Nursery Web Spider
Scientific Name: Pisaurina mira (A common species in North America)
Order & Family: Araneae (Spiders), Pisauridae (Nursery Web Spiders)
Size: Body length usually 10-15 mm for females; males are slightly smaller. Leg span can be significantly larger due to their long legs.
Natural Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, fields, forests, and often around human dwellings. They prefer areas with vegetation or debris for cover.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly insects and other small arthropods. They are active hunters.
Behavior Patterns
Hunts actively, often at night, without building webs for prey capture. They are fast runners and rely on their speed to catch prey. Can be found wandering indoors, especially in cooler weather.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans. Their bite is not considered medically significant and typically results in only mild, localized pain and swelling. They are beneficial as natural pest control, preying on various insects.
Identified on: 8/12/2025