Parsnip Spider (Eastern Parson Spider)

Scientific Name: Herpyllus ecclesiasticus

Order & Family: Araneae: Gnaphosidae

Size: 6 to 13 millimeters (1/4 to 1/2 inch)

Parsnip Spider (Eastern Parson Spider)

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