Many people are terrified of spiders and find them extremely creepy. This is unfortunate because not only are most spiders completely harmless, they benefit our environment by controlling the insect population. Before we begin, I want you to know that the list below is just a fraction of the spiders in Egypt. Because of the sheer number of these arachnids, it would be impossible to cover them all.
Let’s explore some of the spiders you might encounter in Egypt, from the solitary Velvet Spiders to the speedy Huntsman Spiders and the much-misunderstood Camel Spiders.
Everything You Didn’t Know About Wolf Spiders
Velvet Spiders (Eresidae)
Velvet Spiders is the common name given to all spiders in the Eresidae family. There are nearly 100 different species in nine genera. Six of those species can be found in Egypt and three of those belong to the Stegodyphus genus. Their name is derived from the Ancient Greek word stegos, meaning “covered”. Velvet Spiders are covered in thick, glossy hair.
Egyptian Pink Velvet Spiders are typically solitary critters, living alone in separate nests. They build their silken nests in vegetation and prefer higher places in the wind and sun. The webs are cluttered with plant debris.
The spiders feed mostly on flies (which is one reason they are welcome in my house), but will also eat wasps, ants, butterflies, moths, lacewings, antlions, and beetles. The Velvet Spiders in my garden eat a lot of African Caper White Butterflies (Belenois aurota). The Velvet Spiders use the stickiness of their webs and their venom to subdue their prey.
Read also: A Guide to South African Spiders
Female Egyptian Pink Velvet Spiders create a round, light yellow-colored egg sac that they keep under their back legs. Spiderlings cannot emerge from this sac on their own; the mother uses her fangs to open the sac. The mother feeds her young spiderlings by regurgitation for several days. Before feeding themselves to their young, Egyptian Pink Velvet Spiders may also be preyed upon by Oriental Hornets (Vespa orientalis) and Mole Crickets (Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa).
The spiders can also be killed by pompilid wasps. These wasps, in the Pompilidae family, are also known as spider wasps or spider-hunting wasps because they capture spiders for their larvae to feed on. When the wasp finds a spider, they attack, paralyze it and carry it back to their larvae. Some pompilid wasps, however, after paralyzing the spider, lay their egg inside the spider’s body. When the larva hatches, it emerges from the spider’s body and eats it. Then the larva will spin itself a cocoon in which to complete its metamorphosis into an adult wasp.
Many years ago, one of my Freds was a victim of a spider wasp. Sad, but fascinating!
Fun Fact: The Bedouin of South Sinai “have devised their own version of a primitive vaccine that is believed to provide their children with immunity against venomous stings of scorpions and wasps.” The process of immunization differs among tribes, but for the Jebaliya tribe, it involves collecting, roasting, and grinding a spider wasp and a young Death Stalker scorpion along with a bit of sugar. To this powder, spit from someone believed capable of passing on their immunity is added. *Aly, D. & Khalil, R. (2011). Wildlife in South Sinai. Cairo.Funded by the E.U. in cooperation with G.O.S.S.
Huntsman Spiders (Sparassidae)
This is a spider in the huntsman family of spiders (Sparassidae), specifically Eusparassus walckenaeri. There are 33 spiders in the Eusparassus genus, and they can be found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Peru. Huntsman spiders are known for their incredible speed. In fact, it’s because of their lightning speed that the Jebeleya Bedouin call them beraira.
Read also: Spiders of Morocco: A Guide
These huntsman spiders are large with flat bodies that are dark brown to orange-brown in color, with a pattern of spots and chevrons. The bodies can be from 1 to 2.5 cm in length, with the females being larger. The legs have dark bands of color and, although the legs of most spiders are perpendicular to their bodies, the legs of huntsman spiders are not. Their legs are angled and twisted in such a way that they move with a sideways crab-like motion.
Huntsman spiders are nocturnal hunters and feed on small and large insects, especially cockroaches, so a spider would be a welcome find in your home! And there’s no reason to be afraid of them; their venom won’t hurt you.
While these spiders may be imposing hunters, they are, of course, prey to other animals, especially to a family of wasps known as “spider wasps” (Pompilidae). A female spider wasp uses its venomous sting to paralyze a spider and then drags the spider to her nest or burrow. There, she lays an egg on the spider, which is anesthetized but alive. The wasp larva hatches and proceeds to feed on the spider, saving the vital organs for last, until it finally spins a cocoon and eventually emerges as an adult wasp.
These huntsman spiders can be found in open ground, but I have never spotted one in the wadis. They can also be found indoors and I’m pretty sure I have seen (some species of) huntsman spiders scuttle through the communal seating area of a camp in Ras Sidr.
Camel Spiders (Solifugae)
Camel spiders, sun spiders, barrel spiders, wind scorpions - all of these common names for Galeodes arabs are misleading as these fascinating critters are neither spiders nor scorpions but rather solpugids, a group of arachnids in the order Solifugae. More appropriately, they are also commonly known as Egyptian Giant Solpugids.
