While most people think of spiders as creepy crawlies with long legs, some are so tiny you’d need a microscope to spot them. In this article, I’ve ranked the 20 smallest spiders in the world—from the record-breaking Patu digua to the elusive Troglohyphantes vignai. These miniature arachnids are fascinating in both form and function, each uniquely adapted to life on a tiny scale
1. Patu digua
Patu digua holds the record as the world’s smallest known spider. Discovered in Colombia, this tiny arachnid belongs to the Symphytognathidae family and measures only about 0.37 mm in body length — smaller than the head of a pin. Despite its minuscule size, it spins webs and lives a life similar to its larger relatives.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.37 mm
- Color: Pale brown
- Family: Symphytognathidae
- Habitat: Tropical forest leaf litter
- First discovered: Near Río Digua, Colombia
Size Comparison
Patu digua is smaller than many single-celled organisms visible under a microscope. It can comfortably sit on the tip of a ballpoint pen.
Behavior
This spider constructs tiny orb webs and preys on micro-insects. It is rarely observed due to its small size and hidden habitat.
Fun Fact
You could fit over 100 Patu digua spiders on a single fingernail without them overlapping!
2. Patu marplesi
Patu marplesi is one of the tiniest spiders discovered in Samoa and belongs to the same family as Patu digua. With a body length of just around 0.4 mm, it’s nearly invisible to the naked eye. It lives in moist forest environments and is known for its simple web structure.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.4 mm
- Color: Light brown to translucent
- Family: Symphytognathidae
- Habitat: Leaf litter, forest soil
- Discovered in: Samoa
Size Comparison
Almost equal in size to Patu digua, this spider is smaller than the width of a human hair.
Behavior
It leads a secretive life, feeding on tiny invertebrates in forest microhabitats. Its behavior is not well-documented due to its extreme size.
Fun Fact
Patu marplesi is named after Brian Marples, a scientist known for his work on spiders in the Pacific Islands.
3. Anapistula ataecina
Anapistula ataecina is a cave-dwelling spider species from Portugal. It measures about 0.43 mm and is adapted to life in complete darkness. This spider is part of the Anapidae family, which includes some of the smallest orb-weavers.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.43 mm
- Color: Pale or translucent
- Family: Anapidae
- Habitat: Limestone caves
- Location: Portugal
Size Comparison
Smaller than a grain of sand, it’s almost impossible to detect without magnification.
Behavior
Highly adapted to cave life, this spider likely feeds on other minuscule cave-dwelling insects. It doesn’t rely on vision, as it’s blind.
Fun Fact
It’s named after the Lusitanian goddess Ataecina, linking the spider to its underground habitat.
4. Patu siamensis
Patu siamensis is another ultra-small spider in the Patu genus, found in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand. It has a body length of around 0.45 mm and is rarely seen due to its microscopic size and remote habitats.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.45 mm
- Color: Translucent or light beige
- Family: Symphytognathidae
- Habitat: Forest floors, tropical environments
- Region: Thailand (Siam)
Size Comparison
Its size is similar to a dust particle and can easily be missed without magnification tools.
Behavior
Very little is known about this spider’s behavior. It likely builds tiny webs among leaf litter and preys on even smaller arthropods.
Fun Fact
Although incredibly tiny, Patu siamensis still has fangs, legs, and spinnerets just like any larger spider species.
5. Anapistula secreta
Anapistula secreta is a minuscule spider from the Anapidae family, found in the southeastern United States. With a body length of about 0.5 mm, it lives in forest litter and other hidden, moist habitats. Its name reflects how secretive and elusive it is in the wild.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.5 mm
- Color: Pale cream or yellowish
- Family: Anapidae
- Habitat: Leaf litter, under logs
- Distribution: Southeastern USA
Size Comparison
This spider is about the same size as a dust mite — nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Behavior
It spins small webs in the forest floor debris, preying on tiny invertebrates. Due to its hidden lifestyle, little is documented about its life cycle.
