Herpyllus ecclesiasticus
| Eastern parson spider | |
|---|---|
| |
| Herpyllus ecclesiasticus[1] | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Gnaphosidae |
| Genus: | Herpyllus |
| Species: | H. ecclesiasticus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Herpyllus ecclesiasticus Hentz, 1832
| |
| Synonyms | |
|
Drassus vasifer | |
The spider species Herpyllus ecclesiasticus is commonly called the eastern parson spider, after the abdominal markings resembling an old-style cravat worn by clergy in the 18th century.[2] It is mainly found in North America east of the Rocky Mountains, i.e., Alberta, Canada east to Nova Scotia, Canada and south to Tamaulipas, Mexico and Florida, USA.[3][4] Individuals can be found throughout the year. They can be found in homes and under rocks or logs in deciduous forests.[4]
Description[edit]
Individuals are covered with black hairs on the cephalothorax and gray hairs on the abdomen. On the back is the distinctive white mark that gives the species its common name; there is a small white spot above the spinnerets.[2]
Behavior[edit]
During the day, individuals reside in silken retreats. They emerge to hunt at night.[2]
Bite[edit]
Bites are painful, and some individuals may experience an allergic reaction.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ Philip N. Cohen Eastern Parson Spider Herpyllus ecclesiasticus
- ^ a b c d Jacobs, Steve. "Herpyllus ecclesiasticus". Retrieved June 29, 2019.
- ^ "Nearctic Spider Database". Archived from the original on 2008-10-13. Retrieved 2009-01-22.
- ^ a b Platnick, Norman I.; Shadab, Mohammad U. (1977). "Revision of the spider genera Herpyllus and Scotophaeus (Araneae, Gnaphosidae) in North America". Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 159.