Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2132839
Eastern Parson Spider
Herpyllus ecclesiasticusAlso known as Parson Spider
Eastern parson spiders are fast-moving ground hunters that stalk prey at night without relying on webs. Their distinct white abdominal stripe resembles an eighteenth-century clerical collar set against a dark, velvety body. During the day, they shelter inside flattened silken retreat sacs built under loose tree bark, rocks, or indoor baseboards.
NocturnalGround HunterFast
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Silverfish
- Cockroaches
- Ants
Predators
- Spider Wasps
- Birds
- Toads
ThreatsPesticide application, habitat destruction, indoor squashing
HabitatsDeciduous forests, leaf litter, suburban homes, log piles
Life span1–2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAraneae
- FamilyGnaphosidae
- GenusHerpyllus
- SpeciesHerpyllus ecclesiasticus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May bite defensively if trapped against skin; relocation using a cup and card is recommended.
- Why it is dangerous
- Delivers a localized, painful bite containing mild cytotoxins that can cause redness, minor swelling, and itching.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a dark gray to black spider with a prominent white abdominal streak and rapid ground running.
- What to do
- Avoid handling with bare hands; gently coax the spider into a container for transport.
Responsible observation
- Indoor Relocation: Place a clear cup over the spider and slide paper underneath to move it outside safely.
- Bark Inspection: Look for silken resting sacs under loose tree bark during daytime hikes.
- Night Observation: Use a red flashlight to watch them hunt across leaf litter or walls after dark.
Co-occurring Hunter (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
Family Relative (c) Mick Talbot, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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