Fauna
Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2139671

Pennsylvania Grass Spider

Agelenopsis pennsylvanica

Also known as Pennsylvania Funnel-Web Spider, Pennsylvania Funnel Weaver

Pennsylvania grass spiders construct non-sticky, horizontal sheet webs anchored to lawn grass, low shrubs, and leaf litter. Sitting inside a distinctive silk retreat funnel at the back of the structure, they sprint out at high speed when an insect vibrates the web surface. These shy nocturnal hunters mature in late summer and autumn, when males wander in search of mates before freezing winter temperatures arrive.

Sheet WebFast RunnerInvertebrate
Pennsylvania Grass Spider reference
Licensed referenceWanderingMogwai / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Flies
  • Crickets
  • Moths
Predators
  • Songbirds
  • Toads
  • Spider Wasps
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticides, lawn herbicide applications, habitat loss
HabitatsLawns, grassy fields, low vegetation, leaf litter, woodpiles
Life span1 year
Classification
  1. OrderAraneae
  2. FamilyAgelenidae
  3. GenusAgelenopsis
  4. SpeciesAgelenopsis pennsylvanica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Harmless to humans; safe to observe from a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Morning Dew Viewing: Look for webs outlined by heavy morning dew on late summer lawns.
  • Gentle Observation: Avoid touching the silk sheet so the spider remains calm at its funnel entrance.
  • Night Spotting: Shine a small flashlight across grassy lawns at night to reveal their reflective eyes.
Related species
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