spiders listed above will give a bite as painful as the false widow the same treatment is recommended to prevent infection and minimise symptoms.

Other bugs that bite

Whilst spiders seem to get the worse rap for biting there are quite a few other bugs and insects native to the UK which can also give a nasty nip. Top of the list are wasps, hornets and bees which are far more dangerous than any spider and cause around 10 deaths a year in the UK (primarily through allergic reactions).

More surprising maybe is the humble ladybird. The most likely species to give you a nip is the harlequin ladybird which is more aggressive. That said, all ladybirds can bite.

Several species of ant are also able to inflict a painful sting. Red ants, wood ants and flying ants can all sting. A single sting may not cause much bother but multiple bites will certainly cause some discomfort.

There are plenty of other creepy crawlies out there far more likely to bite than any of the above. The ones that are after your blood! Ticks, mosquitoes, midges and bedbugs are all much more of a problem than any spider. But lets face it that just isn’t as exciting as an eight-legged, venomous black widow look-alike with a skull on its back!