Read also: Identifying Spiders in Kenya
You may have heard of them; camel spiders have been the subject of many urban legends about their size, speed, and appetite. Camel spiders can grow up to 15 cm long. They have eight legs, as do most arachnids, plus two large pedipalps, or sensory appendages, in the front that look like legs. (The one I spotted was missing its front right leg.) These pedipalps have a “friction-based adhesive quality” that allows the them to grasp their prey and climb smooth surfaces.
Camel spiders have one pair of small eyes on the top of their heads and, with their eight legs, can move quite quickly - up to 16 kph! These solpugids are voracious predators and eat insects, rodents, lizards, and even small birds. Their favorite prey are grasshoppers though.
Camel spiders have two powerful chelicerae, or jaws, that they use to chop or saw their prey into a pulp. They begin by partially severing the neck, using one pair of chelicerae to hold the prey and the other to cut. Alternating the movements quickly between the two pairs of chelicerae, they continue along the whole body. At the same time, they use regurgitated digestive fluids to liquefy the flesh and suck up the nutrients. These two distinctive jaws give rise to the name used by the Jebeliya Bedouin for camel spiders - abu hanakain, the father of two mouths.
Solifugae, the order these camel spiders belong to, means those who flee from the sun in Latin. These solpugids often seek shade from the intense desert sun in a person’s shadow and may seem to be “chasing” a person, but really all they want is a break from the heat.
Common Misconceptions: Rumors suggest camel spiders can kill camels, scream while running, or inject venom. All false. While their bite is painful, they are not venomous and not deadly to humans.
Tut Masr Co. - Exporters of Camel Spiders
Tut Masr Co. is Egypt’s most trusted name in the export of exotic reptiles and arachnids. Specializing in Egyptian species, we’ve built a reputation for quality, professionalism, and global reach. We export a wide range of species, including Solifugae (Black Camel Spider), agamas, geckos, snakes, and more. Our handling team is trained to ensure spiders are collected, packed, and shipped under optimal conditions.
Why Choose Tut Masr?
- 100% Ethical and Legal Sourcing
- Competitive Pricing and Transparency
- Global Shipping and Reliable Handling
Shipping live arachnids requires skill and care. Tut Masr uses temperature-regulated packaging, moisture control, and breathable enclosures to ensure the spiders arrive healthy and active. We comply with all Egyptian wildlife export laws. You’ll get all necessary documentation for customs and import.
Camel Spider
Other Spider Species in Egypt
Here are some additional spider species found in Egypt:
- Brown Widow: The coloring is mottled tan and brown with black accent markings. On the sides of the abdomen, there are three diagonal stripes. The Brown Widow employs a neurotoxic venom, causing pain, muscle rigidity, vomiting, and sweating. Females create webs in isolated, safe locations near houses and branch-heavy woods. One of the easiest ways to identify these spiders in Egypt is to look for their egg sacs.
- Tropical Tent-web Spider: Females are 10 to 15 mm (0.3-0.5 in) long. Color variations in females are typical - some are brown, while others have black and white markings on their abdomen. The Tropical Tent-web Spider makes an unusual web that resembles mesh curtains. Prey is deflected onto the orb-web by a network of threads that support the orb-web and form a tent. This species spends most of its time on its complex web. These spiders can be hard to find in Egypt because they are nocturnal, which keeps them hidden from predators throughout the day. Tropical Tent-web spiders catch prey in three distinct phases. In the initial stage, the spider bites or wraps its prey in silk to incapacitate it. Then, they remove it from the web itself and carry the prey to the hub of the web. Finally, once they reach the safety of the center of the web, they consume their meal.
- Banded Garden Spider: Also known as the Banded Orb Weaving Spider. This species has an oval abdomen and bright body markings. The back of the abdomen is pale yellow with silvery hairs and lateral bands of black stripes. Males are usually paler, sometimes even white. Adult females are around 13 to 14.5 mm (0.51-0.57 in) long. Males are considerably smaller, reaching only ⅓ of the females’ length. The Banded Garden Spider builds an enormous web, typically around 60 cm (23.6 in) in diameter. The web itself is sticky and strong, able to hold very large insects like wasps and grasshoppers. One interesting feature of their webs is the so-called “stabilimentum,” a vertical zigzag pattern made from dense silk. Researchers think this feature is a way to attract insects that the Banded Garden spider eats. The female can usually be found resting at the center of the web, facing downwards. They face their webs east-to-west to take advantage of the rising and setting sun and hang in the center with their dark underside facing south. All this allows them to gain as much warmth as possible, enabling them to stay active later in the year. These spiders rarely bite humans in Egypt and are not aggressive. If disturbed, they may drop from the center of their web.
- Adanson’s House Jumper: Males have more colorful bodies, with black abdomen color and two white crescents on their bodies. Both sexes have long legs covered with spines and hairs. The Adanson’s House Jumper lives in warm climates all over Egypt. Although they can reuse their nests, they usually build new ones each night. Their webs are relatively small, about twice the size of the spider. The Adanson’s House Jumper is quite sociable and can be seen grouped in bigger numbers. One of the most interesting traits of this species is its ability to jump incredible distances. They hunt by leaping several centimeters onto their prey, grabbing them, and injecting venom by bite.
