Banana spiders are large, brightly coloured spiders known for their striking yellow or golden bodies and long legs. They spin strong, intricate webs with a golden tint and are commonly found in warm tropical and subtropical regions. The most recognised banana spider is the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver, often seen in places like Florida. While their size can be intimidating, most banana spiders are harmless to humans, with mild venom that only affects their prey, such as insects. They help control insect populations and are generally non-aggressive.

8 Types of Banana Spiders

Here are 8 types of banana spiders commonly recognised, each with unique characteristics:

1. Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Nephila clavipes)
   Appearance: Large, with a golden or yellowish hue on their web silk.
   Habitat: Found in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in the southeastern U.S.
   Notable Feature: Creates one of the strongest webs, which can trap large insects and even small birds.
2. Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria)
   Appearance: Brown with black spots on their legs and body.
   Habitat: Native to South America, commonly found in banana shipments, giving them their nickname.
   Notable Feature: Highly venomous and considered one of the most dangerous spiders in the world.
3. Cupiennius Salei
   Appearance: Brownish with red hairs on their legs.
   Habitat: Central and South America, often confused with Brazilian Wandering Spiders due to their banana-associated habits.
   Notable Feature: Non-venomous to humans, despite their size and appearance.
4. Giant Golden Orb Weaver (Nephila pilipes)
   Appearance: Females can grow up to 2 inches with long, spindly legs.
   Habitat: Southeast Asia and parts of Australia.
   Notable Feature: Their large golden webs, which can span several feet, are an impressive sight.
5. Hawaiian Garden Spider (Argiope appensa)
   Appearance: Black and yellow body with distinctive markings.
   Habitat: Commonly found in Hawaii and other Pacific islands.
   Notable Feature: Their web features a zig-zag pattern known as stabilimentum.
6. Red-Backed Banana Spider (Trichonephila inaurata)
   Appearance: Black and yellow body with a prominent red mark on the back.
   Habitat: Native to the islands of the Indian Ocean, including Madagascar.
   Notable Feature: Its striking red back differentiates it from other orb-weaving banana spiders.
7. Joro Spider (Trichonephila clavata)
   Appearance: Bright yellow, black, and blue bands on their legs.
   Habitat: Originally from East Asia, but recently introduced to parts of the southeastern U.S.
   Notable Feature: Known for building webs in urban areas, often near homes or gardens.
8. Common Garden Orb Weaver (Eriophora transmarina)
   Appearance: Brownish or grey with a fat, round body.
   Habitat: Found across Australia and the Pacific regions.
   Notable Feature: Often confused with banana spiders due to their size and web-weaving habits, but not technically a “banana spider.”

Banana Spiders

Banana spiders are a group of large, colourful spiders commonly found in warm climates around the world. Their name comes from their bright yellow colouring, which resembles the colour of a banana, and not because they are attracted to bananas. There are several types of spiders that are referred to as banana spiders, including the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Nephila), which is the most recognised species.

Key Facts about Banana Spiders:

• Appearance: They have striking yellow or golden silk webs and bodies that can vary from yellow to greenish hues. The female banana spiders are significantly larger than the males, often growing up to 2 inches in body length.
• Webs: Their webs are large, intricate, and extremely strong, with a golden tint to the silk. The webs can span several feet, often seen in gardens or forested areas.
• Habitat: Banana spiders prefer tropical and subtropical regions. They are commonly found in South America, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the southern United States.
• Diet: They primarily feed on insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and even small birds or bats in rare cases. They are non-aggressive and will generally only bite if provoked.

Are They Dangerous?

While banana spiders look intimidating due to their size, they are generally harmless to humans. Their bite can cause mild pain, swelling, or an allergic reaction, but they are not considered medically significant.

Banana Spider Florida

The banana spider in Florida is primarily the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Nephila clavipes). It’s the most common banana spider species found in the state and is well-known for its impressive webs and vibrant appearance. Here’s what you need to know about it:

Key features of the banana spider in Florida:

• Appearance: The female Golden Silk Orb-Weaver is much larger than the male, with body lengths up to 2 inches. They have a yellowish body with brown or greenish accents, and their legs often have tufts of hair. The males are smaller and less colourful.
• Webs: Their webs are particularly large and strong, with a distinctive golden hue to the silk, which is where they get their name. These webs can span several feet across, making them one of the largest orb-weaving species in Florida.
• Habitat: Golden Silk Orb-Weavers are commonly found in woodlands, gardens, and near bodies of water. In Florida, they thrive in humid, warm environments, especially in the southern parts of the state.
• Behaviour: Despite their size and somewhat intimidating appearance, they are not aggressive. They only bite if threatened or provoked, and their bite is relatively harmless to humans, causing mild pain or irritation similar to a bee sting.
• Diet: They feed on a variety of insects, including flies, beetles, and even small vertebrates like frogs and birds in rare cases.

