Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2164198
Northern Yellow Sac Spider
Cheiracanthium mildeiAlso known as Long-legged Sac Spider, Yellow Sac Spider
Northern yellow sac spiders actively hunt at night without using capture webs, relying on speed and keen senses to overpower prey. By day, they rest inside flattened, silk sac retreats tucked into wall corners, rolled leaves, or behind furniture. Native to Southern Europe and northern Africa, this adaptable arachnid has spread globally and frequently makes its home inside human dwellings.
NocturnalArachnidSynanthropic
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flies
- Moths
- Agricultural pests
Predators
- Centipedes
- Larger spiders
- Birds
ThreatsPesticide application, habitat destruction
HabitatsHomes, gardens, shrubby vegetation, tree foliage
Life span1 to 2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAraneae
- FamilyCheiracanthiidae
- GenusCheiracanthium
- SpeciesCheiracanthium mildei
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Can deliver a mild, painful defensive bite; avoid handling directly and relocate gently if found indoors.
- Why it is dangerous
- Injects a mild cytotoxin that causes localized pain, redness, and minor swelling comparable to a bee sting.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by a pale yellow or pale green translucent body with long front legs and dark clawed feet.
- What to do
- Never handle bare-handed; use a cup and card to catch and move the spider without squeezing it.
Responsible observation
- Indoor Observation: Look along upper wall corners and ceiling seams at night, where adults actively hunt prey.
- Gentle Relocation: Trap the spider under a clear glass and slide stiff cardboard underneath to carry it outside.
- Preventing Bites: Shake out clothing or shoes stored in dim corners before wearing them.
Close Relative (c) Ilona, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Ilona · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative
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