Bug Identifier
Wall Spider
Community identification

Wall Spider

Oecobius sp.

Order & Family
Araneae, Oecobiidae
Size
Very small, with a body length of about 2-3 mm (approx. 1/8 inch).
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found on interior and exterior walls, ceilings, window sills, and in small cracks and crevices of buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily feeds on small insects and other arthropods, especially ants.

Behavior Patterns

Builds a small, flat, irregular web in corners. They are known for a unique hunting behavior where they run rapidly in circles around their prey, entangling it in silk that is released from an unusually large anal tubercle.

Risks & Benefits

Considered harmless to humans as their fangs are too small to pierce skin and their venom is not medically significant. They are beneficial as they help control populations of small nuisance pests like ants inside homes.