The eastern parson spider is endemic to USA and Canada, belonging to the Gnaphosidae family. Unlike its cousins, this arthropod doesn’t make webs for catching preys; rather it chases potential victims before taking them down. The spider hides during the day in its silken retreat or amidst leaves or clothes( in house) and comes out at night for hunting.
Size: Females are 0.31-0.51 in (0.8-1.3 cm) and males are shorter with an average size of 0.2 in (0.6 cm).
Color: Brown to black body with the front mostly being chestnut in shade, gray abdomen and a distinctive mark in pink or white.
Other Characteristic Features: The body is velvety.
The female keeps the round egg sac containing around 3,000 eggs under tree barks or carries herself during the fall and hibernates for protecting the eggs. After a few weeks later, the eggs are hatched.
Nothing has been observed so far regarding juvenile spiders. They can overwinter in the sac.
The bite of the spider is non-toxic, however, individuals might feel skin irritations.
| Also Known as | Parson Spider |
| Distribution | Northern Carolina, Alberta |
| Habitat | Under rocks and barks |
| Diet | Insects |
| Lifespan | 1-2 years |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Not listed |
Image Credit: Thingsbiological.files.wordpress.com, Bugguide.net, 2.bp.blogspot.com, Spiderid.com, Permatreat.com
The eastern parson spider is endemic to USA and Canada, belonging to the Gnaphosidae family. Unlike its cousins, this arthropod doesn’t make webs for catching preys; rather it chases potential victims before taking them down. The spider hides during the day in its silken retreat or amidst leaves or clothes( in house) and comes out at night for hunting.
Size: Females are 0.31-0.51 in (0.8-1.3 cm) and males are shorter with an average size of 0.2 in (0.6 cm).
Color: Brown to black body with the front mostly being chestnut in shade, gray abdomen and a distinctive mark in pink or white.
Other Characteristic Features: The body is velvety.
The female keeps the round egg sac containing around 3,000 eggs under tree barks or carries herself during the fall and hibernates for protecting the eggs. After a few weeks later, the eggs are hatched.
Nothing has been observed so far regarding juvenile spiders. They can overwinter in the sac.
The bite of the spider is non-toxic, however, individuals might feel skin irritations.
| Also Known as | Parson Spider |
| Distribution | Northern Carolina, Alberta |
| Habitat | Under rocks and barks |
| Diet | Insects |
| Lifespan | 1-2 years |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Not listed |
Image Credit: Thingsbiological.files.wordpress.com, Bugguide.net, 2.bp.blogspot.com, Spiderid.com, Permatreat.com