Fun Fact
Anapistula secreta was named for its “secret” nature—it went unnoticed for a long time despite being in a relatively well-studied region.
6. Rayforstia sp.
Rayforstia is a genus of tiny spiders from the family Anapidae, native to Australia and New Zealand. Many of its species, like Rayforstia signata, measure just around 0.5–0.6 mm. These spiders live in leaf litter and moss.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.5–0.6 mm
- Color: Brown to amber
- Family: Anapidae
- Habitat: Forest floor, mossy ground
- Region: Australia, New Zealand
Size Comparison
Only slightly bigger than the tip of a sewing needle.
Behavior
They live in forest litter and may build simple sheet-like webs. They are reclusive and rarely observed in the wild.
Fun Fact
These spiders are part of a group that includes both arboreal and ground-dwelling micro-species, making them a fascinating subject for researchers.
7. Spermophora senoculata (Shortbodied Cellar Spider)
Spermophora senoculata is commonly known as the shortbodied cellar spider. Originally from the Mediterranean, this tiny spider has spread worldwide. It measures about 0.6 mm in body length (excluding legs), though its long legs can make it look larger.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.6 mm (excluding legs)
- Color: Pale yellow or translucent
- Family: Pholcidae
- Habitat: Cellars, basements, dark indoor areas
- Distribution: Worldwide
Size Comparison
Its body is tiny, but its long, thin legs make it more noticeable when seen.
Behavior
It hangs upside-down in loose, messy webs and feeds on other small insects. It’s commonly found in homes and dark corners.
Fun Fact
Despite its tiny size, it can subdue prey larger than itself and is known to vibrate rapidly in its web when disturbed.
8. Batueta voluta
Batueta voluta is a minute spider species from the Linyphiidae family, found in parts of Southeast Asia. With a body size of just around 0.6 mm, it’s among the smallest sheet-weaving spiders. Its natural habitat includes damp forest floors where it spins fine, horizontal webs.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.6 mm
- Color: Light brown or amber
- Family: Linyphiidae
- Habitat: Forest litter, mossy ground
- Location: Southeast Asia
Size Comparison
Roughly the size of a poppy seed, this spider is difficult to detect without a microscope.
Behavior
It creates horizontal sheet webs close to the ground and catches micro-prey that fall onto the silk. Like other tiny spiders, it lives a quiet, reclusive life.
Fun Fact
Despite its delicate appearance, Batueta voluta is a skilled hunter of springtails and other minute arthropods.
9. Symphytognatha imbulunga
Symphytognatha imbulunga is an extremely tiny spider from South Africa, part of the Symphytognathidae family. With a size close to 0.6 mm, it’s adapted to life in moist, shaded environments and is known for its unique web-building behavior.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.6 mm
- Color: Pale to light brown
- Family: Symphytognathidae
- Habitat: Leaf litter, forest undergrowth
- Region: South Africa
Size Comparison
This spider could sit easily on the head of a matchstick without being noticed.
Behavior
It constructs simple orb-webs in hidden spots and preys on micro-insects. Very little is known due to its rare sightings.
Fun Fact
Its species name “imbulunga” is derived from a Zulu word, connecting it to its native region and culture.
10. Mysmena vangoethemi
Mysmena vangoethemi is a spider named in honor of Vincent van Gogh, discovered in Papua New Guinea. It belongs to the Mysmenidae family and measures only about 0.7 mm in length. This spider is part of a group known for its tiny size and dome-shaped webs.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.7 mm
- Color: Brownish with translucent legs
- Family: Mysmenidae
- Habitat: Forest litter, leaf surfaces
- Found in: Papua New Guinea
Size Comparison
Smaller than a sesame seed, Mysmena vangoethemi can go unnoticed even in plain sight.
