Common spiders in Massachusetts include common house spiders, hacklemesh weavers, black and yellow garden spiders, orchard orbweavers, nursery web spiders, and barn funnel weavers. Some of these spiders are native to Massachusetts, while others are imports from Europe that have become widespread.
The Southern black widow is the only dangerous spider found in Massachusetts. Other spiders with resident populations in the state include grass spiders, cross orbweavers, banded garden spiders, broad faced sac spiders, ant mimic spiders, dark fishing spiders, six-spotted fishing spiders, eastern parson spiders, woodlouse hunters, Carolina wolf spiders, goldenrod crab spiders, bold jumpers, zebra jumpers, and spitting spiders. Most of these spiders destroy harmful insects and are beneficial to humans.
