White spiders: identification, behavior, and are they poisonous?

Spiders (Araneae) can be creepy. They have eight legs and look like something out of a horror movie. It’s one thing when you see a spider crawling around outside, but it’s another when you are watching TV and a spider the size of your hand is on your ceiling!

White spiders are quite common in Pacific Northwest states like Oregon and Washington and can give homeowners quite the fright. Here’s what you need to know about white spiders.

What is a white spider?

A white spider is any spider that appears white in color, either naturally or due to environmental adaptations. This could include white widow spiders (Steatoda nobilis, not native to the US) and white porch spiders (Cryptachaea gigantipes). However, the term ‘white spider’ most commonly applies to the crab spider or goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia, belonging to the Thomisidae family), which can change between white and yellow to blend in with flowers.

Some spiders may appear white due to genetic variations, giving rise to terms like albino spider or all-white spider.

White spiders vs. crab spiders: what's the difference?

Remember: although the names ‘crab spider’ and ‘white spider’ refer to the same species, not every spider is a crab spider if it is white. After all, it could be a genetic mutation. We’ll learn about that below.

What do crab spiders look like?

Crab spiders, both male and female, can vary in color from white to a fading green or yellow. This makes it very easy for them to blend in with their natural environments. Unlike many spiders, the crab spider does not spin webs to catch predators.

Females differ greatly from males, as the females will have two bright red spots on the abdomen, which can blend in with their lines. Sometimes these spots can even go missing.

Male crab spiders are much smaller and have a green or white abdomen that sometimes features brown stripes. Because of their good vision, crab spiders hide in flowers or other forms of vegetation to seek out prey and quickly attack them, injecting their venom with their thin fangs.

Are white spiders poisonous?

If you come across one of these little white spiders in your home or garden, there is no need for concern. These spiders, although poisonous, prefer to ambush insects rather than interact with and bite people. Their venom is unlikely to be harmful to humans unless there are exceptional circumstances. In fact, a lot of spiders in Oregon and Washington, even the dangerous black widow or the hobo spider, will not attack unless they are greatly provoked.

Do albino spiders and tarantulas exist?

While true albino spiders like the albino tarantula are extremely rare, some spiders may appear white due to genetic mutations or environmental factors. Most often, a spider that looks entirely white is simply a species like the crab spider, which can change color for camouflage. If you spot an all-white spider or small white spider, it is likely a naturally light-colored species rather than a true albino.

Life cycle of a crab spider

Male crab spiders will collect a drop of sperm from their palps or their appendage from their legs and will pass it on to the female reproductive organ known as the epigyne. After reproduction, the female will lay her eggs, fold them into a leaf, and make a cocoon out of the silk she spun. She will then stop eating and watch her eggs over the next three weeks. After the eggs hatch, she will die.

Spiders in Washington

In particular, Washington is home to spiders such as the black widow spider and yellow sac spider, as well as other Washington spiders such as hobo spiders, wolf spiders, house spiders, and jumping spiders. Check out some of the other spiders you might find in the Pacific Northwest.

How to get rid of white spiders

If you have white spiders on your property, the best way to manage them is by making your home less inviting. Keep outdoor lights off at night to avoid attracting insects, which are their primary food source. Sealing cracks and crevices in walls, doors, and windows can prevent small white spiders from entering. Regularly trimming plants and removing clutter from around your home can also reduce hiding spots. If these little white spiders become a frequent sight, Western’s professional spider exterminators can help identify and address the issue effectively. 

White spiders on your property? Contact Western Exterminator!

White crab spiders thrive in moisture, which makes places like Seattle and Portland ideal environments. If you do not take proper precautions, one crab spider can easily become ten, which can lead to a full-blown infestation. If you are experiencing a white crab spider infestation on your property, please contact Western Exterminator today for an inspection.

Frequently asked questions