This page lists 3 spiders.
2 are venomous by official accounts.
Not every species: no complete official list of Arizona spiders exists, so this page covers the ones state and Extension sources name. How lists are built.
Which spiders can hurt you
Official sources single out these spiders in Arizona, in their own words:
Venom: “In Arizona, the two most common venomous spiders are the Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus) and Arizona Recluse (Loxosceles arizonica).” (University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County)
Habitat: Arizona brown spiders normally nest in protected areas, such as under wood or dead cacti in the desert, their native habitat. (University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County)
Venom: “In Arizona, the two most common venomous spiders are the Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus) and Arizona Recluse (Loxosceles arizonica).” (University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County)
Habitat: Black widow spi-ders are shy and secretive and found in seldom-disturbed areas. (University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County)
No confirmed photo of Tarantulas
Tarantulas
Not stated
Venom
No official source we use states whether this animal is venomous. That does not mean it is harmless: do not handle it.
When spiders are active in Arizona
Records of spiders in Arizona peak in June to September. They show when people record spiders, not how many there are (about month bars).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2,076 records of spiders in Arizona by month (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records).
If you are bitten or stung
Call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Poison Help connects you to your local poison center, any time of day.
“Arizona brown spiders are often mistaken for the brown recluse spider, which is not a normal resident of Arizona. The only brown recluse spiders found here are the ones who have been brought into the state in luggage or other belongings of people who recently come from regions where it does occur.”
Backyard Gardener #177: Spiders. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County. June 12, 2024; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“In Arizona, the two most common venomous spiders are the Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus) and Arizona Recluse (Loxosceles arizonica).”
“There are two spiders locally, the black widow spider and the Arizona brown spider, that can cause serious medical problems.”
“Arizona brown spiders are often mistaken for the brown recluse spider, which is not a normal resident of Arizona. The only brown recluse spiders found here are the ones who have been brought into the state in luggage or other belongings of people who recently come from regions where it does occur.”
Bees, Spiders & Other Bugs. Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (University of Arizona College of Pharmacy). 2026 (footer copyright; checked November 3, 2026.
