
Community identification
Eastern Parson Spider
Herpyllus ecclesiasticus
- Order & Family
- Order Araneae, Family Gnaphosidae
- Size
- 6 to 13 mm (0.24 to 0.51 inches)
Natural Habitat
Found in deciduous forests, under rocks, logs, boards, or leaf litter; commonly enters homes and is found on walls or ceilings.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist predator that hunts other insects and spiders at night.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal hunter that does not spin a web to catch prey; it wanders in search of food and hides in silk-lined retreats during the day.
Risks & Benefits
Beneficial to ecosystems by controlling pest insects; may bite humans if handled or trapped in clothing, which can be painful and cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, but is generally not considered medically significant.