Spider vs Scorpion

Spiders and scorpions are both arachnids with eight legs, and they can look alike at a glance in a dim garage or a crawl space. They are different groups, not insects. The quickest way to tell them apart is to look for front claws and a curled tail, which only scorpions have.

Danger is often overstated for both. Most spiders are harmless to people, and most US scorpions deliver a sting comparable to a bee or wasp sting. The exceptions matter: black widows, brown recluses and the bark scorpion can cause serious symptoms. Do not handle an animal you cannot identify, and get a photo if you can do so from a distance.

Spider vs Scorpion side by side

Last verified October 2026. Typical values; individual animals, products and local prices vary.

When you are looking at which

Spider

• The animal has no claws at the front and no tail, just a body and eight legs.
• You can see a web, silk lining or egg sac in a corner, shed or garden.
• The body is round or oval and splits into a front part and a rounded abdomen.
• Small fangs, not claws, are the only structures near the mouth.

Scorpion

• Two large pincers stick out in front like a tiny lobster.
• A segmented tail curls up over the back, ending in a stinger.
• It was found near a drain, plumbing or air conditioner, often at night.
• There is no web, and it hunts by touch rather than sight.

How this works

The quiz asks what you can see: front claws, tail, silk, where it was found and its outline. Each answer points to spider or scorpion, and the cue under each question explains how strong that clue is. Pincers and a tail settle it on their own.

The quiz covers common household animals, not every arachnid. Some harmless arachnids can look similar at a glance. If you are unsure, photograph the animal, do not handle it, and send the image to your county extension office for identification.

Where these numbers come from

The figures and defaults on this page are based on:

• Oklahoma State University Extension: Scorpions, Scorpion pincers, tail, habits, sting severity and first aid. (checked October 2026)
• University of Minnesota Extension: Spiders, Spider body regions, venom, rarity of bites and misdiagnosis. (checked October 2026)
• Colorado State University Extension: Spiders in the Home, Spider eyes, silk, black widow and brown recluse features. (checked October 2026)
• Poison Control: Are scorpions venomous?, Bark scorpion danger, first aid steps and the 1-800-222-1222 help line. (checked October 2026)

Field-identification guide. It does not replace medical advice or professional pest identification.