Most spiders bite only when they feel trapped or threatened—like if they’re pressed against skin or disturbed. A spider’s first line of defense is to flee, not fight. Even the few species capable of biting through human skin rarely inject enough venom to cause more than mild irritation. Bites are extremely rare compared to the countless insects spiders quietly control every day.

Which spiders help control garden pests?

Almost all of them! Jumping spiders, crab spiders, orb weavers, and wolf spiders are voracious predators that feed on flies, mosquitoes, aphids, and other insects. A healthy spider population is one of the best indicators of a balanced garden ecosystem.

Are spiders good for my garden?

Absolutely. Spiders act as natural pest control, keeping populations of insects like beetles, caterpillars, and mosquitoes in check. They also serve as a food source for birds and other wildlife, making them a vital link in the food web.

What’s the difference between a spider and a harvestman?

Harvestmen—also called daddy longlegs—belong to a separate order called Opiliones. Unlike spiders, their head and body are fused into a single round form, they don’t spin silk, and they don’t have venom. They’re harmless scavengers that help clean up decaying matter.

Do all spiders spin webs?

No. Many spiders, such as wolf spiders, jumping spiders, and crab spiders, hunt without webs. Instead, they rely on stealth, camouflage, or agility to catch prey. Even web-builders often leave their silk homes at night to explore or find new hunting grounds.

Why do some spiders have such big eyes?

Spiders that actively hunt—like jumping spiders—rely on keen eyesight to track and pounce on prey. Their large, forward-facing eyes give them excellent depth perception and even color vision, which helps them navigate, recognize mates, and spot movement from afar.

What spiders make funnel webs?

Funnel weavers, including grass spiders in the genus Agelenopsis, build sheet-like webs with a tunnel retreat. They sit hidden inside the funnel, darting out at lightning speed to grab unsuspecting insects that wander across the web. Their webs are often easiest to spot on dewy mornings glistening across the lawn.

12 Common Spiders in North Carolina (and Why They’re Good)

The better you know them, the less you’ll fear them! Here are 11 common spiders and a spider relative you might find in your yard or in nearby natural spaces. From impressive orb webs to sneaky ambush tactics, spiders employ incredible skills to catch their meals and keep garden pests in check.

Yellow Garden Spider

(Argiope aurantia) – an orb weaver

Orb weavers are the Charlottes of the spider world. This striking species can be found anywhere it can spin its impressive web. Females reach up to an inch long (or 3 inches with legs!) and build webs with a zigzag band called a stabilimentum—whose purpose remains a mystery. Most live only one year, reaching full size by fall when they hang right at face level.

Funnel-Web Spiders

(Agelenopsis spp.) – funnel weavers

These large spiders weave sheet-like webs in grass with a funnel-shaped retreat at the center. They race out at lightning speed to capture prey that lands on their trampoline-like web—especially visible on dewy mornings. Harmless and helpful, they shouldn’t be confused with the venomous Australian funnel-webs.

Jumping spider close-up with large eyes and holding prey

Jumping Spiders

(Phidippus spp.) – family Salticidae

Adorably fuzzy and brightly colored, jumping spiders have huge eyes and excellent vision. They pounce on prey like tiny, deadly kittens, using a silk lifeline when they leap. Their curious behavior and elaborate courtship dances make them surprisingly endearing.

Wolf Spider

(Hogna spp.) – family Lycosidae

Fast and agile, wolf spiders chase down their prey instead of using webs. Females carry egg sacs under their spinnerets, and the spiderlings ride on their mother’s back until they can survive on their own. Their eyes reflect light—spot them at night by scanning mulch with a flashlight.

Goldenrod Crab Spider

(Misumena vatia) – family Thomisidae

Named for their sideways walk, crab spiders lie in wait on flowers to ambush pollinators. This species can change color—white, yellow, or pink—to blend perfectly with its floral perch.

Green Lynx Spider

(Peucetia viridans) – family Oxyopidae

Daytime hunters of meadows and gardens, green lynx spiders stalk prey among blossoms. They’re bright green, quick, and can even spit venom when threatened—an unusual skill for a spider!

Sheet-Web Weavers

family Linyphiidae

These small spiders build delicate sheet- or dome-like webs across shrubs and grasses. Their finely woven nets catch tiny flying insects, especially visible when covered in dew.

Cobweb Spiders

including house and widow spiders – family Theridiidae

Over 200 cobweb spider species live in North America, including the familiar house spider and the black widow. They spin messy, tangled webs and help control insect populations around homes and gardens.

Nursery Web / Fishing Spiders

family Pisauridae

These large spiders often live near water. Some can dive or walk on its surface! Females carry egg sacs in their jaws and guard their young in protective webs until their final days.

Long-Jawed Orb Weaver

family Tetragnathidae

Slender-bodied with extra-long legs, these spiders hunt from orb webs near water. During the day, they hide by aligning their legs along grass blades to become nearly invisible.

Trapdoor Spider

(Ummidia audouini)

Burly and tarantula-like, these shy spiders stay hidden in silk-lined tunnels sealed by a trapdoor. Found in the southeastern U.S., they wait patiently underground for prey to pass by.

Harvestmen (Daddy Longlegs)

Order Opiliones

Not actually spiders, harvestmen have fused bodies and don’t spin silk. They use their front legs as feelers and feed on small prey, fungus, and detritus. Despite myths, they are not venomous—and can be found almost anywhere.

Spiders are essential members of healthy ecosystems, helping to balance insect populations and enrich biodiversity. The next time you see one in your garden, take a closer look—you might just find beauty behind the web.

Understanding spiders helps transform fear into fascination. Many are harmless, even helpful, and all are integral to a thriving natural world. If you’d like to learn more about creating a garden that supports beneficial creatures like spiders, send us a message.

Not So Scary: 12 Common Spiders That Help Your Yard Thrive