Bug Identifier
Ground Spider
Community identification

Ground Spider

Gnaphosidae family

Order & Family
Araneae: Gnaphosidae
Size
3 mm to 15 mm (0.1 to 0.6 inches) depending on species.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and occasionally inside buildings on ground levels.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds on other small insects and spiders. They are active hunters that do not use webs to catch prey.

Behavior Patterns

Mainly nocturnal hunters. They are known for their speed and use of silk to entangle and subdue prey rather than spinning a traditional snare web.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling pest insect populations; they are generally harmless to humans and rarely bite unless handled roughly.