Behavior
This spider builds dome-shaped webs in low vegetation or under leaves. It waits motionless for tiny prey to stumble into its sticky threads.
Fun Fact
It was named to celebrate creativity and uniqueness, just like the artist it honors.
11. Patu jennyae
Patu jennyae is another incredibly small spider in the Patu genus, known for including some of the tiniest spiders on Earth. Measuring around 0.75 mm, this species is native to East Asia and shares many characteristics with its close relatives.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.75 mm
- Color: Pale beige or light brown
- Family: Symphytognathidae
- Habitat: Forest floor, leaf litter
- Region: East Asia
Size Comparison
Slightly larger than a dust speck, Patu jennyae remains almost invisible without magnification.
Behavior
It spins small webs close to the ground and preys on extremely tiny invertebrates. Its reclusive nature makes it difficult to observe in the wild.
Fun Fact
This species was named in honor of a researcher’s colleague named Jenny, contributing to the tradition of personal naming in taxonomy.
12. Mysmena leucoplagiata
Mysmena leucoplagiata is a tiny spider from the Mysmenidae family, found in parts of Europe. With a body size of around 0.8 mm, it is slightly more recognizable than its smaller relatives, yet still very hard to detect in the wild.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.8 mm
- Color: Yellowish to brown with light spots
- Family: Mysmenidae
- Habitat: Woodland litter, moss, under stones
- Region: Europe
Size Comparison
Comparable in size to a fine sand grain, this spider blends in with its surroundings easily.
Behavior
It spins small, sheet-like webs in low vegetation or moss. It feeds on tiny soil-dwelling insects and springtails.
Fun Fact
Its distinctive light patches help researchers identify it despite its minuscule size.
13. Trogloneta yunnanense
Trogloneta yunnanense is a spider native to Yunnan, China. Belonging to the Mysmenidae family, it measures about 0.8 mm and is adapted to the cool, shaded conditions of leaf litter and moss beds in mountain forests.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.8 mm
- Color: Brown or amber
- Family: Mysmenidae
- Habitat: Mossy forest floor, mountain leaf litter
- Region: Yunnan, China
Size Comparison
Its size is similar to the period at the end of a printed sentence.
Behavior
This spider is known for building simple, small dome-like webs and waiting for minuscule prey to fall into its trap.
Fun Fact
It thrives in high-altitude environments, showcasing how even the smallest spiders can adapt to extreme conditions.
14. Microdipoena guttata (Minute Cobweb Spider)
Microdipoena guttata is a member of the Theridiidae family, commonly known as the minute cobweb spider. It reaches a body length of around 0.9 mm and is found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Despite its wide distribution, it often goes unnoticed due to its tiny size.
Identification
- Body length: ~0.9 mm
- Color: Dark brown to black with pale markings
- Family: Theridiidae
- Habitat: Under bark, leaf litter, low vegetation
- Region: Europe, North America, Asia
Size Comparison
Smaller than a grain of coarse salt, this spider is nearly invisible in its web.
Behavior
It constructs small cobwebs close to the ground and preys on tiny insects and mites. It’s active during warmer months.
Fun Fact
Even though it’s tiny, Microdipoena guttata is an efficient predator and a helpful garden spider.
15. Panachraesta paludosa
Panachraesta paludosa is a tiny jumping spider species found in Sri Lanka, with a body size of approximately 1 mm. It belongs to the Salticidae family and is one of the smallest known jumping spiders.
Identification
- Body length: ~1 mm
- Color: Brownish with light stripes
- Family: Salticidae (Jumping spiders)
- Habitat: Marshy areas, leaf litter
- Region: Sri Lanka
Size Comparison
About the size of a pinhead, yet it moves with the agility of much larger jumping spiders.
Behavior
Despite its size, it displays characteristic jumping spider behavior — quick movements, excellent vision, and pouncing on prey.
Fun Fact
It is among the few micro-jumpers in the spider world, combining speed and stealth in miniature form.