- Half-edged Jumping Spiders: Large, forward-facing eyes. Half-edged Jumping Spiders seem to benefit from the artificial environments created by backyard gardens. Look for them on flat surfaces, such as the sides of buildings or fence posts, which provide perfect areas for them to hunt prey. They are even comfortable living inside houses. Like all jumping spiders, this species does not make webs. Instead, Half-edged Wall Jumping Spiders have excellent eyesight to locate their next meal.
- Pantropical Jumping Spiders: Pantropical Jumping Spiders live near buildings, in citrus groves, and in cotton fields. Unlike many spiders in Egypt, Pantropical Jumping Spiders do not construct a web. Instead, they construct silken retreats, often in the corner of a ceiling or other elevated position. Although they look incredibly dangerous, Pantropical Jumping Spiders will only bite if handled roughly.
- Middle East Black Tarantulas: Females grow to 5cm or larger. This tarantula is one of the largest spiders in Egypt. In fact, they are so big that they sometimes eat small mice and lizards, although their primary food is insects. I’m sorry to break the news to you, but these huge tarantulas are commonly found inside homes. But despite their appearance, they are not considered dangerous to humans. Middle East Black Tarantulas are considered more aggressive than other tarantula species, and they are incredibly fast! It may hurt a bit if you are bitten, but the venom is typically mild. Some people even keep them as pets.
- Crab Spiders: On average, females measure 7-11 mm. Colors range widely based on the specific species. Crab spiders don’t use webs to catch their prey. Instead, they sit and wait inside flowers or other vegetation that is low to the ground for something to eat. Once a suitable victim comes by, they use their long forelegs to ambush it and make the kill. Lastly, many crab spiders have developed a mutualistic relationship with certain plant species since these spiders feed on and help deter harmful insects.
- Lobed Argiope: Females are large and grow up to 25 mm long. It’s hard to miss a female Lobed Argiope if you come across one. In addition to being incredibly large, they have a unique body shape and coloration that make them stand out. Make sure to look at the center of their web, as you should see a zigzag stabilimenta, which is a silk-shaped web decoration. Scientists aren’t exactly sure what the purpose is of having a stabilimenta, but the dominant theory is that it helps attract insects to the web by reflecting UV light. Interestingly, it is said that after E. B.
- Wolf Spiders: Wolf spiders are found everywhere and in almost any habitat. I know that I see them often when flipping over rocks or logs. Interestingly, wolf spiders do not make webs to catch their prey. Instead, they wait for an insect to walk by and then chase it down! Some wolf spiders will make a burrow and then wait inside for dinner to walk by. When it comes to arachnids, these spiders have incredible eyesight. Wolf Spiders will bite if provoked, but they do not always inject venom. Therefore, they are not considered dangerous to humans.
- Cellar Spiders: They are commonly found living in the corners of basements and attics. These spiders display an interesting behavior where individuals will join together and share an existing web. In addition, most spiders will migrate to many different webs over their lifetime. It’s been observed that cellar spiders living together in groups have smaller abdomens, which means they are probably eating less than if they were by themselves.
- Harvestmen: I know many people find them hiding underneath rocks or logs. They are also very social so you will many times find them in large groups. But here’s the crazy thing: Even though Harvestmen look just like spiders, these arachnids are technically NOT spiders! They are in the Order Opiliones and have no venom, lack fangs, and do not bite. In addition, Harvestman can actually swallow solid food, which allows them to eat small insects, fungi, dead organisms, bird dung, and other fecal matter. Their long legs play a vital part in their life. They use their legs for breathing, walking, smelling, and capturing prey. Males have longer legs than females, which they will groom by licking with their mouthparts.
Lobed Argiope
Scorpions in Sinai
In all my time in the deserts and wadis of South Sinai, I have encountered scorpions only twice. And that’s okay with me. They kind of creep me out, just like their arachnid cousins, spiders, used to. But I’ve learned to love spiders and so maybe one day I’ll feel differently about scorpions too. Indeed, I was simultaneously freaked out and fascinated when we encountered this Common Black Scorpion (Nebo hierichonticus) in a wadi last spring.
Common Black Scorpions can grow up to 11 cm in length, not including the tail. Their color ranges from light or reddish brown to dark brown with their legs and large pincers being slightly lighter in color. I was relieved, once I was able to identify this scorpion, to learn that while their venom is quite toxic, causing hemorrhage and necrosis to small prey, their stings are generally harmless to humans, being compared to the sting of a honeybee.
The scorpions prey mainly on big insects and spiders and sometimes on small vertebrates like geckos. Common Black Scorpions live in and under big stones and rocks or in cracks and burrows in deserts and arid mountainous regions.
Sinai is home to a variety of scorpion species, including two of the most dangerous in the world - the Arabian Fat-tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda) and the Death Stalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus). You can also find Egyptian Pillar-tailed Scorpions, Egyptian Sand Scorpions, and Large-clawed Scorpions in Sinai, although this list is not exhaustive.
Common Black Scorpion
Note: This article provides a glimpse into the diverse world of spiders in Egypt. Always exercise caution and respect when encountering these creatures in their natural habitats.
Popular articles:
tags: #Egypt