Where to Find Them in Florida:

• Natural Areas: Golden Silk Orb-Weavers are often found in Florida’s forests, parks, and wetlands.
• Suburban Gardens: They also build their webs near homes and gardens, especially in areas with vegetation that provides support for their large webs.

Are banana spiders dangerous in Florida?

No, the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver in Florida is not dangerous to humans. Their venom is not harmful unless someone has an allergic reaction, which is rare. They play an important role in controlling insect populations, so they are considered beneficial for the environment.

What do banana spiders look like?

Banana spiders have a striking and distinctive appearance that varies slightly between species, but they are generally known for their bright colours, long legs, and large size. Here’s a breakdown of their appearance:

General Appearance of Banana Spiders:

Size:

• Females: Typically much larger than males, with body lengths ranging from 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm). Including leg span, they can reach up to 4-5 inches (10-12 cm).
• Males: Much smaller, often only a fraction of the female’s size, with bodies about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).

Body Colour:

• Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Nephila clavipes): Most banana spiders are known for their yellow, golden, or greenish body colour. The females typically have yellow or golden hues on their abdomen with darker, brown or black markings.
• Brazilian Wandering Spider: Brown with black spots on their legs and body.
• Other Species: Some banana spiders have distinct markings or patches, such as a red stripe, depending on the species.

Legs:

• Long and spindly, often with tufts of hair or bands of colour. The legs of Golden Silk Orb-Weavers are dark with yellow or orange bands, making them easily recognisable.
• Their legs are covered with fine hairs, giving them a somewhat spiky appearance.

Web:

• While the web isn’t part of their body, it’s a key feature that helps identify banana spiders. The Golden Silk Orb-Weaver spins large, intricate webs with a distinctive golden hue, adding to their vibrant look.

Eyes:

• Like most spiders, banana spiders have eight eyes, but they are arranged in two rows. Despite having many eyes, their vision is poor, and they rely more on vibrations in their webs to detect prey.

Differences Between Males and Females:

• Females are larger, more colourful, and build the web.
• Males are smaller, less colourful, and often stay on the edges of the female’s web.

In summary, banana spiders stand out due to their size, vibrant yellow and golden hues, long legs, and the impressive webs they create. Despite their intimidating appearance, most banana spiders are not dangerous to humans.

Where Do Banana Spiders Live?

Banana spiders are typically found in warm, tropical, and subtropical regions around the world. Their specific habitats vary depending on the species, but they generally thrive in areas with high humidity and plenty of vegetation to support their large webs.

Common Locations Where Banana Spiders Live:

North and South America:

The Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Nephila clavipes) is commonly found in the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. They can also be found throughout Central and South America, including countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Costa Rica.
The Brazilian Wandering Spider is native to the rainforests of Brazil and other parts of South America. This spider has also earned the nickname “banana spider” because it has been known to hide in shipments of bananas.

Southeast Asia and Australia: The Giant Golden Orb-Weaver (Nephila pilipes), a type of banana spider, is native to Southeast Asia and parts of Australia, particularly in rainforests and woodlands.
These spiders thrive in humid climates, building their large webs between trees, bushes, or man-made structures.

Pacific Islands: The Hawaiian Garden Spider (Argiope appensa) is found throughout the Pacific Islands, including Hawaii. These spiders are often seen in gardens and forests.

Indian Ocean Islands: The Red-Backed Banana Spider (Trichonephila inaurata) lives in the Indian Ocean region, particularly on islands like Madagascar, Mauritius, and Réunion. This spider prefers tropical forests where it can build large webs in open spaces.

Typical Habitats:

• Forests and Woodlands: banana spiders often live in warm, humid environments with plenty of trees and plants. Their webs are typically spun between tree branches, shrubs, or man-made structures like fences.
• Gardens and Backyards: In suburban or rural areas, banana spiders often make their homes in gardens, near houses, or in parks where there are plants or structures to support their webs.
• Wetlands and Swamps: In places like Florida, banana spiders also live near wetlands and swampy areas, where moisture levels are high.
• Urban Areas: Some species, like the Joro Spider, have adapted to urban environments, building webs near homes or other buildings in warmer climates.

Summary of Key Locations:

• Southeastern U.S. (especially Florida)
• Central and South America (e.g., Brazil, Argentina)
• Southeast Asia (e.g., Thailand, Malaysia)
• Australia
• Pacific Islands (e.g., Hawaii)
• Indian Ocean Islands (e.g., Madagascar)

Are banana spiders venomous?

Yes, banana spiders are venomous, but the level of danger they pose to humans depends on the species. Most banana spiders, like the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Nephila clavipes), have venom that is mild and not harmful to humans, while some species, like the Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria), are highly venomous and pose significant risks.

Different Banana Spider Species and Their Venom:

Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Nephila clavipes):

Venom: This spider has venom that is toxic to its prey, such as insects, but it poses little danger to humans.
Effect on Humans: A bite may cause mild symptoms such as redness, slight pain, itching, and swelling, similar to a bee sting. It is not life-threatening, and most people experience no significant health issues.
Bite Severity: They are non-aggressive and only bite in self-defence when threatened or handled roughly.

Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria):

Venom: This is one of the most venomous spiders in the world, and its venom contains neurotoxins that can affect the nervous system.
Effect on Humans: A bite from this spider can cause intense pain, swelling, increased heart rate, and, in severe cases, paralysis or death if untreated. However, antivenom is available, and bites rarely result in death with prompt medical attention.
Bite severity: These spiders are more aggressive than orb-weavers and are known to wander at night, which increases the risk of human encounters.

Cupiennius Salei (often confused with banana spiders):

Venom: Though large and intimidating, this spider’s venom is mild and not harmful to humans.
Effect on Humans: Its bite may cause minor pain and swelling but is otherwise harmless.

Joro Spider (Trichonephila clavata):

Venom: Like the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver, the Joro spider’s venom is effective at immobilising prey but is not harmful to humans.
Effect on Humans: Bites are rare and generally result in only mild discomfort if they occur.

Summary of Danger to Humans:

Most banana spiders, such as the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver and Joro Spider, have venom that is only harmful to their prey (like insects). Their bite may cause mild, temporary symptoms in humans but is not dangerous.
The Brazilian Wandering Spider, however, is an exception. Its venom is dangerous to humans and can lead to serious medical issues if not treated quickly.
While most banana spiders are non-aggressive and pose little threat, it’s always a good idea to avoid handling them or disturbing their webs.

How to Get Rid of Banana Spiders

Getting rid of banana spiders can be done effectively using a combination of methods, but it’s important to remember that most species, like the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver, are beneficial because they help control insect populations. If you still need to remove them due to their large webs or proximity to your home, here’s how you can do it safely and humanely:

1. Remove Webs Regularly

• Step-by-Step:
  • Use a long broom or stick to knock down their webs. Make sure to do this carefully, and ideally in the morning or evening when the spiders are less active.
  • Disrupting the web will encourage the spider to relocate elsewhere. You may need to repeat this several times until the spider moves.
• Precaution: Always wear gloves and protective clothing in case the spider feels threatened and attempts to bite.

2. Reduce Insects Around Your Home

• Banana spiders build webs where there is an abundance of food, usually insects. Reducing the insect population around your home will make the area less attractive to them.
• Methods:
  • Install outdoor lights that attract fewer insects, like yellow “bug lights.”
  • Use natural insect repellents or traps to decrease the number of insects around your home.
  • Keep outdoor garbage sealed to avoid attracting flies and other bugs.

3. Trim Vegetation

• Banana spiders prefer areas with ample vegetation where they can anchor their large webs. Regularly trimming trees, shrubs, and bushes near your home will reduce places where they can spin their webs.
• Step-by-Step:
  • Keep grass trimmed short.
  • Prune overgrown bushes and trees, especially near entryways, windows, or patios.

4. Seal Gaps and Cracks

• Spiders, including banana spiders, can enter homes through cracks in walls, doors, or windows.
• How to Prevent Entry
  • Seal any gaps in window frames, doors, and around vents.
  • Install or repair door sweeps and weather stripping.
  • Use fine mesh screens on windows and doors to keep spiders from getting inside.

5. Use Natural Repellents

• Essential Oils: Spiders dislike the smell of certain essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spray the areas where spiders are commonly found.
• Vinegar Spray: A mixture of vinegar and water (1:1) can also be sprayed on webs or areas where spiders are seen to deter them.

6. Spider Traps

• Sticky traps, designed for insects and spiders, can help catch any banana spiders wandering indoors or near areas like windows or doors.
• Where to Place Traps:
  • Along walls, corners, and entry points where spiders are likely to travel.

7. Use Insecticides (As a Last Resort)

• While it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals, if you have a large infestation or if banana spiders are becoming a serious issue, insecticides can be used. Look for spider-specific sprays or general pest control products that are safe for outdoor use.
• Precaution: Follow all label instructions carefully and keep children and pets away from treated areas.

8. Relocate the Spiders

• If you don’t want to kill the spider, you can use a jar and a piece of cardboard to gently capture the spider and relocate it to a nearby wooded or grassy area.
• How to Relocate:
  • Place the jar over the spider, gently slide the cardboard underneath, and carry the spider outside.
  • Release it far from your home in an area where it won’t return.

9. Professional Pest Control

• If you’re dealing with a large population of banana spiders or feel uncomfortable removing them yourself, a professional pest control service can assess the situation and recommend the safest removal method.

Preventive Measures:

• Keep Areas Clean: Regularly sweep and clean outdoor spaces like porches, patios, and garages to discourage spiders from building webs.
• Turn Off Outdoor Lights: Lights attract insects, which in turn attract banana spiders. Try to minimise the use of bright lights outside at night.

Important Considerations:

• Most banana spiders, like the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver, are beneficial to the environment, as they help control insect populations.
• They are not aggressive, so they pose little threat unless handled or disturbed.