Spiders are an incredibly diverse group of arthropods, found in almost every corner of the planet. Their presence spans a remarkable array of environments, showcasing their adaptability to various conditions. This widespread distribution highlights their success in colonizing different ecological niches.
Global Presence
Spiders have established themselves across nearly all terrestrial habitats worldwide. They are found on every continent, with the notable exception of the interior of Antarctica. The extreme cold, persistent ice cover, and absence of vegetation in Antarctica create an inhospitable environment, making it impossible for spiders to sustain their metabolic processes. Their distribution encompasses major biomes, from tropical rainforests to deserts and temperate forests. This broad geographical spread demonstrates their capacity to adapt to diverse climates and ecosystems.
Outdoor Environments
Outdoor environments host many spider species, occupying both natural and human-modified spaces. In forests and woodlands, spiders inhabit diverse micro-habitats such as under leaves, within tree canopies, beneath bark, and among leaf litter. Some species construct webs strung between branches to capture prey.
Grasslands and open fields provide homes for spiders that reside in tall grasses, on low-lying vegetation, or within burrows in the soil. Wolf spiders, for instance, are active ground-dwelling hunters often found in leaf litter and grasslands. In arid desert regions, spiders seek refuge in burrows to escape heat, under rocks, or on desert plants like cacti and yucca.
Near water bodies, such as riverbanks, lake shores, and pond edges, various spider species thrive. Some are semi-aquatic, capable of running across the water’s surface or even diving beneath it for short periods. Urban and suburban outdoor spaces also support numerous spiders, found in gardens, parks, sheds, fences, and under the eaves of houses.
Indoor Environments
Human-made structures provide shelter and resources for many spider species, establishing indoor environments as common habitats. Within homes, spiders frequently inhabit corners of rooms, basements, attics, and closets. They also reside behind furniture and near windows. Garages and sheds offer additional sheltered spaces.
Spiders are drawn indoors by factors like warmth during cooler seasons and refuge from harsh weather. The availability of insect prey, such as flies, mosquitoes, and ants, is a primary attraction. Clutter and undisturbed areas, often found in basements and attics, provide hiding spots and ideal conditions for spiders.
Moisture in damp basements or crawl spaces can also attract spiders and their prey. Spiders can enter buildings through small cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations, or hitch rides on items like plants or firewood. Warehouses, offices, and barns also serve as sheltered structures where spiders can live.
Unique and Extreme Habitats
Spiders demonstrate remarkable adaptability, extending their presence to less common and extreme environments. Some species are found at high altitudes, including mountain peaks and high-elevation plateaus, such as the Himalayan jumping spider observed at nearly 20,000 feet above sea level. Caves host specialized cave-dwelling spiders adapted to perpetual darkness and stable temperatures. True aquatic environments are home to species like the diving bell spider (Argyroneta aquatica), which lives almost entirely underwater in fresh water in Europe and Asia, constructing a silken “diving bell” to hold air bubbles.
While widespread, spiders are absent from certain regions. Beyond the interior of Antarctica, they are not found in the open ocean, lacking adaptations for marine life. Permanent ice sheets and the highest, most barren mountain tops also lack spider populations.