16. Stenoonops peckorum (Goblin Spider)
Stenoonops peckorum is part of the Oonopidae family, often referred to as goblin spiders. Found in the Caribbean and parts of Central America, this species is about 1 mm in size and adapted to life in forest litter.
Identification
- Body length: ~1 mm
- Color: Pale orange to reddish-brown
- Family: Oonopidae
- Habitat: Leaf litter, soil crevices
- Region: Caribbean, Central America
Size Comparison
About the same size as a fine sewing needle’s eye.
Behavior
It lives in forest soil and under leaf debris, hunting for small arthropods. It doesn’t build webs but relies on stealth and speed.
Fun Fact
Goblin spiders get their name from their often strange facial features and secretive lifestyles.
17. Patu qiqiharensis
Patu qiqiharensis is a rarely documented spider species from the Patu genus, discovered in China. Like its relatives, it’s extremely small, measuring approximately 1 mm in body length. It lives in humid forest environments and is extremely hard to observe in the wild.
Identification
- Body length: ~1 mm
- Color: Pale yellow or light brown
- Family: Symphytognathidae
- Habitat: Forest floor, leaf litter
- Region: Qiqihar, China
Size Comparison
Roughly the size of a sesame seed, this spider blends effortlessly into its surroundings.
Behavior
This spider likely builds simple orb-webs close to the ground and preys on tiny invertebrates. Its behavior remains mostly undocumented.
Fun Fact
The species name “qiqiharensis” is derived from the Chinese city Qiqihar, where it was first discovered.
18. Symphytognatha globosa
Symphytognatha globosa is a minute orb-weaving spider belonging to the family Symphytognathidae. Found in tropical regions, this spider has a spherical abdomen and measures around 1.1 mm in length.
Identification
- Body length: ~1.1 mm
- Color: Yellowish to brown
- Family: Symphytognathidae
- Habitat: Tropical leaf litter, forest floor
- Region: Central and South America
Size Comparison
Barely larger than a speck of dirt, this spider can go unnoticed even when nearby.
Behavior
It spins fine, tiny orb-webs to trap minuscule prey. It prefers damp, shaded areas under heavy vegetation.
Fun Fact
Its name “globosa” refers to the round, globe-like shape of its abdomen — a distinct trait of this species.
19. Mysmena maculosa
Mysmena maculosa is a small and beautifully patterned spider from the Mysmenidae family. With a body size of about 1.2 mm, it is slightly larger than other Mysmena species but still incredibly small.
Identification
- Body length: ~1.2 mm
- Color: Brown with white or yellow spots
- Family: Mysmenidae
- Habitat: Forest leaf litter, under stones
- Region: Asia
Size Comparison
Comparable to the tip of a pencil lead.
Behavior
It spins small webs among forest debris and mosses. Like other Mysmenids, it waits for prey to fall onto its web rather than actively hunting.
Fun Fact
Its name “maculosa” means “spotted,” describing the tiny, colorful markings that help distinguish it from other tiny spiders.
20. Troglohyphantes vignai (Alpine Cave Spider)
Troglohyphantes vignai is a tiny cave-dwelling spider found in the Alps of Northern Italy. Belonging to the Linyphiidae family, this species grows to about 1.3 mm in body length and is specially adapted to life in cold, dark environments.
Identification
- Body length: ~1.3 mm
- Color: Pale cream or translucent
- Family: Linyphiidae
- Habitat: Alpine caves, underground rock crevices
- Region: Northern Italy (Alps)
Size Comparison
Slightly larger than a grain of fine sand, but still invisible without close inspection.
Behavior
It doesn’t rely on sight, instead using vibration and touch to navigate and hunt. It builds small webs inside caves to trap tiny cave-dwelling prey.
Fun Fact
Troglohyphantes vignai is a troglobiont, meaning it lives its entire life underground and has evolved special traits like reduced pigmentation and eyesight.
