Home / Cheiracanthiidae / Northern Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium mildei)

Northern Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium mildei)

Discover the fascinating world of the northern yellow sac spider, part of the cheiracanthiidae family. With a shared name across its genus, this spider stands out for unique reasons.

Scientific Classification

Northern Yellow Sac Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: 0.7–1 cm

Northern Yellow Sac Size

  • Color: This spider is pale green or tan, with dark brown mouthparts and palpi.
  • Other Characteristic Features: Their eyes have a layer called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light to the source from where it was emitted. This indicates that they have excellent vision.

Cheiracanthium Mildei

Eggs

Females produce 4-7 egg sacs over a single mating period, with the total number of eggs ranging from 240 to 1900.

Spiderlings

The young spiderlings will leave the safety of their silk sac at night to hunt while returning in the day.

The Web

As they are primarily hunters, they do not produce a lot of webbing.

Are Northern Yellow Sac Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Northern Yellow Sac Spiders have venom, but it’s mostly mild and not harmful to humans.

Can Northern Yellow Sac Spiders Bite?

Yes, they can bite. While the bite might cause some discomfort or redness, it’s usually not serious for people.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Northern Yellow Sac Spider

This spider plays a vital role in the ecosystem. By feeding on various insects, including pests such as the African Cotton Leafworm, they help control insect populations. Their hunting habits contribute to the balance of the food chain, indirectly supporting the health of plants and crops.

Natural Predators: While specific predators of the northern yellow sac spider are not well-documented, they likely include birds, larger spiders, and other predators of small insects. These natural checks keep their populations in a healthy balance with their environment.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The northern yellow sac spider is a nocturnal hunter, preying on insects that are pests to crops. This dynamic benefits humans by naturally managing pest populations. Their presence in agricultural areas can be considered beneficial due to this pest control aspect.

Relationship with Humans: Typically, these spiders are not a threat to humans. Although they can enter homes, they help by eating insects inside. Their bite is not dangerous, but it’s wise to be careful and avoid handling any spider to prevent bites. With a short lifespan, their impact on human environments is minimal yet beneficial.

Northern Yellow Sac Spider Image

Quick Facts

LifespanMales: 21 – 76 days

Females: 10 – 176 days

DistributionNative: Central Asia, North Africa, and Europe

Invasive: United States, South America, and eastern Canada

HabitatHouseholds
Common PredatorsNot recorded
DietAfrican Cotton Leafworm

Did You Know

  • German entomologist Ludwig Carl Christian Koch first described this species in 1864.

In conclusion, the northern yellow sac spider is a beneficial, non-threatening species with a crucial ecological role.

Discover the fascinating world of the northern yellow sac spider, part of the cheiracanthiidae family. With a shared name across its genus, this spider stands out for unique reasons.

Northern Yellow Sac Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: 0.7–1 cm

Northern Yellow Sac Size

  • Color: This spider is pale green or tan, with dark brown mouthparts and palpi.
  • Other Characteristic Features: Their eyes have a layer called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light to the source from where it was emitted. This indicates that they have excellent vision.

Cheiracanthium Mildei

Eggs

Females produce 4-7 egg sacs over a single mating period, with the total number of eggs ranging from 240 to 1900.

Spiderlings

The young spiderlings will leave the safety of their silk sac at night to hunt while returning in the day.

The Web

As they are primarily hunters, they do not produce a lot of webbing.

Are Northern Yellow Sac Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Northern Yellow Sac Spiders have venom, but it’s mostly mild and not harmful to humans.

Can Northern Yellow Sac Spiders Bite?

Yes, they can bite. While the bite might cause some discomfort or redness, it’s usually not serious for people.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Northern Yellow Sac Spider

This spider plays a vital role in the ecosystem. By feeding on various insects, including pests such as the African Cotton Leafworm, they help control insect populations. Their hunting habits contribute to the balance of the food chain, indirectly supporting the health of plants and crops.

Natural Predators: While specific predators of the northern yellow sac spider are not well-documented, they likely include birds, larger spiders, and other predators of small insects. These natural checks keep their populations in a healthy balance with their environment.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The northern yellow sac spider is a nocturnal hunter, preying on insects that are pests to crops. This dynamic benefits humans by naturally managing pest populations. Their presence in agricultural areas can be considered beneficial due to this pest control aspect.

Relationship with Humans: Typically, these spiders are not a threat to humans. Although they can enter homes, they help by eating insects inside. Their bite is not dangerous, but it’s wise to be careful and avoid handling any spider to prevent bites. With a short lifespan, their impact on human environments is minimal yet beneficial.

Northern Yellow Sac Spider Image

Quick Facts

LifespanMales: 21 – 76 days

Females: 10 – 176 days

DistributionNative: Central Asia, North Africa, and Europe

Invasive: United States, South America, and eastern Canada

HabitatHouseholds
Common PredatorsNot recorded
DietAfrican Cotton Leafworm

Did You Know

  • German entomologist Ludwig Carl Christian Koch first described this species in 1864.

In conclusion, the northern yellow sac spider is a beneficial, non-threatening species with a crucial ecological role.