In Tagalog, a spider is called gagamba.
Spiders are arachnids—not insects—and they are commonly found in houses, gardens, farms, and forests throughout the Philippines. While some species can look scary, most spiders are harmless and play an important role in controlling insect populations.
This guide includes vocabulary words related to spiders, example sentences, and interesting facts about spider species found in the Philippines.
Spider Vocabulary Words in Tagalog
Here are common Tagalog words connected to spiders and their environment:
- Gagamba – spider
- Araknid – arachnid
- Hayop – animal
- Bahay – house
- Hardin – garden
- Bahay‑alalawa / Bahay‑gagamba – spider web
- Undas – Halloween
- Bukid – farm
- Takot – fear
- Hayop na walang buto – invertebrate
These words help describe spiders, their habitats, and their characteristics.
Example Sentences Using “Spider” in Tagalog
Here are simple Tagalog sentences to help you practice:
- Ang gagamba ay hindi isang insekto.
A spider is not an insect. - Ang gagamba ay isang araknid.
A spider is an arachnid. - Ang gagamba ay may apat na pares ng mga mata.
A spider has four pairs of eyes. - Ang gagamba ay may apat na pares ng mga paa.
A spider has four pairs of legs. - Ang gagamba ay walang mga sungot tulad ng mga insekto.
A spider does not have antennae like insects. - Ang gagamba ay nakagagawa ng sutla.
A spider can make silk. - May mga gagamba na may nakalalasong kamandag.
Some spiders have poisonous venom. - Karamihan sa mga gagamba ay hindi mapanganib.
Most spiders are harmless. - Ang gagamba ay gumagawa ng bahay‑gagamba para bitagin ang mga insekto.
A spider makes webs to trap insects. - Ang inabandonang bahay‑gagamba ay tinatawag na sapot.
A spider’s abandoned web is called a cobweb.
Common & Notable Spider Species in the Philippines
The Philippines is home to hundreds of spider species, contributing to the country’s rich biodiversity. Here are some of the most notable types:
Common Species
- Huntsman Spiders (Sparassidae)
Large, fast, and hairy. Often called giant crab spiders.
Generally harmless but can startle people due to their size. - Orb Weavers (e.g., Neoscona)
Known for their large, circular webs.
Species like Neoscona vigilans are commonly seen in gardens. - Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae)
Ground‑dwelling hunters found in many parts of the Philippines. - Philippine Tangerine Tarantula (Selenobrachys philippinus)
A native tarantula species with striking orange coloration.
Medically Significant Spiders (Introduced Species)
While most native spiders in the Philippines are harmless, a few introduced species can pose health risks:
- Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles rufescens)
Can cause necrotic skin lesions. - Widow Spiders (Latrodectus)
Recognizable by the red hourglass marking.
Possess potent neurotoxic venom, though local species are less severe than some global relatives.
Key Characteristics of Philippine Spiders
- High Diversity: Hundreds of species across forests, farms, and urban areas.
- Mostly Harmless: Native spiders rarely cause serious medical issues.
- Important Predators: They help control insect populations naturally.
- Cultural Note: Spider fighting is a traditional pastime in some regions, especially in Zamboanga.
Conclusion
Learning how to say spider in Tagalog helps you describe animals, nature, and everyday encounters in Filipino homes and gardens. Spiders are fascinating creatures—often misunderstood but essential to the ecosystem.