Explore North Carolina's spider diversity
October 3 – 11, 2026
Spider Search is a week-long community science project that invites you to explore North Carolina's incredible diversity of spiders while helping scientists learn more about where different species live. By observing, photographing and documenting spiders in your own community, you can contribute valuable data to a growing picture of North Carolina's biodiversity.
As part of Science Across NC, Spider Search turns an everyday walk, backyard or garden into an opportunity to investigate the natural world. Grab your phone, head outside and see what you can discover. You never know what's waiting in the web!
You can participate anywhere in North Carolina, even your own backyard.
GET STARTED ON INATURALIST
Earn the NC Spider Search Reward
You can earn a custom embroidered badge or high-quality vinyl sticker by participating in the NC Spider Search! Follow these two easy steps to claim yours:
- Make observations! Find and photograph 7 spiders of any species in North Carolina October 3 – 11 and upload them to iNaturalist by October 31.
- Report your participation and claim your reward!
New to iNaturalist? For more information, see the Science Across NC — NC Spider Search page.
How to Participate
Find a Spot
Pick a place to make observations of spiders — a park, a trail or your own backyard.
Take Photos
Photograph as many spider species as you can with the iNaturalist app or a camera.
Submit Observations
Upload through the iNaturalist website or app for Android and Apple. You don't need to know how to identify what you see — iNaturalist will help you!
Upload by October 31
All observations must be uploaded to iNaturalist by October 31 to count toward the NC Spider Search.