Parsnip Spider (Eastern Parson Spider)
Scientific Name: Herpyllus ecclesiasticus
Order & Family: Araneae: Gnaphosidae
Size: 6 to 13 millimeters (1/4 to 1/2 inch)

Natural Habitat
Found in woodlands under rocks and logs; frequently enters homes, hiding in walls, crevices, or under clothing during the day.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist predator that hunts other insects and spiders at night.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal runners that do not build webs to catch prey; they wander to hunt and are known for their incredibly fast movement.
Risks & Benefits
Beneficial by controlling household pests; not medically significant to humans, though bites can be painful and may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.
Identified on: 5/27/2026